July 2022 | Chicago Luxury Condos for Sale | Luxury Living Chicago Realty

What Are Typical Rush Hour Commute Times in Chicago?

Posted on July 20, 2022August 1, 2022 by LLCR Staff

From walking to bike lanes to water taxis, there’s no shortage of ways to get around Chicago. Thanks to our public transportation system (which is consistently ranked in the top 10 in the nation), our car traffic isn’t nearly as bad as it could be due to the amount of commuters who take trains and buses. Additionally, the option to work from home during the pandemic has lessened commute times as more workers opt to WFH.

If you do face the possibility of in-person work, it’s important to think about the link between where you live and what your commute will be. Like any large city, traffic (both on transit and by car) varies heavily by time of day – but peaks between 8 – 9:30am and 4 – 6pm for rush hour.

Many Chicago companies are headquartered in or near the Loop – which, incidentally, is named for the circle that the ‘L’ train makes around the area – so this is where we’ll use to estimate typical rush hour commute times.

Read on for typical commute times from a few popular Chicago neighborhoods.

Rush Hour Commute Times from River North, Chicago

Many workers choose River North for its convenience: It’s right on the river and located just north of the Loop. For that reason, many River North-ians walk to work – it’s about 20 minutes or less depending on where you are in each neighborhood. But if you do choose to take car or transit:

By car: It’s about a 10 minute drive from the condos at 21 E. Huron Street to the heart of the Loop.
By CTA: From the same location, your commute would be 15 minutes via the Purple or Brown line trains at the Chicago stop.

Average Rush Hour Commute Time from South Loop, Chicago

Depending on the location of your office in the Loop, the South Loop is also a very walkable neighborhood. If you lived at 1516 S. Wabash Ave., you commute times would look like:

By car: About a 10 minute drive to the heart of the Loop.
By CTA: About a 10 – 15 minute ride via the Brown and Blue line trains that service the area.

What is the Rush Hour Commute Time from Logan Square, Chicago?

While some city residents choose neighborhoods close to the Loop for the convenience, others opt for the quieter neighborhoods to the north and west. One such neighborhood is Logan Square: filled with tree-lined streets and incredible local dining, the trade-off of this area is the commute time. From 2507 N. Milwaukee Ave., your commute to the Loop might be:

By car: A 20 – 30 minute drive, depending on where your office is in the Loop.
By CTA: A 30 minute trip via the Blue line station that’s less than a 10 minute walk from the property.

Lakeview, Chicago Rush Hour Commute Times

Synonymous with Wrigley Field and a true hometown feel, Lakeview is located – you guessed it! – right on the Lake on the north side of the city. If you lived at 3219 N. Seminary Ave., you could expect the following transit times:

By car: A 12 – 15 minute drive via Lakeshore Drive (one of the prettiest views, if you ask us!).
By CTA: A 30 – 40 minute commute via the Red, Brown and Purple line trains that service the area.

Each neighborhood has pros and cons when it comes to transit, and each resident’s needs are unique in this area. Our LLCR team would love to partner with you to find a home that fits your commute preferences and needs. Contact us today to start your search!

6 Living Expenses in Chicago You’ll Need to Consider

Posted on July 19, 2022August 1, 2022 by LLCR Staff

The great thing about the Windy City are the endless options you have for saving money (or splurging!) as a resident. From choosing a more cost-effective Chicago neighborhood to opting for public transportation, there are plenty of opportunities to stick to your budget.

Read on for six living expenses to consider while living in the city – as well as budgeting tips for each.

1. Living Expense in Chicago: Transportation

Boasting the second-largest public transportation system in the country according to Choose Chicago, Chicago is an incredibly commutable city. Whether you choose to save by opting for transit (or Divvy, our bike-share system) or splurge by owning a car, there are plenty of options – even water taxis!

Save: Thanks to a new price cut, a monthly CTA pass costs $75, and includes unlimited bus and ‘L’ train rides. Depending on your neighborhood, this could be an efficient and budget-friendly way to get around town. Pro tip: most employers subsidize or cover this cost through pre-tax benefits, too!

Splurge: When owning a car in the city, you’ll need to consider the cost of your lease, parking spot, insurance, maintenance and more. If you live in an area less-served by the CTA or commute long distances for work, a car could be a great option – but it’s a more expensive one. If you don’t own a car, rideshare services and taxis are an easy choice for getting from A to B – but those quick rides can add up over time as well.

2. Living Expense in Chicago: Food

Depending on your affinity for eating out, food is a variable cost here in Chicago. With a wide variety of grocery stores ranging from discount to luxury, there’s something for every price point.

Save: As much as we adore our favorite restaurants, the best way to save on food costs is by eating in. If you must ditch your kitchen for a meal, opting for a small, local haunt like Big & Little’s is the best way to get the satisfaction of eating out without breaking the bank.

Splurge: One of the best parts of living in a big city is the convenience; the world (and all of our wonderful restaurants) are at your fingertips! That said, food delivery services like DoorDash accumulate an expense quickly – as do jazzier nights out at high-end restaurants like Aba.

3. Living Expense in Chicago: Activities

No matter what you’re passionate about, Chicago has a community for you: there are sporting events, concerts, festivals, classes and more happening each and every day. As you navigate what activities you want to seek out, note that some carry a higher price tag than others.

Save: Chicago consistently has free events and festivals, especially in the summer. For example, the Symphony Orchestra plays a few nights in Millennium Park free of charge – and there are movies in the park throughout the city May – October. Keeping an eye out for these events is a great way to have fun without going over budget.

Splurge: From Lollapalooza to Pitchfork to headlining concerts on most weekends, the easiest way to rack up spending on activities is through music and sporting tickets. If you ask us, these expenses are often well worth it!

4. Living Expense in Chicago: Utilities

Estimating utility costs is important because they’re baked into the ‘living expenses’ category of your budget. For property owners, these usually include water, gas, electric and internet/cable – though these vary. In Chicago, the average cost of these expenses is as follows:

Water: Depending on your usage and based on our estimates, you can expect to pay around $40 per month for water bills if this is something you’re responsible for.
Gas: The average gas bill in Chicago is $40, though this varies with seasonality.
Electric: Similarly to gas, electricity bills depend on the time of year (you can expect to see increased costs during the warm summer months as you crank up the A/C) – but on average, electricity bills are $105.49 per month.
Internet/cable: With regular speeds, you can expect internet and cable to cost you about $60 per month.

5. Living Expense in Chicago: Condo & HOA Fees

At Luxury Living, we like to consider ourselves experts on living expenses in Chicago. As a condo owner in the city, there are a few one-time and recurring fees to think about as you calculate overall living costs:

One-time fees generally include a move-in fee, which varies by building but ranges from $100-400.

In addition to your mortgage, property tax and homeowners association (HOA) fees will hit your monthly bill. While property taxes vary drastically by location and neighborhood, HOA fees are a bit easier to pinpoint: they range from $160 to $330 and over, depending on the size of the building and amenities offered. These fees go towards things like landscaping, maintenance and upkeep of any amenities, such as pools, so they’re well-worth investigating ahead of time.

6. Living Expense in Chicago: Childcare

If you’re moving to the city with family and plan to enroll your children in childcare, it’s an important expense to think about. According to Numbeo, the average monthly cost for full-day care hovers around $1,600, but can change depending on what type of care you pursue.

As the pandemic has shifted working behaviors, some employers are opting to help their employees with this expense; for that reason, it’s worth talking to your HR team to see if this is an option available to you.

No matter your budget and financial priorities, the LLCR team is here to find a living situation that meets the needs of you and your family. From advising on neighborhood-specific costs to pairing you with a home that’s right for you, we’re here to help through every step of the purchase process. Reach out today!

The Average Gas Bill in Chicago — How Much Do You Need to Set Aside Monthly?

Posted on July 12, 2022August 11, 2022 by LLCR Staff

Talk with a Chicagoan for five minutes and you’ll quickly hear about the weather: whether bragging that our summer is the best in the world (it is) or complaining about the post-holiday winter slump, locals know that the weather impacts our activities, mood and way of moving around the city.

Our city experiences all four seasons – an advantage – but the changing weather means that utilities fluctuate throughout the year. As you consider your budget for utilities in Chicago, you’ll need to consider how much your monthly gas bill will cost while keeping in mind that this particular cost will vary greatly from month to month.

What is the Average Gas Bill in Chicago?

Since gas correlates with heating, it’s especially sensitive to weather: you can expect to pay more in more intense periods of heating, such as winter’s peak in January. The mild months are a great time to turn off your heating entirely and open the windows – the weather will do the work of your temperature system during these glorious times.

Weather isn’t the only variable in gas costs: the size of your space also has a direct relationship with your utility bill, as larger spaces cost more to heat or cool.

While it’s possible to find a utility-controlled apartment with your Luxury Living Chicago broker, most city residents are responsible for some combination of electric, gas, internet/cable, water, sewer and garbage – though most buildings contribute to water, sewer and garbage. If you’re a condo owner in an older building and do not have central HVAC, many HOAs even cover the gas bills completely with your monthly dues.

According to Move.org, the average gas bill in Illinois is $96.99 – though some months will be much lower or higher. Given this change, we recommend working with your LLCR broker to find an apartment or condo with utility options that are right for you.

Knowing the average cost of utilities arms you with the ability to navigate your options wisely, and our brokers are ready to partner with you in finding the right solution for your needs.

Curious about what all other living expenses there are to consider in Chicago? Follow the link below!

Chicago Living Expenses You'll Need to Consider

Navigating Chicago Food Prices for 3 Different Scenarios

Posted on July 5, 2022August 11, 2022 by LLCR Staff

Previously named Condé Nast’s Top Restaurant City in America, it’s no surprise to locals and tourists alike that Chicago has an incredible food scene. From nationally-known favorites like Girl & The Goat to Michelin-nodded newcomers like Kasama, there’s no shortage of dining options to try – no matter which neighborhood you call home (bonus points if you’re willing to explore!).

Chicago Food Prices

With incredible choices at every corner, it’s easy to rack up a significant food bill if you’re not careful (though we won’t judge if you do!). That’s why a balanced approach to your reservations might be helpful: by saving for splurges like Boka, exploring lesser-known (perhaps cheaper) spots like 90 Miles Cuban Cafe and knowing what groceries will cost you in Chicago, you’ll be in great shape to enjoy the best the city has to offer without breaking the bank.

As you consider your move to Chicago, read on for price reference points for high-end restaurants, casual spots and groceries – and know that no matter your budget and locale, the experienced and compassionate Luxury Living Chicago Realty team is here to guide you to a neighborhood and condo that fits your needs. Don’t forget to ask us about our local favorites!

Groceries

As inflation sets in across the nation, Chicago is unfortunately no exception. While food prices might be rising as a whole, an advantage to a diverse city like ours is the availability of different kinds of grocers.

If you lived at 21 E Huron in the River North neighborhood, for example, you’d be in walking distance to discount spots such as Trader Joe’s and Jewel-Osco – where snacks range from $3 – $6, and a gallon of milk hovers around $2. If you’re looking for higher-end options with more organic choices, Whole Foods and Potash Markets are neighborhood favorites that come with a slightly steeper price tag: snacks range from $4 – $10, and a gallon of milk is $3+.

Casual Dining ($10+ for lunch, $40+ for dinner)

Ask any local, and they’ll tell you a secret that’s not-so-locals-only: Chicago is a city of neighborhoods. And as such, some of our best dining options are casual, local joints that boast well-priced, unique food.

For lunch, you can expect a place such as Cafecito or JP Graziano’s to cost anywhere from $10 – $20 for a sandwich or salad. North-side dinner favorites like Old Pueblo and Farm Bar will generally set you back $40 or more.

A local pro-tip: some of Chicago’s best spots are BYOB, which allows for saving money while still enjoying your favorite vino with a steak at, say, Tango Sur.

Top Restaurant Dining ($150+ for dinner)

There’s a time for saving, and there’s a time for spending – and if you’re ready to splurge on the finest restaurants, Chicago’s will not disappoint.

We can’t talk about fine dining without talking about Alinea, which has managed to nab a Netflix episode while remaining one of the most coveted reservations in the city since its opening in 2005. Their top-of-the-line, award-winning tasting menu starts at $295 per person.

Other high-end spots include Maple & Ash, a Gold Coast steakhouse, which, between the must-get seafood tower, quality steaks and impeccable cocktails, ends up costing $150+ per person.

Click the button below for more living expenses you should consider when living in the Windy City.

The Average Electric Bill in Chicago — How Much Do You Need to Set Aside Monthly?

Posted on July 4, 2022August 11, 2022 by LLCR Staff

Living costs can add up quickly, and it’s important to know what those expenses may look like. While setting up your budget for living in Chicago, you’ll need to consider how much your monthly electric bill will cost.

While this expense varies from home to home and person to person, we’re here to take a look at the average electric bill in Chicago.

The Average Electric Bill in Chicago

Your electric bill accounts for the total cost of the energy you use within your home on a monthly basis. This means that power usage will affect your bills, such as how often you run your dishwasher or AC.

When it comes to electricity, people in this city spend roughly around $132 a month, which is 15 percent lower than the national average. Additionally, a recent Illinois bill is helping to reduce electricity costs for Windy City consumers. In fact, Illinois residents can expect to see roughly 12 percent lower electric bills thanks to the new law.

When estimating electricity bills, keep in mind that they can depend largely on your living situation. If you’re an owner of a single-family home, you will likely have more square footage and use more electricity than an individual living in a smaller studio apartment.

Seasons may affect your spending on electricity as well. Most residents find that their bills increase significantly in the middle of winter or summer when extra air conditioning or heat is needed more. However, in the winter months, your heat will only affect your electric bill if the primary source is powered by electricity. Some homes are powered by gas.

The cost of utility bills, including electricity, water, and gas, also depends on the provider. Homeowners and sometimes renters are responsible for choosing the company to service utilities. So, as you’re in the research phase, it’s helpful to compare deals and offerings to find the best utility companies.

As you budget for your home expenses, be sure to consider the average electric bill in Chicago as well as the other factors that impact this cost. Also, remember that there are ways to be mindful and reduce the energy you use.

Follow the link below to uncover more living expenses you’ll need to consider when residing in Chicago!

Month: July 2022