That’s just another reason why Chicago offers so much more than New York and other big cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. It’s simply an easier way of life. Chicago real estate costs a fraction of what it would in other urban areas. The cost of an average NYC apartment or condo will get you a Chicago home with square footage and building amenities in the city’s most coveted neighborhoods. You can find a Chicago home that puts you in on a quiet, tree-lined street, but also just a skip away from a bustling downtown. Or if you want a Chicago home or Chicago condo right in the middle of downtown, you don’t have to be rich to have it. It is everything New York has to offer, on a smaller, more accessible scale.

Not to mention that Chicago isn’t as frantic. Parts of the city offer the go-go-go energy of Manhattan, but many parts offer a chance to take a deep breath and take in the city around you. It is a beautiful city, there is much to do, and it’s clean (I’ve always been grateful for Chicago alleyways to house Dumpsters instead of seeing garbage on the streets!)

I know New Yorkers are as loyal to their city as I am to Chicago, but I truly stand by Chicago as the top choice for city living. Chicago real estate presents so much more in terms of space, value and luxury. You can be in the heart of it all and be wined and dined without the obscene cost. Plus, Chicago new construction continues to top itself with new buildings that offer premier locations, top-rated staffs and amenities, renowned architecture and more for a cost that still lets you live a comfortable lifestyle.

If you’re looking for a Chicago home or want to learn more about the value of luxury Chicago real estate, contact agent Sheldon Salnick at (312) 264-5853 or by email at ssalnick@rubloff.com.

Costs of living continue to increase, and a big-city lifestyle makes no exception. In fact, calling many of the country’s metropolitan areas home could cost you more than twice the national average of standard living. The ACCRA Cost of Living Index recently released the top 10 most expensive urban areas to live in, and New York City, San Francisco and California’s Orange County all made the cut. Chicago, however, down at #14, brings that Second-City lifestyle without wiping out much of your income.

In addition to lower living expenses, a Chicago home will cost you less than a home in most major cities, according to the Index. Compared with Chicago, here’s how much housing would cost in these major cities:

New York City: 213% more
San Francisco: 121% more
Los Angeles: 89% more
Washington, D.C.: 68% more
Boston: 18% more
Seattle: 16% more
Portland, OR: 0% more/less
Las Vegas: 0% more/less

The cost of owning a Chicago home or Chicago condo doesn’t quite rank among other noteworthy cities. Chicago real estate in the most exclusive buildings might only cost you the average price of a New York City home (about $1.1 million). Even Las Vegas, a city often thought to have all the hustle-and-bustle of a major city for a lower cost doesn’t offer any more value than a Chicago home.

Not to mention that Chicago can hold its own among the offerings of other cities. Buying a Chicago home might cost less, but the city is rich in culture, history, architecture, shopping, dining and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Chicago is lucky to be home to a number of spectacular museums, along with many buildings that present some of the finest architecture in the country. You’ll also find upscale shopping along the Magnificent Mile, , first-class dining throughout every many neighborhoods and one of the best symphonies in the world—all of which can be found just up the block from the exquisite Chicago homes. And with luxury living so obtainable, you’ll have plenty left to enjoy it.

If you want to learn more about the opulent lifestyle Chicago offers, please contact agent Sheldon Salnick at (312) 264-5853 or email him at ssalnick@Rubloff.com.

The market, which bottomed out this past March, has taken an upward turn with the emergence of more confident and optimistic buyers. Because many individuals have been able to receive helpful loans, their perspective on home-buying has also changed for the better. This increased sense of positivity, though intangible, is a definite way to increase morale, and thus interest in Chicago real estate.

Being in a buyers’ market can entail a variety of options and setbacks. Primarily, though, it indicates the need to be absolutely sure of your ability to keep-up with payments and other related expenses. Because Chicago homes are already much more affordable than those in major coastal cities, affordability in top neighborhoods such as Lincoln Park and the Gold Coast is less severe than it would be in coincident areas in New York or California.

According to MSNBC, an 18.1 percent decline in the Case-Schiller index of 20 major cities (calculated in April) marked the third consecutive month for which the index wasn’t at a record low. Although this trend may seem initially like the lesser of two evils, it also has great potential to move us out of the real-estate slump. Loan-success projections for the remainder of 2009 may be questionable at this point, however the market is still hoping that exceptionally low home prices will help to curb foreclosure rates.

In addition, buying a foreclosed home is a definite option for prospective buyers. These homes are especially appealing to new families looking to get more square-footage for their money, first-time buyers, and existing homeowners looking to score a second property. Although the persistent woes of the housing market are far from resolved, the general consensus suggests the situation is definitely improving.

Economist Patrick Newport comments on this philosophy. “Prices are still dropping. They’re just no longer in freefall,” Newport said. The most significant aspect of this idea is quite simple – direction. Sure, home values are still less-than spectacular, but the bright side of the matter rests in the growing assurance that we no longer exist in a state of chaos.Regardless of the situation, prospective buyers should be anything but frightened.

For more information on finding an amazing Chicago condo in the current market, don’t hesitate to contact Chicago real estate agent Sheldon Salnick at (312) 264-5853 or ssalnick@rubloff.com.