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The 12 Best Hikes Near Chicago
Spring is finally here and the weather is actually showing glimpses of warmth. You’ve been cooped up at home all winter, hiding from Chicago’s brutal winter season. And if you’re itching to get out and enjoy some fresh spring air on a good hike, we’ve got some recommendations! We’re the Ben Lalez Team, and today we’re sharing our favorite hiking spots within a one-hour drive from Chicago. These spots offer at least 30 minutes of quality trail time and that true “getaway” feeling. Trail Distance (from Chicago) Trail Length &…
Chicago Cost Of Living Guide 2025
If you’re thinking about moving to Chicago, you’re not alone. Every year, we see thousands of people moving into our city, drawn in by our world-class food scene, rich culture, and those iconic skyline views. We’re the Ben Lalez Team, a top Compass real estate team that has been actively selling real estate in Chicago for over a decade. In this article, we’ll walk you through the 2025 edition of the cost of living in Chicago. We’ll compare it to national averages, plus cities like Boston, New York, and Los…
The Future of Real Estate: How Technology is Reshaping the Chicago Market
Technological innovations are rapidly transforming every corner of the real estate industry, and Chicago is no exception. With the city’s dynamic neighborhoods and competitive housing scene, both buyers and sellers are increasingly relying on digital tools to make informed decisions. From sophisticated data analytics to immersive virtual tours, these new technologies offer a glimpse into the future of property transactions and neighborhood analysis. This article examines how these advancements are reshaping real estate in Chicago, why they matter, and how Compass is at the forefront of this high-tech wave. A…
The Truth About Fixer-Uppers In Chicago
If you’re dreaming about buying that perfect Chicago property with a “boatload of potential,” we need to talk. After helping over a thousand families find their dream homes across Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods, we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the screaming nightmares when it comes to buying fixer-upper properties. We’re all glued to our screens, watching renovation shows where happy homeowners transform unassuming properties into magazine-worthy masterpieces (and all on impossibly tiny budgets too). You start feeling the itch, thinking, “I could do this!” But here’s what those shows don’t…