Reviews & Comments
Chicago, IL
re: Chicago vs Pittsburgh vs Boston - 8/31/2014 -
7/23/2015Chicago: ease without a car depends on neighborhood. ie: It's difficult to live on the blue line and get to a red line neighborhood. Getting to the loop from most neighborhoods is easy enough. Getting anywhere from the north side to the south side is ridiculous. Cost of living is high. Everything costs -- things that may be free or next to nothing elsewhere, except for other cities. And of course, rent is high, taxes are high... It is possible to live in a relatively "safe" neighborhood, but nowhere is more than a mile from where there has been recent activity. Schools vary by neighborhood, but overall the system struggles. Several private schools to choose from. The city votes primarily democrat, but as to whether the politicians are true democrats is up for debate. The theatre scene is great, unique and thriving. Lots of museums (but they're expensive). Lots of great restaurants. Some areas are green with newly renovated play areas for children, mostly north and northwest neighborhoods. The lakefront is pretty. Nice neighborhoods for families: Roscoe Village, North Center, Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, Andersonville