SURFING CHICAGO
Here’s a list of a few Websites to get you started exploring Chicago. Some are related to real estate, but others focus on government, city news, entertainment, transportation and history. I can also provide neighborhood-specific sites if you have already have certain areas you would like to explore in more detail.
Government and Schools
City of Chicago governments each have their own site
http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en.html
Cook County
State of Illinois
https://www.illinois.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Chicago Public Schools
Note: Chicago also has many highly rated private schools, each with its own Website. This is just one site that lists the city’s private schools, with enrollment data and other information.
http://www.privateschoolreview.com/town_schools/stateid/IL/townid/1923
USA.com
A database with a wealth of nationwide stats, you can compare Chicago neighborhoods to those anywhere in the country.
Curbed Chicago
Covering both residential and commercial real estate, Curbed Chicago also features related architecture, design and neighborhood news.
The Tribune, Sun-Times and Crain’s
The “Trib” and Sun-Times are Chicago’s two daily newspapers, while Crain’s Chicago Business publishes weekly.
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/
DNAinfo Chicago
With dedicated sections for neighborhoods across the city, DNAinfo Chicago reports on entertainment, education, politics, crime, sports, dining and more.
http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/
Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace
These sites are essential for getting around the city and suburbs. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is the city’s public transportation agency, operating a system that provides 24-hour services on buses and trains (the ‘L’, short for “elevated”, though the system includes subways) throughout the city and close-in suburbs.
http://www.transitchicago.com/
Metra operates the commuter rail system in greater metropolitan Chicago, with Pace providing suburban bus service.
http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home.html
Chicago Architecture Foundation
The city is world renown for its architecture, and to experience it firsthand CAF conducts walking, bus and boat tours in the Loop and in neighborhoods throughout Chicago.
Calumet 412
This eclectic site is a self-described “pictorial love letter to the City and people of Chicago,” essentially a random photo album of everything from the monumental to the mundane.
