The lakefront has been improved with everything from ornate fencing to new bicycling paths. Individual homeowners have contributed to this trend, renovating 2-flats into unique city residences and enhancing their properties with lush landscaping and rooftop gardens.

Now, rather than being drawn to cookie-cutter subdivisions in the suburbs, more and more people are enjoying the freedom and diversity that urban living can offer them. Homeowners can express their individuality like never before with an extraordinarily diverse array of housing choices. From loft living in the West and South Loop (in renovated manufacturing warehouses,) to Gold Coast mansions to luxury highrise living, urban living in Chicago has truly come to define the ultimate cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Single people are drawn to the city’s energy—there are actually 50,000 students living in Chicago, attending its various colleges and universities. As they get older and marry, they stay in the city both for its job prospects and diverse offerings of cultural attractions, entertainment and natural beauty. As their families grow, they are now deciding to remain in the city. Bolstered by the city’s increased focus on the school systems, more and more people are now choosing to raise their children in Chicago. They recognize that the city can provide their children with wonderful cultural and recreational opportunities.

Another phenomenon boosting the city’s population is the trend of couples returning to the city after their children have grown. These individuals may have enjoyed evenings that included the Chicago Symphony and fine dining for years, and now want to partake of the city’s sophisticated offerings as part of their everyday life. Increasingly, this demographic is finding that the freedom and amenities of highrise living are a better match for the way they want to live today.

In sum, Chicago has now become a magnet for people at any stage of life. It’s beauty, diverse cultural offerings, and sophisticated lifestyle offer a level of energy and excitement that is on par with the greatest cities of the world. When we look back at the city’s humble industrial beginnings, we can only say, "You’ve come a long way, Baby!" and we, Chicago’s residents, are its lucky beneficiaries.

Look for Nicholas S. Gouletas’ column every two weeks. Nick welcomes your questions and suggestions. Please forward any feedback to Nick at: REquestions@americaninvsco.net

Reprinted from Chicago Tribune August 10, 2003

My Kind of Town

There’s something happening in Chicago that hasn’t occurred in over fifty years. I’m not referring to the opening of the new Soldier Field or even the possibility of a new airport being built. I’m talking about people, and the fact that more and more are choosing to make their home within the city limits. The 2000 census showed Chicago’s first population increase in over fifty years—a reversal of a declining population trend that had been occurring since 1950. Chicago’s population began to decline at this time as city folk migrated to the suburbs in search of home ownership and a patch of grass. Back then we could not envision what urban life could one day offer. Today, things have come full circle. This return to urban living reflects a change in the mindset of the community, as well as physical changes that have taken place in the city itself that are increasing its appeal for homeowners.

Chicago first established itself as a booming industrial town. In 1890, the population hit a million as workers came to fill the jobs created by Chicago’s growing manufacturing community. Further industrial expansion fueled a steady growth until Chicago’s population peaked at 3,620,962 in the 1950’s. Since that time Chicago has slowly transformed itself from the manufacturing mecca it once was into the more refined post-industrial city we know today. Indeed as industrial companies relocated to the suburbs or even overseas, the Chicago business community evolved. No longer are Zenith televisions and record players manufactured in the heart of the city. Service based companies are plentiful now and, although goods are still sold and marketed here, they are probably manufactured elsewhere.

The city’s further evolution is evidenced by the greening and beautification of Chicago that has occurred steadily for the last thirty years. Trees and flowers and grassy medians have popped up all over, clearly adding to the appeal and ultimate livability of the city.