Market Spotlight: Chicago is Everything

3 Factors for Chicago

1. Hub

   Across business, commerce and talent, Chicago remains a global standout.

   
   One of Kearney’s Top Ten Global Cities, Chicago’s economic ecosystem runs on its immense size and resilient diversity—with submarket talent pools that rival entire U.S. metros and a continued reign as Site Selection’s #1 metro for corporate relocations and expansions.
   
   Key to Chicago’s industry strength is its infrastructure muscle, including a transit system spanning hundreds of miles and multiple states; one of the world’s busiest airports for both flyers and freight; and 19 intermodals for rail cargo, over 10% of the nation’s total.
   
   Chicago backs up its center-of-it-all reputation, from its dynamic, hyper-connected downtown; to the international draw of its hospitality and events sectors; to its renowned retail attractions, from vibrant destinations like Magnificent Mile to the thriving commercial corridors of its neighborhoods.

2. Hope

   From big-name projects to industries of tomorrow, Chicago’s future is bright.

   
   With a nominal GRP approaching $1 trillion, Chicagoland is in the midst of an economic resurgence, visible in everything from downtown’s weekend foot traffic exceeding pre-pandemic levels, to 85 large manufacturers expanding in or relocating to the Chicago area in 2025.
   
   Major developments and projects across Chicago point to the city’s promising tomorrow, including Google’s transformational relocation to the redeveloped Thompson Center in the Loop, O’Hare’s ongoing addition of 3 million square feet of state-of-the-art terminal space, and renewed investment into the region’s transit system through the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act.
   
   Chicago continues to see success through the creative collaborations of officials, communities and public/private partnerships, from the massive economic and scientific potential of the South Side’s Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, to the city’s falling crime rates and data-backed progress in public safety and wellbeing.

3. Heart

   With irreplicable vibrancy, Chicago succeeds because of its unstoppable spirit.

   
   Despite its big city bona fides, Chicago’s sheer concentration of commercial and residential areas—with a mix of accessibility and affordability distinct among world-class cities—is an original live/work/play blueprint, reflecting its winning streak as Conde Nasté Traveler’s #1 Big City in the U.S.
   
   From its faithful sports fandoms; to its world-famous food scene; to its arts and entertainment attractions, from distinguished museums to festivals both seismic and street-sized, Chicagoans and visitors alike savor the city year round.
   
   Belying its bustling metropolitan feel is a true city of neighborhoods, where urban energy meets residential comfort, commercial corridors bring the best of city closer to home, and communities and cultures thrive.