Chicago is a large city located in Illinois on the lake Michigan. It has an attractive skyline with a number of famous buildings including the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower and the Willis Tower. There are also many parks and beaches. You can enjoy swimming, jet skiing and paddle boarding. The city is home to a large variety of cultural attractions, as well as two Major League Baseball teams. One of the greatest aspects of living in Chicago is that it is one of the most affordable cities in the U.S. Its cost of living is lower than New York City. Many residents love the diversity of the city and its diverse neighborhoods. However, the climate can be oppressive in the summer and freezing in the winter. Fortunately, there is an 18-mile Lakefront Trail to explore.
Chicago is known for its museums and cultural attractions. Some of the world's most renowned include the Field Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago. In addition, it is home to the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Navy Pier. Those who love sports will not be disappointed with the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago White Sox.
Chicago's population has been declining steadily over the past few decades. According to the Urban Institute's 2030 projections, the region will see a drop in the white and African American population and a significant increase in the Latino and Asian population. Without policy changes, the growth in the region will be uneven. A new land use framework is being implemented in the city. In May 2017, the Chicago Plan Commission adopted the North Branch Framework, which identifies new land use parameters. The framework also outlines transportation improvements. Among other things, the framework includes a review of the Stockyards area, which has been identified as an industrial corridor by the Chicago Plan Commission since 1992.
As part of the plan, the city has launched several public processes. During the spring and summer of 2018, the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor was reviewed by the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD). Another plan called the Little Village Framework was made available for review. Several other projects are underway. These include the construction of a new 684-unit family-oriented development in the Chatham neighborhood, and 24 developments that will add 2,400 affordable rental units. Other projects will be in surrounding neighborhoods.
More than 60% of housing in the Chicago metropolitan area is located in Cook County. The county has experienced moderate fluctuations in the housing market, although it is currently at its nominal peak. The northern suburbs have seen the biggest increases in income. However, other areas have seen a rise in median income. Since the 2000s, the correlation between income and housing price has improved. While the Chicago area is expected to continue growing in the next few years, the region will experience a decline in the white and African American populations. By 2030, more than 50 percent of the region's population will be non-white. That means that Chicago and the suburban areas will experience a significant influx of Asians and Latinos. If the region continues to depopulate, it could signal further disinvestment.
The city of Chicago is a major center of the Midwest and one of the largest cities in the United States. Located on Lake Michigan, it is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, as well as its skyline dotted with skyscrapers. It is also home to a wide array of museums, including the Museum of Science and Industry. With a rich history, a lively culture, and a diverse set of activities, there's something for everyone in the City of Brotherly Love.
Among the city's famous sites is Millennium Park, a public park that features an outdoor pavilion for concerts and theater, as well as a winding pedestrian bridge. Also in the park is a renowned "Cloud Gate" ice rink, which has appeared in numerous winter Christmas movies. The Art Institute of Chicago is a museum with more than 300,000 works of art. Among the pieces are works by Picasso, Renoir, and Monet. This museum is especially notable for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artwork. In addition to art, the museum has a wide variety of interactive exhibits.
There are several "mob tours" in Chicago, where guides dress up as gangsters from the 1920s and 1930s. These tours are a fun way to learn about the city's history, and it's the perfect way to enjoy a few drinks. For example, the Untouchable Tour lets visitors get a taste of the 'gangsta' lifestyle of the 20s and 30s. One of the coolest things to do in Chicago is to visit the Pedway, a sprawling underground network of footpaths and businesses. Originally, it was designed to connect different streets, but it has become a destination in its own right. While you're here, you'll find a number of art exhibits, enclosed footbridges, and even some businesses.
Another interesting attraction is the Poetry Foundation Library. Only a few libraries around the world have as many volumes as this one. Each volume is available in a book, as well as in newspapers, scholastic works, anthologies, and more. The library has more than 30,000 volumes in its collection, which translates to a staggering array of poems. If you are interested in a more hands-on experience, consider visiting the Adler Planetarium. Not only is this the largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, but it's also a fun place to learn about the stars. Visitors can enjoy special events, educational programs, and even old-fashioned metal space capsules. Additionally, visitors can see a meteorite chunk and other astronomical exhibits.
A unique Chicago attraction is the Garden of the Phoenix. This park has beautiful trees and gardens, as well as an arboretum. Among the attractions are native Illinois species and floral specimen collections. Some of the best things to do in Chicago are also free. For instance, Taste of Chicago offers live cooking demonstrations and outdoor concerts. Vendors from across the globe gather to sell their wares. You can try a sample of each item, or purchase a full-sized entrée or dessert. During these outdoor events, there are also games and other activities.