Pros and Cons of living in Chicago
- Elisabeth Caraballo
- Jan 7, 2020
- 3 min read
Chicago is known as one of the most magical cities to live in and is even more magical in winter. There is tons to do in every season, whether indoors or outdoors. There are so many pros and a few cons to living in Chicago. You will probably want to know what they are before moving there.
Pros of living in Chicago
You will have no trouble moving around – more often than not you can walk to your destination when you live in Chicago. There are just a few places where gang related activities and crime make it unwise to travel by foot. You can access almost any place from the downtown region of the inner city. It is home to the second largest transportation system in the United States and offers so many bus and rail options that you may find it unnecessary to even own a car. Check this website for different ways you can get around the city.
Chicago rests on the shores of Lake Michigan – this lake is one of the largest of its type in the world. When the weather permits, you can even take a walk along the outskirts of the lake to cool down. There are plenty of festivals, barbecues and parties happening throughout the year so there is always something to do.
Sports Culture is one of its kind –The sports culture in Chicago is said to be one of a kind. It has been known as the Best Sports City in the United States three times by the Sporting News.
Chicago is the Midwestern hub for US culture – even if you spend weeks touring and visiting museums, you will likely not see the same exhibit twice. There are so many different places to see, compared with other urban centres. Some examples are the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, and the interactive Museum of Science and Industry. You also have the option of the Alder Planetarium, the Chicago History Museum and the Shedd Aquarium.
The food in Chicago is amazing – one of the first things to try once you start living in Chicago is the world famous Chicago hot dog. You can even choose between butter crust pizzas, Chicago style popcorn and Polish sausage dishes.
There are many shopping opportunities – The city has so much style, and many people find the Miracle Mile to be a great destination for shopping. Michigan Avenue offers so many great restaurants and malls, with many boutique stores where you will find branded items and luxury goods.
Stores are opened longer – in Chicago, not just the bars are opened late. Everything is opened at an hour that most cities shut down for the day. You will find a grocery store conveniently opened at 3am if you need something. There are also many restaurants opened at that hour to serve you a tasty hot meal.
Cons of Living in Chicago
You may find the traffic quite challenging – the city has four mainline and four auxiliary highways that run through it. If you are driving on the Dan Ryan or the Kennedy at rush hour you can expect to be stuck in standstill traffic for a while. You will need to plan ahead and leave home an hour or two early if you need to be somewhere at a particular time. It is estimated that drivers in the city lose 138 hours of productive time a week due to traffic congestion.
The city’s weather takes some adjusting – Chicago is known as the Windy City. The breeze can be brutal at times and you will experience Midwestern seasons by living here. It is also not unusual for the city’s temperatures to reach below zero. Although it does take lots of getting used to, the locals aren’t deterred by the weather.
Parking is challenging – much like the traffic, the parking is just as challenging. If you live or work in the city, it can be quite daunting finding parking. It is almost impossible to find a parking spot.
You are defined by your neighbourhood – in Chicago you are defined by where you live. Each offers a unique culture, set of attractions and personality so be sure to find one that suits you.
Moving to Chicago is a great adventure, embrace it and make sure you learn as much about the city as you can, this will ensure that you have the best time and make the most of your stay there.
