Commercial
Your Gateway to the U.S. Market
Chicagoland is one of the most strategic locations for international commercial investment in the United States. As a globally connected region with a stable, diversified economy, world-class infrastructure, and competitive operating costs, it offers a powerful platform for expansion into the North American market.
Globally Connected. Strategically Located.
- O’Hare International Airport is among the world’s busiest and most connected, with nonstop service to over 60 international destinations
- Centrally located in the U.S.—reach 70% of the U.S. population within a two-day drive
- Major logistics hub with access to six Class I railroads, the nation’s largest inland port (CenterPoint Intermodal), and an extensive interstate highway network
- Home to international consulates, trade offices, and active global business chambers
Economic Strength with Global Appeal
- 3rd-largest metro economy in the U.S., and among the top 20 global economies
- Contributes over $835 billion USD annually to U.S. GDP
- A base for 35+ Fortune 500 companies and hundreds of multinational corporations
- International companies from Europe, Asia, and Latin America have long invested in the region due to its favorable business climate
Diverse Industry Base for Stable Returns
Chicagoland is the most economically diverse metro area in the U.S., offering resilience and long-term growth potential:
- #1 U.S. manufacturing hub by diversity of production—from machinery and automotive parts to pharmaceuticals and food products
- A growing center for technology, life sciences, AI, and clean energy
- Strong base in logistics, finance, healthcare, and professional services
- Major R&D presence through institutions like Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, and university research centers
Commercial Real Estate Advantages
- More affordable and available commercial space than major coastal metros like New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles
- Demand across asset classes: industrial, office, data centers, life sciences, logistics, and mixed-use developments
- Ongoing investments in infrastructure, transit-oriented development, and business parks across the region
Access to Talent & Innovation
- Home to world-renowned universities: University of Chicago, Northwestern, University of Illinois
- Skilled, multilingual workforce—over 4.6 million in the metro area
- Illinois ranked among the top 5 U.S. states for certified H-1B positions, making it a magnet for global talent
Partner with Experts Who Know the Region
Mainstreet REALTORS® specialize in helping international investors navigate Chicagoland’s commercial market. From site selection to local market insights, our professionals provide strategic guidance every step of the way.
Start your investment journey in one of the world’s most dynamic and globally connected real estate markets—Chicagoland.