Lisa Koonce & Paula See

Chicago. Illinois

General Community Information

Chicago is known for the many things, including fantastic food, world-class museums, awe inspiring architecture, and versatile shopping opportunities. The attraction and people in America's Windy City create a unique and eclectic cultural landscape. The city's festivals and events provide joyful opportunities for Chicago's residents throughout the year. Every weekend, residents enjoy the sound of live music, the excitement of festivals, and the exploration of Chicago's many beautiful parks and trails.

Parks And Recreation

For nearly 200 years the city of Chicago has endured beneath a flag that bears the motto Urbs in Horto. The Latin translation of the phrase is "City in a Garden." Chicago's motto is apt when you consider that Chicago is home to more than 8,100 acres of parkland with 50 natural areas, two world-renowned conservatories, and over 26 miles of lakefront. Every day residents of Chicago are able to enjoy the city's enduring legacy within its vast open spaces, green parks, and lakefront vistas beneath the shadow of the city's soaring scrapers and magnificent skyline.

In the heart of Chicago paradise can be found at the center of the city's downtown Loop. Grant Park is a 300 acre park that offers residents beautiful green spaces along the shores of Lake Michigan. The large green spaces offered up by grant park are often referred to as "Chicago's front yard." The verdant gardens and ample open space offer residents space for recreation, as well as leisurely enjoyment. The park features beautiful floral displays, the Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, two boat harbors, the Art Institute of Chicago and Museum Campus, the Petrillo Music Shell, and on the park's northwest corner, Millennium Park.

The city's Millennium Park has quickly become one of the Chicago's most popular destinations. The park features fantastic public art, and breathtaking features, such as the Jay Pritzker Pavilion that sits in the park's Lurie Garden. The 2.5 acre garden and pavilion are marked by a striking 15-foot-high hedge that encloses the garden on two sides. The protective hedge encloses the delicate perennial flower garden. An elegant footbridge divides the garden and allows one to enjoy the divided spheres of the garden's floral offerings.

Attractions And Activities

Residents of Chicago are able to enjoy the city's versatile offerings. From educational activities offered in the city's many museums to the internationally acclaimed musicians who regularly perform with the Chicago Symphony, the city has something to offer those of all ages and lifestyles.

Entertainment and education meet in destination such as the Chicago Field Museum. Here, adults and children alike can enjoy the sight of "Sue," the largest T. rex ever discovered. Other illuminating experienced can be found at Chicago's Adler Planetarium or Museum of Science and Industry.

The almost tangible beauty of the city is able to be seen, as well as heard in Chicago. The city's pulse can be felt in the musical throng of the Chicago Symphony or the sweet breeze offered at Chicago's world-class Botanic garden. Nature lovers will feel right among the trees in Chicago's very own Morton Arboretum.

Families in Chicago benefit from living in an area with so much to see and do. Weekends can be spent at the Navy Pier, where residents can take a ride on a Ferris wheel created in the likeness of the original 1893 model that was built for Chicago's 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. The Navy Pier has it all from rides and shops to restaurants and boat tours, the Chicago strip is the Midwest's top attraction. Other popular family attractions include the Shedd Aquarium, the Broadway in Chicago, and the Dupage Children's Museum.

Sports

Residents of Chicago take two things very seriously: food and sports. This is why, it comes as no surprise that Chicago was named the "Best Sports City" by Sporting News. Chicago is home to passionate teams, players, and fans. From hockey to baseball, Chicago plays it all. Popular Chicago teams include the Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Fire, and the Chicago Wolves.

Transportation

The city of Chicago provides its residents with fantastic public transportation options. Traveling to and from the city's world-class parks, fantastic museums, and wonderful restaurants is easy thanks to Chicago's CTA and Metra.

The CTA provides more than 1.7 million rides per day, and is able to deliver its millions of passengers anywhere in Chicago or the 35 surrounding communities.

Chicago's Metra can also deliver residents anywhere that they may need to go. Once can easily reach Chicago's lakefront, zoos, and sporting events on any day of the week. From city center to Chicago's historic suburbs, the Metra can deliver you practically anywhere. On the weekends and holidays, kids under the age of 11 ride for free when accompanied by a paying adult. These Family Fares are great for those who want to take advantage of the many family-friendly activities available in the Chicago area.

Shopping

Chicago is home to world-class shopping destinations, such as its much renowned Magnificent Mile. There is nothing else that can compare to Shopping on Michigan Avenue. The cosmopolitan mile long stretch of Chicago's historic Michigan Avenue is teeming with fantastic shopping, top-notch dining, and wonderful entertainment venues.

Throughout the city one will find that Chicago is filled with opportunities for fantastic shopping. One of Chicago's many popular shopping destinations is Chicago's Loop. The area has been a shopper's dream for more than a hundred years. The Loop, anchored by State Street, allows visitors access to some of the city's most historic and beloved shopping destinations.

Relocating To The Chicago Area?

Those interested in relocating to the Chicago area should contact a local for information that only a local could provide. Lisa Koonce and Paula See, not only know the area, but understand the area's vast real estate market. For more information about homes for sale in the Chicago area, contact Lisa Koonce & Paula See today.