Chicago is located only a few hours by plane from other main US cities

With the O’Hare International Airport (second hub in the country after Atlanta) only 45 minutes from downtown Chicago, you can fly nationally and internationally at the drop of a hat. Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami and others major cities are only a couple of hours from Chicago.

Chicago is a big US city located on the shore of Lake Michigan

Expats can enjoy the lakefront and its numerous activities on a daily basis from April to October.
 
A long and cold winter

Be prepared: Chicago’s winter is extremely cold with snow storms and blizzards. You will probably have to clear the snow from your door and/or car before going to work! But keep in mind the positive aspects: you will enjoy the snow sliding with your kids and friends in Lincoln Park!!

Chicago is a multicultural city

Chicago’s ethnically diverse roots make it a fantastic destination for expats. Poles and Mexicans are the two largest ethnic groups in Chicago, but a number of others including, African American, Irish, German, Swedish, Chinese, Italian, Greek, Russian, co-exist within the city’s many neighbourhoods.
 
A city in the middle of the Midwest

While Chicago may be well located to facilitate travel around the US, there is not much to see and discover immediately outside Chicago, for a week-end trip for instance. It will require at least 5 to 6 hours driving to reach interesting spots in the Midwest (Wisconsin Dells, ski resorts in North Michigan, Springfield, etc).