World city at half the coastal price; taxes and winter. Median home price runs about $360K with an effective property tax near 2.08% — roughly $7,488/yr on the median home.
Scorecard
Dimension
Chicago
Median home price
$360K
Effective property tax
2.08%
Tax friendliness
5/10
Winter mildness
3/10
Summer comfort
8/10
Walkability
7/10
Outdoor access
5/10
Culture & food
10/10
Healthcare
10/10
Airport connectivity
10/10
Schools
6/10
Safety
4/10
Hazard safety (10 = lowest risk)
7/10
Growth trajectory
3/10
Who it fits: people who want life on foot, anyone prioritizing healthcare, buyers with room in the budget. Who should look elsewhere: anyone done with winter.