Chicago, located in the Midwest, is the third most populous city in the United States, with a population of 2.7 million people. It is a great city with a lot to offer in terms of culture, history and entertainment. However, it also has some downsides that should not be overlooked. Here are some of the cons of living in Chicago.
The cost of living in Chicago is one of the highest in the country. The median household income is $57,492, but the cost of living for a family of four is estimated at over $82,000, meaning you have to earn significantly more than the median income to live comfortably in the city. Additionally, housing prices have been rising, with the median home value in the city now at $285,700. This means that owning a home in Chicago is out of reach for many prospective residents.
Chicago also has serious crime issues. According to FBI statistics, Chicago has had a high crime rate for many years. Violent crime and property crime rates remain significantly higher than the national average in 2018. The city also has a high rate of gang activity, which contributes to its crime problems. This makes it important for residents to take certain precautions when living in the city, such as being aware of their surroundings and staying in safe areas.
Chicago’s public transportation system is also subject to criticism. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates the city’s trains and buses, but there are frequent complaints about its reliability and cleanliness. The CTA also operates on a limited schedule, meaning that it can be difficult for those who rely on public transportation to get to work or other destinations on time.
Finally, Chicago has a harsh winter climate. Temperatures in the city often dip below zero degrees in the winter, and the wind chill index can make it feel even colder. Snow and ice can also be a problem, making it difficult to get around the city during the winter months.
Overall, Chicago is a great city with a lot to offer. However, living there does come with some drawbacks. The cost of living is high, there is a significant crime problem, public transportation can be unreliable, and the winter climate is harsh. These are all important considerations for anyone thinking of moving to Chicago.
The High Cost of Living in Chicago
The high cost of living in Chicago is one of the biggest cons of the city. According to the latest data from Zillow, the median home value in Chicago is $242,600, making it one of the most expensive cities to live in the United States. The median rent price in Chicago is also expensive, at around $1,400. On top of that, the average cost of living in Chicago is even higher, with an overall index of 111.9, which is 11.9% higher than the national average.
When it comes to utilities, Chicago’s prices are higher than the national average. The average monthly cost of electricity in Chicago is $112.09, whereas the national average is only $111.67. The average cost of natural gas in Chicago is $81.32, significantly higher than the national average of $67.58. Likewise, the average price of water in Chicago is $39.80, which is also higher than the national average of $37.00.
Transportation costs can also add up quickly in Chicago. The monthly CTA pass in Chicago costs $105, and the average monthly cost of parking is around $208. Taking into account all of the other costs associated with owning and operating a car, it can be a significant expense if you choose to drive in the city.
Overall, the high cost of living in Chicago is one of the biggest cons of the city. When you factor in the cost of housing, utilities, transportation, and other necessary costs, it’s easy to see why Chicago can be an expensive place to live. However, the city does offer a lot of other amenities that make it worth the expense, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before you decide to move to Chicago.
| Cost | Chicago Rate | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $242,600 | N/A |
| Rent | $1,400 | N/A |
| Electricity | $112.09 | $111.67 |
| Natural Gas | $81.32 | $67.58 |
| Water | $39.80 | $37.00 |
| CTA Pass | $105 | N/A |
| Parking | $208 | N/A |
Chicago’s Risk of Serious Crime
Chicago, with its sprawling urban landscape, is often seen as a great place to live and work. But along with all the benefits of living and working in this bustling metropolis comes one very serious downside – the risk of serious crime. Though crime rates have been decreasing in recent years, Chicago still has one of the highest rates of violent crime in the country. This means that anyone who lives or works in the city is at an increased risk of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, the city of Chicago has seen an increase in overall violent crime from 2018 to 2019. In 2018, the city reported 16,584 violent crimes, which was a decrease from the previous year. However, in 2019 that number rose to 18,588, a 12.4% increase from the previous year. This includes an increase in homicides, with 2,944 reported in 2019, up from 2,491 the year before. This means that Chicago has one of the highest rates of violent crime in the country, with a rate of 1653 per 100,000 people.
The risk of serious crime in Chicago is exacerbated by the city’s social and economic disparities. Studies have found that there is a direct correlation between poverty and crime, and the city of Chicago is no exception. Neighborhoods with higher levels of poverty and unemployment are more likely to have higher crime rates, making it more dangerous for people who live or work in these areas.
Chicago’s risk of serious crime makes it a dangerous place for both residents and visitors. It is important for anyone who lives or works in the city to be aware of their surroundings, avoid dangerous areas, and take necessary precautions to protect themselves. It is also important to remember that while crime rates are high in Chicago, the majority of the city is safe and crime-free.
Below is a table of the crime rate in Chicago from 2018 to 2019:
| Year | Total Violent Crimes | Total Homicides | Crime Rate per 100,000 People |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 16,584 | 2,491 | 1653 |
| 2019 | 18,588 | 2,944 | 1763 |
Chicago has a higher cost of living compared to other cities in the US, with the average cost of rent for a 1 bedroom apartment being around $1,400 per month.
Chicago has a higher crime rate than the national average, with some areas of the city being particularly dangerous.
Chicago has cold winters and hot, humid summers, with an average of 7 months of snowfall each year.
The job market in Chicago is competitive, with a high cost of living making wages relatively low.
The air quality in Chicago is generally not great, especially in areas with high levels of industrial pollution.
Chicago has a decent public transportation system, but it can be unreliable during peak times.
The school system in Chicago is underfunded and has a high dropout rate compared to other cities in the US.
Housing prices in Chicago tend to be on the higher side, with the average price of a single-family home being around $400,000.
Chicago has some of the worst traffic in the US, with rush hour traffic often turning into gridlock.
Chicago is a popular tourist destination, but it can be crowded and touristy in the summer months.