Editor's Note: This post was originally published in October 2017 and has been revamped to include the latest information on Chicago's HQ2 bid.

What happens when one of the largest companies in the world announces that it’s looking for a city in North America in which to build a massive expansion?

In early September, Amazon did just that. The company announced that it plans to spend $5 billion on a second headquarters—dubbed “HQ2”—somewhere outside of its current home in Seattle, Washington. This additional headquarters, which the company claims is “not a satellite office,” is expected to employ 50,000 people beyond 2027. Naturally, cities from coast to coast have formed bid committees to attract this titan of online retail, and Chicago is no

If you're relocating to Chicago, you're in for a treat. Chicago has so much to offer, from sports to food, music, attractions, and not to mention some gorgeous lakefront views. Before you move to the Windy City, though, there are some things you need to know:

1. Chicago weather may throw you off

They don't call it the Windy City for nothing -- it gets chilly here. Be sure to pack a heavy winter coat and gloves, because winter temperatures can drop below freezing.

But even though the winters are cold, the weather is very comfortable during the other seasons.

This might surprise you, but the beaches in Chicago will send you on a vacation in your own backyard. Located right on the coast of Lake Michigan, there are 26 miles of sand along the lake.

2.

Though the majority of high-rise buildings being built in Chicago are apartments, the condominium market is beginning to heat up again too. Certainly, those looking for luxury living in a new or reinvigorated tower will appreciate the many unique opportunities to own in some of the city's best neighborhoods. These range from awe-inspiring luxury penthouses to one-bedroom homes that are perfect for young professionals looking to live where the action is. Over the next few years, we'll be seeing a number of exciting new high-rise constructions appearing across the city, but we've selected the best. Read about each of them below.

One Bennett Park

The stunning masonry and glass facade of One Bennett Park makes it a striking—yet classic—addition to

Do you ever find yourself wishing that you could live in downtown Chicago? Are you considering moving away from your home in the suburbs? While it might seem like an impractical dream to you, there are some good reasons to make it a reality!

New condo buildings are going up in Downtown Chicago every day, but the demand keeps growing too. Why? Because living downtown puts you close to all the best parts of the city, and living in a condo can save you tons of time and even money.

So is it time for you to make the move back to the city? Here are 5 reasons why it might be!

1. You Spend All Your Time Commuting to the City

Do you work in the city? What about on weekends—do you drive downtown for fine dining, live music, or other cultural

It’s a given you’re going to eat some turkey, and probably some pie, watch a little football and hear some classic family stories… but there is so much else to do in Chicago over the Thanksgiving Weekend. Here are a few of our picks for fun ways to mix things up:

Turkey Day 5K in Lincoln Park
Thursday, November 27, 9 am
Donated food will is collected at packet pickup and on race day to support Greater Chicago Food Depository. Go event further and make a cash donation when you register online. Enjoy hot apple cider post race!

Looking for something a little more relaxed? Head out for a walk through the woods on one of the many trails that are part of the Cook County Forest Preserve. Maps are available on their website.

McDonald’s Thanksgiving

It's almost here! The 13th annual Taste of River North festival, a three-day, family-friendly entertainment, arts and food event that goes from Friday, July 18 to Sunday July 20 at A. Montgomery Ward Park (Kingsbury and Erie). This event is renowned for its food, world-class art as well as great music.

Some of the River North area's restaurants will be out giving demonstrations of health menu items. Some of these restaurants include Havana, Blackfinn Ameripub, Chopping Block, Pranzi, Kendall College and Enolo Wine Bar.

Kids will enjoy the Kids Zone where they can play on the playground, get their face painted, check out the amazing balloon artists and stilt walkers. The kids zone is open 12-6 pm Saturday and Sunday only.

Bands and artists on the

Downtown Sound, the FREE weekly music series returns to Millennium Park Monday nights this summer. It’s the place to be in Chicago on Monday nights. Downtown Sound is a showcase for innovative artists of the indie rock and pop scene. Highlights of the 2014 series include Omar Souleyman, Richard Thompson and Joe Pug.

Grab a seat at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion or spread out on the Great Lawn for outdoor concert performances from local, national and international acts each Monday evening at 6:30 pm.

Get more details on all the performers as well as the latest updates to the concert schedule at millenniumpark.org

2014 CONCERT SCHEDULE

Downtown Sound: Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.)

• June 9, 2014 Omar Souleyman +

With all the construction in downtown Chicago over the past decade, there’s no doubt that the downtown Chicago population has grown. How much the population has grown and its impact was mostly unmeasurable until recently.

Earlier this year, The Philadelphia Center City District recently released a study that was prepared for the International Downtown Association and found some interesting information about major downtown areas across the United States including the city of Chicago.

The biggest news to come from this report was the surge in downtown Chicago’s population. Between 2000 and 2010, the Chicago population residing within the commercial downtown area grew by nearly 96% and by 46% within one mile of that area. Additionally, Chicago is

Last year, MONEY Magazine ranked the best places to live in American and included big-city neighborhoods for the first time. Chicago’s Lakeview earned a top spot as one of the best neighborhoods in a major city. It was the only Chicago neighborhood to make the list.

MONEY noted the median household income of nearly $80,000 and median home values of almost $350,000 as reasons for its ranking. Many residents say what they like best about Lakeview include the Belmont Theater District as well as easy access to Lake Michigan, area golf courses, parks, Wrigley Field or the Boystown district which is Chicago’s largest gay and lesbian community. The high-priced rental market and Wrigleyville on game days were the area’s major cons.

The Lakeview neighborhood

Below is a list of the 10 most reviewed restaurants in River North according to Yelp.com. Enjoying spectacular food is one of the perks to living and working in the River North area:

1. Portillo’s Hot Dogs 100 W Ontario St Chicago, IL 60654 Phone number: (312) 587-8910

2. Café Iberico Spanish 737 N Lasalle Blvd Chicago, IL 60654 Phone number: (312) 573-1510

3. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria Pizza 439 N Wells St Chicago, IL 60610 Phone number: (312) 828-9800

4. Sunda Asian Fusion, Sushi Bars, Japanese Near North Side, River North 110 W Illinois St Chicago, IL 60654

5. Mercadito Mexican, Lounges 108 W Kinzie St Chicago, IL 60654 Phone number: (312) 329-9555

6. Fogo de Chao Chicago Brazilian, Steakhouses 661 North LaSalle Blvd Chicago, IL 60654