Mystical Angels

What is it that people like about Chicago so much?

Don't get me wrong. I think Chicago is an nice city, but I've traveled a lot and I think some of the cities in Florida were more exciting and home-like to me. I think Chicago has some great things to see and do like the museums, restaurants, zoos, etc. But what really sets Chicago apart from the other cities? In my opinion it would have to be the food because most of the other things like shopping and museums can be seen in other cities as well. Maybe I have a different view because I've seen many of the negatives of Chicago like segregation, extremely competitive job market, constant shut-down of Chicago-based retailers, poor housing, and cold weather! Maybe it's because I've always been from around here but, I just don't understand why people are always saying it's like the greatest city out there. People act as though it's just some amazing mystical place that everyone want to move to. Why?

Public Comments

1. I could say the same things about New York.
2. I think it's the combination of the walkability of cities like San Francisco, Boston, and New York - with lots of interesting shops and restaurants all close together - and the relative ability to drive, with some sprawl outside downtown. You can drive, and you can walk. In Phoenix, you can pretty much only drive. In New York, you can pretty much only walk. In Chicago, you can do both. Same with the architecture. It's not just city, like New York, and it's not just water, like Miami. It's both. Sure, Chicago *is* segregated, competitive, has trouble with local-based economy, and is freezing in the winter. But it's also one of America's most livable big cities.
3. Bears,Hot dogs... there are so many things
4. some one that made caroline fall in love is in chicago. from me in the philippines
5. I like the fact that you get big city amenities without having to live in a shoebox. The city is big enough where you'll never be bored, but small enough where it's easy to get around. I'm originally from the east coast and I've lived in New York. I prefer the lifestyle you can have here in Chicago. There's always something to do in one of the many neighborhoods and each neighborhood has its own flavor. I like that we're right on the lake -- although you couldn't pay me to get in the water -- and how it's not so crowded that you feel like people are on top of you every single second of the day. Yeah, the city is segregated. But there are neighborhoods that are more diverse than others. Overall, I think it's a great place to live considering there's so much to do from a cultural, dining and entertainment perspective, but the cost of living is still reasonable.
6. I'd have to agree with you. I've lived here my whole life, and I don't like it much. besides the food, theres nothing special.