Free relocation guide · 2026
Moving to Chicago? Start here.
Neighborhoods vs. suburbs, real prices for 20 areas, commutes, schools, Illinois taxes and attorney review, plus a 90-day move plan. It's the guide we give our own relocating clients. Chicago's median price is $390K and homes sell in a median 16 days, so it pays to arrive prepared.
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Moving to Chicago
Relocation guide · prices from September 2026 MLS sales
What's inside
Straight answers to the questions every relocating buyer asks us, with real numbers instead of brochure copy.
Chicago at a glance
September 2026 prices, time on market and supply for the city, and what it means for your timeline.
City or suburb?
Four ways to live in Chicagoland, and which neighborhoods and suburbs fit each one.
Real prices, 20 areas
Median, condo and house prices plus days on market from closed MLS sales.
Commutes
How the CTA 'L', the Metra lines and the expressways work, and how to test a commute before you commit.
Buying in Illinois
Attorney review, property taxes paid in arrears, transfer taxes, condo disclosures and school boundaries.
90-day move plan
A step-by-step countdown from pre-approval to move-in, plus a winter-move checklist.
Quick answers
What is the median home price in Chicago?
The City of Chicago median closed price was $390K in September 2026 (+8.3% from a year earlier), with condos at $400K and houses at $375K, based on 1,656 MLS sales.
Should I live in the city or the suburbs?
It mostly comes down to commute, space and schools. City neighborhoods trade yards for walkability and the 'L'. Inner suburbs like Evanston and Oak Park mix both. Classic suburbs offer space and strong school districts with Metra or expressway commutes. Our Area Match quiz ranks 20 areas for you in about a minute.
Do I need an attorney to buy a home in Illinois?
In the Chicago area, buyers and sellers almost always hire their own real estate attorney. Standard contracts include an attorney review period (typically 5 business days) in which the contract can be modified or cancelled.
Who pays transfer tax in Chicago?
In Chicago, the buyer pays the city's $3.75 per $500 transfer tax (0.75%). The seller pays the state ($0.50 per $500), Cook County ($0.25 per $500) and the city's CTA portion ($1.50 per $500).
Can I buy a Chicago home without visiting first?
Yes. Many of our relocating clients tour by live video, get school and commute research from us, and then visit for one focused weekend or close remotely with their attorney.
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