Everyone knows that Chicago is at its absolute best in the summer. The perfect weather, the gorgeous lakefront, and all of the many festivals and other special events mean that you're never at a loss for something to do; plus, even just being outside in one of the city's vibrant neighborhoods is a treat after a long chilly winter. In addition to the obvious reasons that Chicago is fantastic in the summer, however, there are plenty of secrets that only long term residents are privy too - but we're sharing them with you in this post because we hope everyone loves this season and this city as much as we do.

1. Visiting The Smaller Museums. While everyone checks out the Art Institute, Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the

Luxury is a word that is so overused in real estate it has practically lost all meaning. The dictionary defines luxury as being in "rich, pleasant, or comfortable surroundings" or "something desirable, expensive, and hard to get", and while those descriptions certainly can apply to luxury real estate, we think that a truly luxurious home is so much more than that.

Location, location, location. The most stunning home in the world might not be truly luxurious (in your eyes) if it is not in a desirable location. Whether you want to be in the center of a major cosmopolitan city, near the coastline with a spectacular private beach, or up in the mountains with ski resorts nearby, the home that will be the biggest luxury for you is most likely the one

Planning on moving to the Windy City with your pet? While find a new condo with cats or other smaller pets is relatively easy, choosing a place that has all the amenities you desire and also allows a dog or two can be much more complicated.

While newcomers to Chicago may believe that its difficult to live downtown and still have dogs (especially larger breeds), it is more than possible at Lakeshore East - it's ideal!

Not only does Lakeshore East have an amazing dog park, there are plenty of other entertainment options for pooches living in downtown Chicago. Most of the units are dog-friendly (with some breed restrictions) and the community itself is wonderful spot for dogs and their owners alike. And if you live in downtown Chicago or the New

Celebrating Memorial Day in the Windy City might be the actual most wonderful day - or entire weekend - of the year. The summer is starting, it's getting warm out after a long winter, and there so many events to attend, restaurant patios to try out, and parks to experience that you'll wish you had more three days to enjoy it.

Here are some of our favorite Chicago events happening this weekend, as well as our favorite things to do on Memorial Day in Chicago (and summer weekends in general)!

1. The Memorial Day parade runs along State Street from Lake to Van Buren, and it's always a lovely spectacle.

2. Follow that up with a trip around the City in a Garden in the Lurie Garden at Millennium Park.

3. And kick off the summer fireworks season

When you're looking at a property with an eyes toward a purchase, you're looking at an investment in your future - whether you want to create your ideal living space, you're trying to find a place that will increase in value, or some combination of both. And while it is easy to focus solely on the major elements like location, square footage, and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, it is also essential to pay attention to the smaller things. For instance, raised counters in the kitchen and bathrooms can be incredibly comfortable if you're tall, or having a window that lets in the morning light in the bedroom can help you wake up naturally without an alarm. Here are some our favorite value-increasing details to look for when you're in search of

Is there anything better than being out on the water on a beautiful Chicago summer day? We don't think so, which is why we've rounded up some of the best options for boat rentals and tours that will let you experience the city from a Lake Michigan or Chicago River view.

Chicago Architecture Foundation Boat Tour - These tours are perpetually popular with tourists and locals alike, and for good reason! You can learn about our city's most amazing buildings and architectural features from a knowledgeable guide all while you're enjoying the summer breeze from atop a river boat. There are lots of other architecture tours, but this one is perhaps the most consistently highly rated.

Jet Ski Chicago - Okay, these aren't exactly boats, but there's nothing

When it's still snowing in April and possibly even May (in fact, we just had the most snow in April that's on record, it might seem like summer will never arrive in Chicago...so we're come up with some ideas for you!

Explore A New Museum.  You've probably been to the big ones like the Art Institute and the Field Museum, but the city is home to a lot of smaller gems like the Children's Museum and the Mexican-American Art Museum. Here are some more recommendations from the experts at Time Out Chicago.

Go To The Garfield Park Conservatory. A lot of greenery and some tropical weather will lift your spirits - it's one of Chicago's treasures.

Try A New Restaurant - In A Different Neighborhood. If you're feeling stir crazy, why not check out a new

Chicago is known worldwide for its spectacular skyline and its glass and steel skyscrapers - and for good reason. Our stunning architecture has become downright iconic, and more remarkable buildings are being constructed all the time. However, the Windy City isn't all concrete; we have plenty of lush green spaces and gorgeous parks along the lakefront, the Chicago river, and elsewhere throughout the city. In fact, we have the largest municipal park system in the country, and our city's official motto is Urbs in Horto - literally, a "city in a garden".

Here are some of our favorites...

Lakeshore East. Of course we have to start with the amazing park that is surrounded by some of our favorite buildings - the Park at Lakeshore East (surrounded by

Every city has a distinct personality. It comes from the companies and industries based there, the style of the art, fashion, and cuisine that's unique to the locale, and even the personality of it citizens. And if every city has its special characteristics, that goes doubly true for its architecture and real estate. 

The Movoto City Personality Index describes Chicago as ingenious, stimulating, quick, alert, and outspoken - and we tend to agree! Our powerful, sturdy skyscrapers certainly make a statement, and our many styles of architecture combine to make a creative and compelling blend that echoes the many cultures and backgrounds of our residents.

The city personality index also says Chicago is resourceful and good at solving new and

While it looks like we have a least a few more weeks of chilly weather, our Chicago real estate team prefers to look forward to spring and summer instead of cringing at the thought of yet another polar vortex.

So without further adieu, here are our top ten reasons the Windy City is wonderful in the spring:

10. The festival season kicks off in a big way. An added bonus? Many of them happen right next door at Grant Park and Millennium Park.

9. Cooking and dining al fresco - restaurant patios start to open up, as well as the barbeque grills on the decks at the various buildings in Lakeshore East.

8. Running, walking, and biking along the Lake and otherwise working out in the city's many beautiful parks - it is wonderful after being cooped up