Most people love Chicago – unless you happen to be from Illinois. From the hordes of people to navigating the one-way streets, it really can be a pain.
Illinoisans may complain about the city, but most have to admit there are some great things about it too.
- Sports Teams
Wikimedia Commons/Paul Cutler As much as Illinoisans like to complain about Chicago, they have to admit they’d be missing out on some really cool sports teams without it. From the Bears to the Blackhawks, Illinois has some great teams with some great fans.
- Bandwagon Sports Fans
Flickr/Tony But some of those fans may not be in it for the sport. Surely the Cubs have never had so many fans as they gained while winning the World Series after a 108-year losing streak.
- Chicago Museums
Wikimedia Commons/Ancheta Wis “The Windy City” is also home to some of the best museums in the state such as The Field Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry.
- Public Transportation
Wikimedia Commons/Tony Webster The only problem is you’ll probably have to take public transportation (unless you want to pay an arm and a leg for a taxi ride) at some point to get from one museum to the next.
- Skyline Views
Pixabay/werner22brigitte One of the best things in general about Chicago is the skyline, expertly designed to be incredibly beautiful. You’ll likely be snapping shots with your phone every step you take.
- Traffic Blues
Flickr/Ken Lund Of course, if you live too far out for public transportation to pick you up, you’ll have to drive. Within downtown, it can take 20 minutes to go just one mile down the street.
- Parking
Flickr/Daniel X. O’Neil Then you have to park that car - and maybe on the street. Street cleaning? Permit parking only? No one wants to get towed, so most end up paying a pretty penny to park in a garage.
- Weather
Wikimedia Commons/Mr Granger Of course, if the streets are covered, you’ll have to find another spot for your car. The weather is already harsh in Illinois, but combine that with narrow streets and slippery sidewalks that the city never clears, and it can make a simple storm an absolute nightmare.
- Chicago-Style Pzza
Wikimedia Commons/Eric Chan Everyone - and I mean everyone - in Illinois is tired of hearing about how much out-of-staters love deep-dish pizza. True Illinoisans know the best pies can’t be found at a Lou Malanti’s or a Girodano’s. You’ll have to dig a little deeper to find that.
- Voting Democratic
Flickr/lettawren Chicago - and Cook County in general - has so many people in it that however the city votes, the rest of us have to follow suit whether we want to or not.
- Surrounding Towns
Wikimedia Commons/HrAtsuo The worst thing about Chicago though, is that it overshadows all the other amazing towns in Illinois, such as Woodstock, and all the big and small river towns along our south and west borders.
If you enjoyed this article, check out 12 life hacks everyone in Illinois needs to know.
Wikimedia Commons/Paul Cutler
As much as Illinoisans like to complain about Chicago, they have to admit they’d be missing out on some really cool sports teams without it. From the Bears to the Blackhawks, Illinois has some great teams with some great fans.
Flickr/Tony
But some of those fans may not be in it for the sport. Surely the Cubs have never had so many fans as they gained while winning the World Series after a 108-year losing streak.
Wikimedia Commons/Ancheta Wis
“The Windy City” is also home to some of the best museums in the state such as The Field Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry.
Wikimedia Commons/Tony Webster
The only problem is you’ll probably have to take public transportation (unless you want to pay an arm and a leg for a taxi ride) at some point to get from one museum to the next.
Pixabay/werner22brigitte
One of the best things in general about Chicago is the skyline, expertly designed to be incredibly beautiful. You’ll likely be snapping shots with your phone every step you take.
Flickr/Ken Lund
Of course, if you live too far out for public transportation to pick you up, you’ll have to drive. Within downtown, it can take 20 minutes to go just one mile down the street.
Flickr/Daniel X. O’Neil
Then you have to park that car - and maybe on the street. Street cleaning? Permit parking only? No one wants to get towed, so most end up paying a pretty penny to park in a garage.
Wikimedia Commons/Mr Granger
Of course, if the streets are covered, you’ll have to find another spot for your car. The weather is already harsh in Illinois, but combine that with narrow streets and slippery sidewalks that the city never clears, and it can make a simple storm an absolute nightmare.
Wikimedia Commons/Eric Chan
Everyone - and I mean everyone - in Illinois is tired of hearing about how much out-of-staters love deep-dish pizza. True Illinoisans know the best pies can’t be found at a Lou Malanti’s or a Girodano’s. You’ll have to dig a little deeper to find that.
Flickr/lettawren
Chicago - and Cook County in general - has so many people in it that however the city votes, the rest of us have to follow suit whether we want to or not.
Wikimedia Commons/HrAtsuo
The worst thing about Chicago though, is that it overshadows all the other amazing towns in Illinois, such as Woodstock, and all the big and small river towns along our south and west borders.
How do you feel about Chicago? Share your love/hate relationship with us below!
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