Chicago is the largest city in Illinois along the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. The city offers a diversely rich culture, running the gamut from live music and theater to museums and exciting nightlife. It is also a celebrated sports hub, home to the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bulls and the 2005 World Series Champion Chicago White Sox.

Downtown is 'Magnificent'

The main downtown district is dubbed 'The Loop,' named after the elevated trains along a loop of tracks that operate downtown. In fact, Chicago's Transit Authority boasts the nation's second largest public transportation system, transporting thousands of commuters everyday from their homes in the city and neighboring suburbs to work. Housed within the bustling downtown area is the famed 'Magnificent Mile' on Michigan Avenue. A majestic boulevard of swanky hotels, high-end boutiques, restaurants and historical buildings the Mag Mile is a destination haven for tourists and locals alike. With a range of luxury lofts and condominiums to choose from, this unparalleled location next to business and shopping districts make it prime Chicago real estate.

On the near north side facing the beauty of Lake Michigan is the Gold Coast, one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Chicago. With beautiful tree-lined streets and historic brownstones, the Gold Coast offers the ultimate experience in luxury living. Home prices can range from the mid $600,000s to well over $1,000,000.

Chicago's No. 1 tourist site is Navy Pier on Lake Michigan, attracting more than eight million visitors a year. This grand pier offers 50 acres of gardens, parks, boardwalks, restaurants and shopping sites, as well as a variety of fun family attractions, such as the IMAX Theatre, funhouse maze and a 150-foot-high Ferris wheel with a bird's eye view of the skyline and lakefront. With events throughout the year, Navy Pier is the ideal entertainment spot for families.

Just four miles north of the Loop and bounded by Lake Michigan shoreline, the Lakeview neighborhood offers real estate with spectacular views of the skyline and a close proximity to the beach. The area boasts a wealth of single-unit apartments, renovated townhomes and loft-style condominiums. Lakeview thrives as a desirable location, with its quaint coffee shops, neighborhood eateries and hopping nightlife. This spirited neighborhood is also the home of the Chicago Cubs in the Wrigleyville enclave.

'''Notable suburbs'''

For those itching to escape the bustle of city life, the west suburb of Naperville is just the cure. Conveniently situated 30 miles from the Loop in Will and DuPage counties, it is currently the fourth largest city in Illinois. Its sprawling acres are edged by verdant forestry and the DuPage River. In July 2005, it was ranked by CNN/Money and Money magazine as the third-best place to live in the United States.

Evanston joins Chicago immiediately to the north along Lake Michigan. Home to Northwestern University, Evanston is itself a small city, featuring an assortment of high-end single family homes and luxury condominiums, fine restaurants and shops. Chicago continues to be a first-rate city and a wonderful place to call home. Homes do not stay on the market forever, so start your Chicago real estate hunt today!

'''Sources and more information:'''
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago
http://www.chipublib.org/004chicago/timeline/greatfire.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Loop
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnificent_Mile
http://wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_North_Side%2C_Chicago#Gold_Coast
http://www.greatchicagorealestate.com/Comm_Gold_Coast.htm
http://www.aviewoncities.com/chicago/watertower.htm
http://www.navypier.com/SubLink.cfm?Main_ID=1&Sub_ID=15
http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/buckinghamfountain.fountainhome
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakeview_%28Chicago%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naperville
http://www.sheldonchicago.com/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=1130589&NF=1