If you’re looking to move, newly arrived, or just visiting Chicago, you might be looking to learn more about what it is about this city that so many of its residents love so much. There are incredible tourist attractions all over the city, but the real magic of Chicago is more than just a segway ride along the lakefront or a trip up to the top of the Willis Tower. This jewel of the Midwest remains a favorite city for millions, and somehow, despite being one of the most famous cities in the United States, it’s still underrated, especially when people compare it with other urban hubs like New York or Los Angeles. If you’re looking to learn more, let’s go over seven reasons to fall in love with Chicago.
1. Chicago has an urban environment, with some suburban charm.
Plenty of Chicagoans love to spend the weekend in one of our beautiful parks or walking by the lake. There’s nothing better than relaxing and having a picnic with your friends when the winter ends. Chicago recently legalized recreational marijuana, which is a fun way to chill. If you’re not interested in getting high, CBD can make a nice addition to a low-key afternoon in Millennium Park.
Not only does CBD not contain THC (which produces the psychoactive high that weed is known for), users also self-report that it helps with anxiety, pain relief, and insomnia. While medical studies are still ongoing, there’s plenty of reason for hope. TryPlainJane is one of the leaders in CBD products and offers everything from hemp joints to CBD oil, gummies, or balms.
Another thing East Coasters often say is that Chicago feels like an East Coast city, but it’s clean and friendly. The Midwestern attitude isn’t just a stereotype, it’s true that small talk and going the extra mile for a stranger are a fundamental part of the character of the city.
2. The city is active, pet-friendly, and perfect for those love the outdoors.
If you’re an active person and like having plenty to explore, Chicago might be perfect for you. Between all of the beautiful parks, the beaches, and the trails to jog on along the waterfront, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy nature and exercise, even in the middle of a big city. If you’re a pet lover, you won’t be able to walk down the street when the weather is nice without seeing someone walking their dog or playing in the park.
For those who like to live somewhere with outdoor space, there are plenty of Chicago townhouses that offer front and backyard space. If you want a little more room, the suburbs and cities in Illinois offer plenty of beautiful lawn space. Pet owners who let their furry friends roam in the backyard might want to plan for cleanup and use a company like this pet waste removal Naperville IL. Leaving pet waste around is unsightly, can damage your yard, and could create sanitary and safety issues, especially if you have small children. Chicago is the perfect pet city, just remember to clean up after yours or hire a dog waste removal team to do it for you.
3. You’ll be surprised by how good the food is.
Chicago isn’t talked about enough as a great food city, but the variety and quality stack up against anywhere else in the country. From Chinatown to Ukrainian Village to Pilsen (where in the 1980s, 95% of the population had some type of Mexican descent), if you’re looking for delicious and diverse food, Chicago has you covered. While the deep dish pizza gets a lot of attention across the country, most Chicagoans dine on some of the best food in the country from a variety of countries and traditions. It’s definitely worth it to try the city’s famous dish, but you’re doing yourself a disservice if you come to the Windy City and only focus on the pizza. Pick a neighborhood and sample the local cuisine, you won’t regret it.
4. For sports fans, Chicago has plenty of big game action.
Chicago is consistently ranked as one of the best sports cities in America, and is one of just four U.S. cities that can boast a team in each of the 5 most popular American professional sports. If you like football, basketball, soccer, baseball, or hockey, there’s a team that you can go see in Chicago. If you’re a baseball fan specifically, you’re in luck, because you have two of the most exciting franchises in the sport to choose from. Be careful though, the divisions between the North and South sides run deep, and once you’ve decided who you’re with, there’s no going back. No matter whether you root for the Cubs or the White Sox though, we can all come together and cheer for the rest of Chicago’s teams.
5. Chicago has a great sense of style.
People talk about New York as the fashion capital of the United States, but Chicago has a vibe all its own. One thing you absolutely need if you’re going to live in Chicago is a perfect pair of boots. Whether you’re into something edgier like a combat boot or you want something sensible and stylish wide calf over the knee boots, you’ll definitely want to pick up a pair you love before you hit the street. You probably already know what to expect from a Chicago winter, and that means you’ll be bundled up most of the time. If you’re not used to layers or cold weather, it might be time to pick up some winter fashion accessories like a scarf or a warm hat. A warm, comfortable pair of knee boots and a heavy coat will be your best friends when the temperatures start to drop.
6. Chi-town’s architecture is unmatched.
Walking around downtown Chicago, sometimes it’s incredible just to look at all the buildings in all of their varying styles. If you’re a really big architecture fan, Frank Lloyd Wright is obviously the most famous name in Chicago. Whether you’re visiting or a resident, the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture tour is one of the best attractions in the city, and it’s worth every minute. While you might not think architecture could contribute so much to a city’s environment, what you see when you walk around every day plays a huge role in how you feel there.
7. There really is something for everyone.
The most amazing thing about Chicago, ultimately, is the diversity of the city and how much there is to do and experience. The comedy scene is legendary, there are dozens of theatre companies putting on renowned and award-winning productions, some of the best sports teams in the country play there. If you like the beach, the summer will give you perfect weather for tanning, lounging, and taking a dip in the lake. Winter lovers will have plenty to enjoy with snow, ice rinks, and chilly weather that can sometimes last a little longer than you want it to. There are jobs in almost every industry, enough activities to do something new every day of the year, and it’s hard to go a day without seeing something that makes you remember why the city is so beautiful.
If you’re planning a move to Chicago, you won’t regret making the Windy City your new home. Having less space in your apartment might be an adjustment if you’re not used to city life, but it’s easy to find high-quality storage units in Chicago for all your extra belongings that you’re not ready to throw out just yet. There are plenty of storage units around, and many storage facilities have easy access and climate control, so your belongings won’t be out of reach. If you’re just visiting, for now, you might just find that your stay becomes a little more permanent after you’ve experienced all Chicago has to offer and a storage unit can be a great way to ease the transition to your new home.
When you ask ten people what’s so wonderful about Chicago, you’re likely to get ten different answers, and that’s part of what makes the city so incredible. Between the delicious food, top-notch museums, and the beautiful environment, it’s hard to deny that Chicago is truly one of America’s greatest cities. Ultimately, Chicago has so much to offer that it’s almost impossible not to find something that you’ll fall in love with.
