Chicago, IL
How Happy Are Chicago's Homeowners?
Chicago is not only home to some of the world’s best music, architecture and sports fans, but it also has both a pizza and a hot dog that bear its name. So, what could be better than living there? According to Chicagoans, upgrades to their older homes. Chicago’s homes are comparable in size to homes in other areas, but they tend to lack modern amenities like master suites and outdoor living areas. Windy City homeowners report home happiness levels slightly below the national average. But they could be happier, they say, with a mix of interior and exterior updates — including kitchen and bathroom remodels, flooring replacements and patio and deck additions. Fortunately, property values are on the rise in the Windy City, so Chicago homeowners will soon be able to tackle the additions and updates that make them even happier.
Happiest Home Projects
Chicago's homeowners told us about the completed home projects that have brought them the most joy - and about the projects they desire that will make them even happier. When projects overlap, it means they make homeowners happy whether they're enjoying them now or aspiring to enjoy them later.
Top Completed ProjectsAlready Making Homeowners Happy
- Painted interior room/area
- Remodeled the kitchen
- Remodeled a bathroom
- Replaced/refinished flooring
- Replaced/added windows
Top Projects That WouldMake Homeowners Happier
- Remodel the kitchen
- Remodel a bathroom
- Replace/refinish flooring
- Install or replace driveway or walkway
- Build a patio/deck/porch/sun room
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View Costs In Your AreaOver 300 types of projects
Over 1 million reported costs
Real costs from real people
Happiest Home Features
Chicago's homeowners told us about the home features that have brought them the most joy - and about the features they desire that will make them even happier. When projects overlap, it means they make homeowners happy whether they're enjoying them now or aspiring to enjoy them later.
Top-Ranking Interior Features
Top Completed ProjectsAlready Making Homeowners Happy
- Central air conditioning
- Hardwood flooring
- Lots of natural light
- Up-to-date kitchen
- New appliances
Top Projects That WouldMake Homeowners Happier
- Up-to-date bathrooms
- Up-to-date kitchen
- New windows
- Improved insulation
- Marble or quartz countertops
Top-Ranking Exterior Features
Top Completed ProjectsAlready Making Homeowners Happy
- Patio or deck
- Attached garage
- Trees
- Free standing garage
- Fence
Top Projects That WouldMake Homeowners Happier
- Professional landscaping
- Outdoor lighting
- None
- Fence
- A fire pit
Other Contributors to Home Happiness
It's not just projects and features that make Chicago's homeowners happy, but also factors such as equity, community and accessibility.
What Makes
Homeowners Happy?
- Easy access to highways
- Highly-rated school district
- Good municipal services
- Can live & work in close proximity
- Good local services & utilities
Overall Home
Happiness
of homeowners consider themselves at least somewhat happy with their homes.
Impact of Home
Equity on Happiness
To Be Happier In My Home
I'd Like To...
of homeowners say they would be happier if they could remodel or add on to their homes.
A Snapshot of the Typical Home
The results of our Homeowner Happiness Survey suggest that these characteristics describe the average Chicago home:
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Homeowners have:3.2 bedrooms
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Homeowners have:2.2 bathrooms
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Average time living in home:13 years
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Average square footage:2,000
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Age of home:44 years
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Interested in knowing more about what makes homeowners happy - in Chicago, in other cities, and in the United States as a whole?
Check out the full Homeowner Happiness Report and find out more about our methodology.
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