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re: For those of you who live or have lived in Chicago, what's so great about it?
Posted on 1/20/26 at 8:36 am to StringedInstruments
Posted on 1/20/26 at 8:36 am to StringedInstruments
quote:
What's so great about it? What about its identity is original to it where someone who lives in Chicago associates it with a particular personality?
quote:
New York has its rich history and own identity. New Orleans does. Los Angeles.
You're saying Chicago doesn't? I would argue it has much more soul than Los Angeles. Its identity is as a tough, gritty blue collar sports-centric city with great food and architecture.
0
Posted on 1/20/26 at 9:04 am to LSUChicageaux
quote:
Great food everywhere... Incredible architecture... Fantastic museums...a great place to be young-ish with some income. I enjoyed being able to walk anywhere and everywhere,
Chicago winters make you appreciate Louisiana summers, and lush green foliage in general... I only had brushes with crime a few times... As soon as a baby came into the picture it became far less charming.
Seems fair to say you had your share of peaks... and troughs.
Posted on 1/20/26 at 9:55 am to StringedInstruments
It’s a real beach dammit!
Posted on 1/20/26 at 10:09 am to Big Fat Guy
quote:I lived in West Town/Wicker Park for a decade. I’ve lived 1 mile outside city limits (next to the freaking Austin hood) for the past 6 years.
Every Chicagoan I know has a story of dealing with the crime there.
I’ve never experienced or observed any violent crime. Sure, you read about stuff in the news, and maybe my time is still yet to come, but it’s not something people in the right areas deal with on a consistent basis, or ever.
Posted on 1/20/26 at 10:09 am to Sterling Archer
quote:
I hated the crime there.
That right there is why I would never live in any city with high crime no matter high great the city is.
Where I live, it’s no big deal at all if I forgot to lock the doors at night.
Posted on 1/20/26 at 10:10 am to ned nederlander
I had never been until a few years back and now I go almost annually since it has become my favorite city in the U.S. (during the warmer months).
I had a preconceived perception of an old rust-belt, crime ridden city and while that certainly applies for certain areas in the south side, the main city hub and northern areas are amazing. It gives a cleaner, nicer NYC vibe with Miami mixed in with all the lakefront options.
Completely blew me away the first time I visited and I love River North, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, Wrigleyville, etc.
It has so many cool neighborhoods with different vibes and the city really shines in the summer/fall months.
If I could live there from May-Halloween and then live in the South during the winter months/early spring, I'd do that in a heartbeat.
I had a preconceived perception of an old rust-belt, crime ridden city and while that certainly applies for certain areas in the south side, the main city hub and northern areas are amazing. It gives a cleaner, nicer NYC vibe with Miami mixed in with all the lakefront options.
Completely blew me away the first time I visited and I love River North, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, Wrigleyville, etc.
It has so many cool neighborhoods with different vibes and the city really shines in the summer/fall months.
If I could live there from May-Halloween and then live in the South during the winter months/early spring, I'd do that in a heartbeat.
This post was edited on 1/20/26 at 10:28 am
Posted on 1/20/26 at 10:12 am to StringedInstruments
They put green dye in the river for St. patty's day?
And Shameless is set there.
And Shameless is set there.
Posted on 1/20/26 at 10:18 am to StringedInstruments
The public transportation is the best in any city I've been in, including NYC, San Francisco, major European cities, etc. The El and the bus system are widely available, consistent, and safe, meaning you don't have to fight traffic and parking to enjoy any of the city's amenities.
Far too cold for far too long to live there personally, but I love visiting.
Far too cold for far too long to live there personally, but I love visiting.
Posted on 1/20/26 at 10:23 am to Big Fat Guy
quote:
Deadlier in quote marks like it's not true. Chicago and New Orleans are two of the deadliest cities in the country. Not even up for debate. My goodness!
Emphasizing the irony w/dat quote, sir.
Pernt, oversized fear may (will) hurt you more (over a lifetime of running from things).
Crime is bad in New Orleans, even heinous at times. Lived and worked in Nola for many years and never was a victim of any crime (unless potholes count! Kidding). Not just lucky. Much of that is relationship crime. Not all. Knowledge and expereince of city is always important but strongly believe oversized fear will hurt you more.
Not suggesting it is paradise and not riddled in problems. Am suggesting that the greatness of the city and crime problems co-exist. I exist. One does not preclude the other. And, life is short!
The trade off of running your life in fear is far greater than said fear, at least for me that is the case.
Would be far more threatening to my life to miss a Parasol's roast beef poboy, a cold beer at Uptown Bar, Bachanal experyience in Bywater, Muses or Thoth parades, Liuzzas after Jazz Fest, etc. Same for Wrigleyville, Billy Goat's Tavern, or Randolph festival in Chicago.
Respect that these are big cities with big city issues and be situationally aware. Then, go enjoy the chit out of life! If I meet you there, I will buy you a beer (either city).
Posted on 1/20/26 at 10:33 am to StringedInstruments
All four professional sports. Two baseball teams. One of the most beloved venues in all the world (Wrigley). There is a compelling sporting event almost every week of the year.
World-class cuisine, both authentic ethnic fare and numerous Michelin-starred restaurants.
World-class museums, including the Art Institute and the Field Museum.
Birthplace of the skyscraper and one of the true architectural gems in the world. Architectural cruises along the river showcase the most prominent landmarks.
During the summer, beaches and a panoramic, publicly accessible lakefront for running, biking, lounging, playing, dogs, and swimming. A river corridor lined with walkways and bars.
Endless street festivals.
Some of the highest rated hotels in the world.
Good public transportation.
A wondrous array of walkable neighborhoods with bars, restaurants, and local businesses on nearly every corner.
Home to many high-paying jobs in the financial, legal, and tech sectors.
Two universities generally considered among the top ten in the nation and the top twenty five in the world.
Cultural institutions such as the Lyric Opera and Joffrey Ballet.
Luxury designer shopping outlets, if you are into such things.
An airport with non-stop flights to destinations around the world (virtually every major European city, Tokyo, South Korea, South America, and so on).
I could go on, but Chicago has many allures. Don't get me wrong, the leftist city and state governments are doing their damndest to drive the city into ruin and oblivion, but Chicago remains a great metropolis.
World-class cuisine, both authentic ethnic fare and numerous Michelin-starred restaurants.
World-class museums, including the Art Institute and the Field Museum.
Birthplace of the skyscraper and one of the true architectural gems in the world. Architectural cruises along the river showcase the most prominent landmarks.
During the summer, beaches and a panoramic, publicly accessible lakefront for running, biking, lounging, playing, dogs, and swimming. A river corridor lined with walkways and bars.
Endless street festivals.
Some of the highest rated hotels in the world.
Good public transportation.
A wondrous array of walkable neighborhoods with bars, restaurants, and local businesses on nearly every corner.
Home to many high-paying jobs in the financial, legal, and tech sectors.
Two universities generally considered among the top ten in the nation and the top twenty five in the world.
Cultural institutions such as the Lyric Opera and Joffrey Ballet.
Luxury designer shopping outlets, if you are into such things.
An airport with non-stop flights to destinations around the world (virtually every major European city, Tokyo, South Korea, South America, and so on).
I could go on, but Chicago has many allures. Don't get me wrong, the leftist city and state governments are doing their damndest to drive the city into ruin and oblivion, but Chicago remains a great metropolis.
This post was edited on 1/20/26 at 10:42 am
Posted on 1/20/26 at 10:52 am to StringedInstruments
I thought it was meh, definitely better than what a lot of poliboard types make it out to be but very average IMO. Crime wise, it's easier to avoid certain parts of the Soutside and it's pretty safe outside of that zone. Ive had my car broken into in "safe" neighborhoods in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. I see the appeal though. Good job opportunities, decent food, entertainment, and the lakefront is nice for 6 months out the year. Im way too warm natured to pack up bags and move there.
This post was edited on 1/20/26 at 10:57 am
Posted on 1/20/26 at 10:57 am to StringedInstruments
quote:
What's so great about it? What about its identity is original to it where someone who lives in Chicago associates it with a particular personality?
The architecture alone really sets Chicago apart from other major cities. The skyline is gorgeous. Especially the prominent Art Deco, Frank Lloyd Wright ties, etc. Then you have the natural environment of sitting on Lake Michigan.
It also has wonderful food, diverse neighborhoods, and a fantastic art scene.
I feel like anyone who says Chicago doesn't have personality has never been. It's definitely unique from New York and LA.
Posted on 1/20/26 at 11:09 am to danilo
quote:
Zero employment opportunities or anything to do. City with 2.7M people and area with 9.4M people have no jobs. Everyone is on EBT and stares at the wall all da
This looks like some boomer Facebook post by someone who has never left their small town.
Chicagoland has a higher per capita income and more Fortune 500 companies than anywhere in the South. Unemployment rate is at national average. Illinois also has a smaller precentage of its residents on EBT than places like Louisiana, Mississippi, ir Alabama. Touch grass, dude.
This post was edited on 1/20/26 at 11:13 am
Posted on 1/20/26 at 11:12 am to Defenseiskey
quote:
Crime wise, it's easier to avoid certain parts of the Soutside and it's pretty safe outside of that zone.
The West Side is even worse than the South side.
What's weird is that there's an artery of nice/decent neighborhoods in between those two hellholes.
Posted on 1/20/26 at 11:13 am to StringedInstruments
great neighborhoods, excellent food, the transportation is good mostly, and quite dangerous depending where you are. But I loved being able to take the L or the metra around.
Easy access to midway from where I lived. And the apartments I lived in on 55th street were set up in a way to foster community, there were common areas and all the neighbors knew each other it was nice.
Easy access to midway from where I lived. And the apartments I lived in on 55th street were set up in a way to foster community, there were common areas and all the neighbors knew each other it was nice.
Posted on 1/20/26 at 11:14 am to ATLTiger7
quote:
If I could live there from May-Halloween and then live in the South during the winter months/early spring, I'd do that in a heartbeat.
This is the way. Lot of people do and I would love to be one of them one day. For a golfer, living in Chicagoland area during the warm months and like Naples or Scottsdate or somewhere during the winter would be pretty much as good as it gets. I'd love to have a place in Chi and a place in New Orleans in retirement and just enjoy life. What a great life that would be.
Posted on 1/20/26 at 11:24 am to StringedInstruments
I visited for first time few years ago not expecting much but found the downtown very walkable and clean. The river and lakefront is very nice.
This post was edited on 1/20/26 at 12:21 pm
Posted on 1/20/26 at 11:28 am to AUFANATL
quote:
What's weird is that there's an artery of nice/decent neighborhoods in between those two hellholes.
There's a few pockets out there on the Soutside and Westside that have done a good job of maintaining cleanliness and order. I attribute that to a lot of the Eastern European groups that moved there. It seems like Poles, Croats, Czechs, and others would rather keep their original enclaves orderly than abandon them for the suburbs. I've never lived there but worked in that area quite a bit when I worked for a telecom contractor.
Posted on 1/20/26 at 11:29 am to Defenseiskey
quote:
This looks like some boomer Facebook post by someone who has never left their small town.
Almost like it is totally ridiculous and only a moron would think it is true, huh?
Bunkie > Naperville!
quote:
Chicagoland has a higher per capita income and more Fortune 500 companies than anywhere in the South. Unemployment rate is at national average. Illinois also has a smaller precentage of its residents on EBT than places like Louisiana, Mississippi, ir Alabama. Touch grass, dude.
No shite Sherlock. All those skyscrapers are filled with people making money?!?! I can’t fricking believe it!!!!!!!
This post was edited on 1/20/26 at 11:43 am
Posted on 1/20/26 at 11:31 am to T1gerNate
quote:
This is the way.
Bull’s eye!
Just retired. Although not a golfer, plan is Nola from Oct thru Jazz Fest.
May thru Sept (places that will not melt you) rotating Colorado, Chicago, Carolinas)…the lease part of plan.
Agree
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