Celebrities in Chicago often find the city an ideal place to call home. With its vibrant culture, diverse neighbourhoods, and bustling entertainment scene, Chicago offers a unique blend of opportunities and experiences. From world-class dining and theatre to iconic sports teams and beautiful lakefront views, there’s something for everyone in the Windy City.
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You don’t have to go to Hollywood to find celebrities. Chicago, a beautiful place full of greenery and abundant city life, has its reasonable share of these famous personalities. The state is surrounded by beauty and history, which is why many celebrities have thronged this place. So, who are the biggest celebrities who live in Chicago?
Celebrities who live in Chicago
Chicago has become a hotbed for famous personalities. From world-famous singers to TV and movie stars, many celebrities call Chicago home. Here is a list of celebrities from this city.
To compile this list, we used information based on publicly available information and research conducted up to the publication date. We also relied on data from credible sources such as Ranker and Chicago Tribune.
Celebrity’s name | Home in Chicago |
Kanye West | South Shore |
Colin Cowherd | Park Tower |
Jennifer Hudson | Burr Ridge |
Lupe Fiasco | South Side of Chicago |
Tremaine Edmunds | Northbrook |
Jenny McCarthy | St. Charles, Illinois |
Coby White | Lincoln Park |
Vince Vaughn | Gold Coast |
Michael Jordan | Highland Park, Illinois |
Barack Obama | Greenwood Avenue |
John Cusack | North Side |
Hillary Clinton | Edgewater neighborhood |
Chance the Rapper | North of Chicago |
Dansby Swanson | North Greenview Avenue |
Jerry Reinsdorf | Highland Park, IL |
1. Kanye West
- Full name: Kanye Omari West
- Date of Birth: June 8, 1977
- Occupation: Rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer
Born and raised in Chicago, Kanye West’s childhood home on 7815 S. Shore Drive holds legendary status in hip-hop culture due to its frequent mention in his music. After briefly straying from his South Shore roots, West repurchased his childhood home in 2020, reaffirming his deep connection to the city and its enduring impact on his life and artistry.
Initially built in 1905, the South Shore residence faced demolition in 2017 due to structural issues. However, permits for its restoration were subsequently approved, preventing its destruction. The house now boasts a new roof, stairs in the front and back, and security cameras. Outside, there are painted tree stumps and a small Haitian flag.
2. Colin Cowherd
- Full name: Colin Murray Cowherd
- Date of birth: January 6, 1964
- Occupation: Sports media personality
Colin Cowherd is a prominent sports media personality known for his radio and television host work. He’s notably associated with ESPN and later Fox Sports, where he has hosted various sports talk shows. He is one of the celebrities who fell in love with Chicago and purchased a home in this city.
Colin Cowherd invested $3.25 million in a downtown Chicago condominium. Cowherd and his wife, Ann, purchased a three-bedroom unit spanning 3,200 square feet in the 70-story Park Tower along North Sheridan Road.
3. Jennifer Hudson
- Full name: Jennifer Kate Hudson
- Date of birth: September 12, 1981.
- Occupation: Singer, producer, songwriter
Jennifer Hudson is an American singer-songwriter, actress, talk show host, producer, and one of the celebrities with houses in Chicago. Although she originated from Chicago, her rise to fame has not diminished her connection to her hometown, where she maintains property and regularly returns between touring commitments.
She is counted among the notable female celebrities who live in Chicago. For Hudson, Chicago is grounding amidst her Hollywood endeavours, highlighting the city’s enduring significance. The EGOT winner resides in a $3 million, 12,000-square-foot residence in Burr Ridge. Although private, the star occasionally shares glimpses of her magnificent property with her fans.
4. Lupe Fiasco
- Full name: Wasalu Muhammad Jaco
- Date of birth: February 16, 1982
- Occupation: Rapper, songwriter, record producer
Lupe Fiasco is among the celebrities living in Chicago, known for his successful music career and his ties to the city. Born and raised in Chicago, Lupe Fiasco, whose real name is Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, gained prominence in hip-hop with his debut album Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor in 2006.
He continued to make waves with subsequent albums like The Cool and Lasers, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Despite his global success, Lupe Fiasco has maintained a solid connection to his hometown, often referencing Chicago in his music and championing social causes within the city.
5. Tremaine Edmunds
- Real name: Fe’Zahn Tremaine Edmunds
- Date of birth: May 2, 1998
- Occupation: Football linebacker for the Chicago Bears
Tremaine Edmunds is a professional football player who plays linebacker for the Buffalo Bills in the National Football League (NFL). He comes from a family of football players, with his father and brother also playing in the NFL. Tremaine tops the list of black celebrities who live in Chicago, having recently bought his Chicago home.
According to reports, the famous linebacker purchased a $1.4 million worth of home in the Northbrook suburb of Chicago. The house measures 6,101 square feet with 0.28 acres. It features five bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, 15-foot ceilings, a two-story foyer, a three-car garage, a basement with 10-foot ceilings, a bar, and a built-in Sub-Zero wine refrigerator.
6. Jenny McCarthy
- Full name: Jennifer Ann McCarthy
- Date of birth: November 1, 1972
- Occupation: Actress, model TV personality, writer
While recognised for her television work in New York City, Jenny McCarthy’s heart remains in Chicago, where she frequently retreats to indulge in the city’s famed pizza. Despite her professional commitments elsewhere, McCarthy’s ties to Chicago persist, offering her a sense of comfort and nostalgia.
After she got married to actor and Blue Blood star Donnie Wahlberg, the two decided to turn their St. Charles, Illinois, house into a home. The couple settled close to Jenny’s hometown in Evergreen Park, Illinois. Their five-bedroom house had everything Donnie and Jenny wanted when searching for a home.
7. Coby White
- Full name: Alec Jacoby “Coby” White
- Date of birth: February 16, 2000
- Occupation: Basketball player
Coby White, the dynamic NBA point guard for the Chicago Bulls, is among the celebrities you will spot in Chicago. Known for his lightning speed and sharpshooting skills, White has become a fan favourite both on and off the court.
The Chicago Bulls’ NBA point guard recently bought a spacious single-family home in Lincoln Park, Chicago. The property spans 7,000 square feet and features six bedrooms and seven bathrooms on North Cleveland Avenue.
8. Vince Vaughn
- Full name: Vincent Anthony Vaughn
- Date of birth: March 28, 1970
- Occupation: Actor, writer, producer
Actor Vince Vaughn’s enduring love for Chicago is evident through his continued ownership of property in the city and periodic visits. Vaughn’s strong association with Chicago reflects his genuine affinity for the city’s culture and sports, underscoring his status as a proud Chicagoan.
Vince Vaughn’s house is in the iconic Palmolive Building in Chicago’s Gold Coast area. This 12,000-square-foot penthouse spans three top floors and features five bedrooms and baths. The master suite and four bedrooms occupy the lowest floor, while the second floor holds a living area, dining room, and well-equipped kitchen.
9. Michael Jordan
- Full name: Michael Jeffrey Jordan
- Date of birth: February 17, 1963,
- Occupation: Basketball player, spokesperson, entrepreneur
Michael Jordan stands out among black celebrities who live in Chicago. He represents not just a basketball legend but a cultural icon. His enduring ties to the city reflect a deep-rooted connection to the Chicago Bulls and the city’s basketball culture.
The 56,000-square-foot mansion features nine bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, a fitness facility, a regulation-sized basketball court, a theatre, and various other luxurious amenities. However, the iconic Chicago Bulls player has listed this Highland Park, Illinois mansion since 2012.
10. Barack Obama
- Full name: Barack Hussein Obama
- Date of birth: August 4, 1961
- Occupation: Former US President, author, orator
Chicago’s allure is underscored by its status as the longtime residence of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Despite their numerous post-presidential endeavours and acquisitions, their continued home ownership in Chicago reflects their enduring affection for the city, providing a retreat amidst their ongoing contributions to the nation.
Barack Obama’s house in Chicago is in the Kenwood neighbourhood, a historical area known for its stately homes and rich cultural heritage. Situated on Greenwood Avenue, the Obama family‘s residence is an elegant brick mansion with grandeur and warmth. The family lived in the house from 2005 until 2018 when Obama became the president.
11. John Cusack
- Full name: John Paul Cusack
- Date of birth: June 28, 1966
- Occupation: Actor, producer, screenwriter
John Cusack stands out among male celebrities who live in Chicago, representing not just a Hollywood actor but a hometown hero. Famed for his roles in 80s films like “16 Candles,” he maintains a residence in his hometown of Chicago, fueled by his enduring passion for the city and its beloved baseball team, the Chicago Cubs.
Despite being a Hollywood star, Cusack has always maintained a residence in Chicago. He owns a condominium on the 45th floor of a tower near North Side, which he acquired through a trust in 2005 for close to $2.9 million.
12. Hillary Clinton
- Full name: Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton
- Date of birth: October 26, 1947
- Occupation: Politician
Former Secretary of State and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton also has roots in Chicago. She was born in Chicago in 1947 and resided in the Edgewater neighbourhood until she was three. However, she is still among the celebrities with houses in Chicago, as her childhood house still exists in Chicago without occupants.
13. Chance the Rapper
- Full name: Chancelor Johnathan Bennett
- Date of birth: April 16, 1993
- Occupation: Rapper, singer, record producer, actor
Chancelor Johnathan Bennett, professionally known as Chance the Rapper, is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, and record producer. Bennett was raised in Chicago and launched his career by releasing his debut mixtape, 10 Day, in 2012. His second mixtape, Acid Rap, gained widespread recognition in 2013.
Chance the Rapper and his spouse bought a $2.3 million, 9,251-square-foot estate in Bannockburn, a suburb approximately 30 miles north of Chicago, as per reports. The Chicago-born artist and three-time Grammy awardee purchased the 5-bedroom, 7-bathroom residence with his wife on September 14, just a few blocks from their previous rental property.
14. Dansby Swanson
- Full name: James Dansby Swanson
- Date of birth: February 11, 1994
- Occupation: Baseball player
Dansby Swanson is a professional baseball player who plays as a shortstop for the Atlanta Braves in Major League Baseball (MLB). The Arizona Diamondbacks selected him as the first overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, and he was later traded to the Braves.
Swanson and their wife, Mallory Pugh, are among the celebrities who live in Chicago. According to the Chicago Tribune, the Swansons acquired the Lakeview mansion at 3618 North Greenview Avenue via a trust. This expansive residence measures 7,000 square feet and boasts five full bathrooms, two half-bathrooms, and detailed lofty ceilings.
15. Jerry Reinsdorf
- Full name: Jerry Michael Reinsdorf
- Date of birth: February 25, 1936
- Occupation: Owner of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and MLB’s Chicago White Sox.
Jerry Reinsdorf owns the Chicago Bulls, among other sports teams. He’s a prominent sports figure known for owning the Bulls and the Chicago White Sox baseball team.
Reinsdorf has been involved in sports ownership for several decades and has played a significant role in the success of both franchises. He resides in a spacious residence overlooking a Highland Park, IL golf course. The house is surrounded by lush foliage and situated within a golf community comprising similarly sized homes.
Final word
One of the most common things about celebrities living in Chicago is their flamboyant homes. The city also offers its Midwestern charm, coupled with its urban sophistication. This provides a comfortable and inviting environment for those seeking both professional success and personal fulfilment.
Tuko.co.ke recently published an interesting list of the most liberal cities in Texas to live or visit. Texas, one of the largest states in the United States, is known for its vastness and hot climate. Even though Texas might seem more conservative compared to other states, several cities have embraced a relaxed way of life.
Several cities have fully embraced more progressive and liberal values. These cities are breaking down barriers and fighting for inclusivity and equality. Some of the liberal cities featured in the post include Houston, El Paso, Dallas, Eagle Pass, San Antonio, and Laredo. Read this post to learn more.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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