Chicago FAQ: Quick Answers About the City, Visiting and Living Here

Chicago is the third-largest U.S. city, with about 2.73 million residents in 2025, on Lake Michigan in Cook County, Illinois. These are quick answers to the most common questions about the city, visiting, getting around and living here. Each answer links to a detailed Are You Chi guide.

Quick fact	Answer
Population	2,746,388 (2020 Census); 2,731,585 (July 1, 2025 estimate)
Mayor	Brandon Johnson (since May 15, 2023)
Time zone	Central Time
Area codes	312, 773, 872
Main airports	O’Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW)
Regular L fare	$2.50 ($5 boarding at O’Hare)

About the city

How many people live in Chicago?

The 2020 Census counted 2,746,388 residents, and the Census Bureau estimated 2,731,585 as of July 1, 2025. See Chicago at a glance.

Is Chicago the second-largest city in the U.S.?

No, it is third, after New York and Los Angeles. It was second for nearly a century, one source of the “Second City” nickname.

Why is Chicago called the Windy City?

The nickname appeared in print by 1876 and likely refers both to the weather and to boastful local talk. Chicago ranks only about 12th among U.S. cities for wind; see Chicago weather.

When was Chicago founded?

Chicago became a town on August 12, 1833, and a city on March 4, 1837. Read the full timeline in Chicago history.

What do the stars on the Chicago flag mean?

The four stars stand for Fort Dearborn, the 1871 fire, the 1893 world’s fair and the 1933–34 world’s fair. Details are in Chicago at a glance.

Who is the mayor of Chicago?

Brandon Johnson, the 57th mayor, inaugurated on May 15, 2023. See Chicago government.

How many neighborhoods does Chicago have?

The city has 77 official community areas and many more informal neighborhoods within them. Browse community areas or our neighborhood guides.

Does the Chicago River really flow backward?

Yes. Since the Sanitary and Ship Canal opened in January 1900, the river flows away from Lake Michigan. See geography and layout.

Visiting Chicago

What is the best time to visit Chicago?

June through September is warmest, with average highs from the mid-70s to mid-80s; May and October are milder and less crowded. See Chicago weather by month.

How cold does Chicago get in winter?

January averages a high of 31.6°F and a low of 18.8°F, and the city averages 38.4 inches of snow a year. The record low is −27°F, set in 1985.

What is the Bean?

It is Cloud Gate, Anish Kapoor’s stainless steel sculpture in Millennium Park, dedicated in 2006. See things to do.

Does Chicago have beaches?

Yes. The city has about 28 miles of lakefront and 24 beaches on Lake Michigan. See Chicago outdoors.

Can I put ketchup on a Chicago hot dog?

You can, but it is not traditional; a Chicago-style dog has seven toppings and no ketchup. See iconic Chicago foods.

What is the Magnificent Mile?

It is the stretch of North Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River to Oak Street, named in 1947. See Chicago slang and tips.

What sports teams does Chicago have?

Chicago has eight major league sports teams, according to Choose Chicago. See Chicago sports teams.

Getting around

What is the L?

The L is the CTA’s rapid transit train system, named for its elevated tracks, though it also runs in subways and at ground level. See CTA ‘L’ trains.

How much does the L cost?

A regular L ride is $2.50 and a bus ride is $2.25, with up to two transfers within two hours. Boarding at O’Hare costs $5.

Can I pay with my phone or credit card on the CTA?

Yes. The CTA accepts contactless bank cards and phone payments, as well as Ventra cards. See CTA buses.

How do I get from O’Hare to downtown?

The CTA Blue Line runs from O’Hare to the Loop, and the fare from O’Hare is $5. See Chicago airports.

What are Chicago’s two airports?

O’Hare International (ORD), the busiest U.S. airport by takeoffs and landings in 2025, and Midway International (MDW). See airports.

How do Chicago addresses work?

Addresses count from State and Madison streets, rising 800 numbers per mile. See geography and layout.

Is there bike share in Chicago?

Yes. Divvy is the city’s bike share system. See Divvy bikes.

Is there a train to the suburbs?

Yes. Metra commuter rail connects downtown Chicago with the suburbs. See Metra.

Living in Chicago

How do I find my ward and alderperson?

Enter your address in the City of Chicago’s Find Your Ward and Alderman tool. Chicago has 50 wards; see Chicago government.

What is 311?

CHI 311 is the city’s non-emergency line for city service requests. Call 311 or 312-744-5000 from outside the area, or use the CHI 311 app.

What is dibs?

Dibs is the winter custom of saving a shoveled parking spot with a chair or other object. It has no legal standing; see slang and tips.

Do I need a City Sticker?

City Stickers for vehicles are sold by the City Clerk’s office. See driving and parking.

What are the biggest industries in Chicago?

Professional services, manufacturing and finance lead a diverse economy worth about $927 billion in 2024. See Chicago’s economy.

What should I know before moving to Chicago?

Learn the neighborhoods, the transit system and the winter routine before you sign a lease. See moving to Chicago and cost of living.

Related guides

Sources

Last updated: October 31, 2026