Chicago, IL is a bustling city known for its vibrant culture and iconic attractions. It’s home to world-class theatre productions, award-winning restaurants, and numerous festivals throughout the year. With so many activities to enjoy, it’s no wonder that Chicago is often praised by visitors for being one of the most exciting cities around. From its array of museums and galleries to its lively nightlife scene, there’s something for everyone in this enthralling metropolis. People come here seeking adventure as well as leisurely days spent lounging on Lake Michigan or exploring its miles of walking trails. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, you can be sure that you will find plenty to do in Chicago.
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Lived here for 25 years, thinking about moving awa - 3/18/2006
I am a native of the northeastern United States who has lived in Chicago for 25 years. There is a lot I like about this city, but much I do not care for as well. I am 50 and as I approach retirement I am beginning to think a change of scene would help. Here are some comments. As I am gay, one has to do with the gay community here, so straight folks can ignore that one. Also, I can't really speak to jobs, as I am not looking to change at the moment. One further comment: The high murder rate here should be disregarded if you are not a young African-American/Hispanic male. For the rest of the population, murder and general crime is about average.
Pluses
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Lots to see and do in the city, especially in summer.
Great restaurants with lots of food at prices more moderate than elsewhere
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (greatest in the country).
More pro sports teams (if you like that) than almost any other town.
Ability to fly to
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Culture and Cuisine - 3/6/2006
If you are looking for a city loaded with things to do, Chicago is the place. Whether you are seeking live music, clubs, films, theater, fine and/or ethnic dining, you will find it in Chicago. Also in the spring, summer and autumn you will find a plethora of neighborhood and city festivals each and every weekend. There are many world class museums, a beautiful and vibrant lakefront, plus many lush city parks. There are great places to shop, and neighborhoods loaded with charactor to people watch. Chicago is also home to some of the country's most significant architecture. If you are seeking a stimulating environment, you should consider
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most corrupt city ever - 1/7/2006
even the feds have given up enforcing the law here. mayor does whatever he wants, so do the theiving, murdering, gang-banging drug dealers. Chicago is The major distribution hub for all major criminal enterprises i.e drugs, gambling, and prostitution...Why is it still so attractive? Well managed charade AND... the self-serving and affluent, the influential, the wealthy, continue to revel in oblivion so long as the you-know-who's of every urban center of america, the plague-people of every major city, are
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Education and Crime - 9/29/2005
As far as the previous comment on Chicago not being smart. I think it simply takes a "smart" person to figure out where the smart people are. I went to the University of Chicago and spent several years living in Hyde Park. Nearly all of my friends were PhD students or PhDs. Your typical undergraduate has the intellectual capacity of a graduate student. It's all about knowing where to be. And considering the vast array of cultural institutions and organizations, it's just a matter of getting yourself out the door to meet interesting people at museums, galleries, talks, whatever. Chicago has a world-class Humanities Festival, numerous music and film festivals, the top art school in America, Art Institute of Chicago, etc. The list goes on and on.
Public education is horrible, but that's a whole other issue... most people go to the suburbs for good public schools.
Same with crime. I don't care what the statistics say. You have to be smart living in
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Chicago is Wonderful - 9/28/2005
Moved to Iowa after living in downtown Chicago (the Gold Coast) And I can say I have loved Chicago as both the single person and the married person. I have lived in the western suburbs as well. By far, the Gold Coast was the best. Gang infested is incorrect and the statistics are incorrect to LA. LA is by far the worst for crime, behind Detroit. While I am not oblivious to the crime there, we lived three blocks away from the dividing line of Cabrini Green and nothing happened to us or our friends. You know when you live in Chicago where to go and not go. You wise up and become "urbane". I cannot express how much Chicago is missed. The diversity, the Mag Mile, the lake, the views, the culture, the theater and the restaurants. You will never get better food than there. Or people....if they don't like you, they leave you alone, they don't nose around your business, ask pesky questions every time you see them or gossip about you,,,they are too busy and to "city-fied." If they like you,
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Check the crime stats! - 9/26/2005
Chicago is gang infested! There is more gang violence in Chicago than in Los Angeles, CA. Please look at the number of homicides in this city before you decide to move there. I believe that in 2001 and 2004 Chicago led the nation in murders. (Because of its great size this does not make it the murder capitol percentage wise.)
Los Angeles has Blood and Crypt gangs and a few independent gangs. Chicago has People, Folk, and independent gangs. There is well over 40 different street gangs in Chicago and they are very
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Lots of Things to Do, But Expensive and Overcrowde - 9/16/2005
First, I'll start with the POSTIVES:
Lots and lots of great restaurants and bars. Lots of playhouses, museums, and concert venues. Plenty of places to shop. If you are a "metrosexual" then Chicago is the place for you. Crime is not a big problem....Chicago is a lot safer than you might think. Very diverse.
Here's the NEGATIVES:
Chicago is very expensive. The average home cost on this website is not accurate. I would say the starting price for a house in a decent neighborhood is $500,000. At least $250,000 for a condo in a decent neighborhood. There is a severe shortage of parking, especially downtown and anywhere near the lake. Traffic congestion is awful. Getting around this city is a real pain. If you like things to be convenient, Chicago is not the place for you. Summers are nice, but winter is long and cold.
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