For families with children, a Chicago home is a great fit. The hustle and bustle and big-city vibe may not be indicative of family-friendly living, but Chicago has an enormous amount to offer the little ones. Here are just a few:

Big city, small hoods: Neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Lakeview are large in size, but have many tight-knit communities within them. It’s a great way for parents to meet other families, help children make friends and to build a network of neighbors that adds safety and security to your Chicago home. In addition, many of these neighborhoods are close to downtown but still maintain the feeling of a suburban neighborhood.

Affordable living: Parent who need to work in a metropolitan area often have to pay the cost. But Chicago real estate is remarkably more affordable than other major cities like New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. A family can live in much more space in a Chicago home or Chicago condo for the price they would pay for the same square footage in New York City. If Chicago parents are accustomed to luxury living, Chicago offers many family-friendly buildings that don’t compromise prestigious living for a family home.

Abundant attractions: There’s theater, museums, zoos, big-league and small-league sporting events and much more to keep a family occupied on the weekends. Plus, a Chicago home in one of the city’s denser neighborhoods will put plenty of kid-friendly (but still adult-interesting) leisure activities right outside your door.

Walker friendly: On a sunny day, you’ll pass many other stroller-pushers through the neighborhood of your Chicago home. Most Chicago neighborhoods are ideal for walkers, not to mention that a “walkable” neighborhood makes many everyday things more convenient, from errand-running to play dates.

Great schools: Several of Chicago’s private schools rank very highly in education and are accessible from Chicago’s family-oriented neighborhoods. Latin School of Chicago is only about a 10-minute drive from Lincoln Park. Parker School is in the heart of Lincoln Park. Several other well-ranked schools in Lakeview, Lincoln Park and other neighborhoods make it easy for busy parents to get their children from here to there.

If you’re family is looking to relocate to a new Chicago home, call agent Sheldon Salnick at (312) 264-5853 or by email at ssalnick@rubloff.com.

• Number of home sales transactions
• Home sales price trends
• A list and ratings of nearby establishments: eating, shopping, personal services (cleaners, tanning salons), attractions, banks and financial institutions, government (post offices and police departments), schools and education, hotels, hospital and health facilities, pet services, travel services, and organizations (chambers of commerce, special interest clubs)
• Population density and growth
• Resident demographics: median age, level of education, type of employment, median household income
• Weather risks and trends
• Fair market rents
• Detailed crime statistics
• Cost of living comparison to other zip codes

To learn more about a particular neighborhood, contact Chicago real estate Sheldon Salnick by emailing ssalnick@rubloff.com or calling (312) 264-5853.

Fortunately for residents and newcomers alike, Chicago is home to many excellent independent schools. Parents often prefer these schools because they offer unique advantages and provide exceptional learning environments for their children; independent schools in Chicago must also meet rigorous accreditation standards. They also give parents the chance to be more involved in the day-to-day workings of the school, to be in regular contact with their children’s teachers, and most importantly, to ensure that their kids receive individualized attention from the school’s staff.

Some of Chicago’s premier independent and private schools are located on the north side of the city, in the Lincoln Park and Lakeview neighborhoods (check out the GreatSchools.net list for more details on individual schools). Still more are located in the city center and the River North as well as further west in Bucktown and Wicker Park, making it possible for parents to choose the type of area they live in and still be close to top-notch schools for their kids. Furthermore, these neighborhoods also have some amazing Chicago condos and other real estate, making them ideal locations for families to call home.