Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, Illinois has many nicknames, "Windy City," "City of Big Shoulders," and "Second City"

Chicago, Illinois is the financial and transportation center of the Midwest

The city's importance as a transportation hub brought dramatic growth to Illinois. The population nearly tripled from 1850 to 1855.

Much of the city was destroyed in an 1871 fire traditionally blamed on Mrs. O'Leary's cow. In 1893, Chicago, Illinois hosted the World's Columbian Exposition, which gave rise to many of the city's cultural institutions.

The city is known for its ethnic neighborhoods, arts scene and bustling downtown loop.

Some of the local attractions include, Lincoln Park Zoo, Adler Planetarium, boat tours on the Chicago River, Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio, Museum of Science and Industry, and the Shedd Aquarium.

Median rent in Chicago, Illinois at the time of the 2000 Census, was $543. Monthly homeowner costs, for people with mortgages, were $1,216.