September 2021

The promise of blue skies and endless sunshine is certainly appealing, especially as we get closer to fall and winter weather in Chicago. If you’re hoping to make the move from the Windy City to Florida, there are at least 10 things you need to know.

Cost of living comparison

When comparing the cost of living, it’s pretty easy to see that incomes are slightly higher across-the-board in Chicago. Depending on which part of Florida you choose and what kind of property you have your eye on, your budget may stretch a bit. In Florida, you also don’t have to worry about a state income tax.

Lower Unemployment rate

The unemployment rate in Florida is much lower than it is in Chicago. Florida is big on tourism, and even with COVID still impacting

A new mixed-used development in the Loop now has the go-ahead from the city. The Chicago City Council has unanimously approved a zoning change that will help usher in a $350 million mixed-use development.

The plan calls for a pair of towers consisting of a 23-story building and a 36-story building. The two will be connected by a parking and commercial base on South Wabash Street. 

The two towers will house more than 700 rental units and more than 300 hotel rooms. The property will also bring in tens of thousands of square feet of commercial space on the first two floors of each building.

Some of the units will be affordable units in studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts. They help meet the city’s requirements for new construction,

Chicago’s housing market may still be booming right now, but that doesn’t mean it will last. Recently released data shows the market might be showing signs of easing up.

The median home sale price in the Chicago metro area rose more than 16-percent when comparing the first half of this year to the first half of 2020. The data also shows fewer homes were listed for sale between March and June, and they weren’t on the market as long, either.

Some say the data points to things starting to slow down. They suggest buyers may be taking more time in their search than before. At the same time, the number of homes on the market remains tight.

Homes that show well and are well priced continue to get multiple offers. Comparing July of this year to July of