There really is no city like Chicago, and Chicago will always be home regardless where I end up down the line. It took leaving Chicago for a period of time to realize just how amazing us Chicagoans have it.
Everything is easily accessible by foot, public transportation, or car
Need to go grab milk real quick – no biggie, go to the CVS a block away, or the Jewel or Mariano’s a mile away. Want to go downtown for a bite, but don't want to pay for parking? Take the L.
There really is always something happening in Chicago - bringing in crowds of people.
Lollapalooza, Riot Fest, NFL Draft, Taste of Chicago, or even just Movies in the Park, only a few of the many events around Chicago
There is an abundance of professional sports teams to keep us Chicagoans entertained all year round.
Each team may not be a winning one, but each team does have an abundance of die-hard fans
The city has so much to offer and explore – making being a tourist in your own city a must every once in awhile.
Even just going downtown for the night to grab dinner at Harray Caray’s and walking along the river calls for the perfect night out.
Going to a high school with nearly 3000+ students.
Walking in crowded spaces has never been easier since my time at my high school with nearly 3200 students.
Our alleys are filled with some of the best memories.
I guarantee you if you’re from Chicago, you have definitely experienced late nights running up and down an alley, playing games with the neighborhood kids, or if not, at least some type of gathering involving tables and chairs set up in the garage with the garage door up.
Living in an expensive city makes traveling or moving somewhere else seem cheap.
Gas in Chicago a few years ago was ranked the highest in the nation. Going shopping, whether it be for clothes or food, always includes some ridiculous tax. Everyone from the city at one point or another has driven at least 45 minutes to leave the city to get gas, buy cigarettes, or anything else that may be untaxed in a surrounding suburb.
Everyone who doesn’t live in the city – pretends they do.
No, living in Highland Park does not qualify for living in Chicago. Until you pay Chicago taxes, live right off of an L line, hold a ‘606’ zip code, or can name 10 neighborhoods (not including West Loop, Wicker Park, or Logan Square), you are not from Chicago.
All those beloved old time movies have some connection to Chicago.
Grease (1978), When Harry Met Sally When Harry Met Sally (1989), Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), While You Were Sleeping (1995), Risky Business (1983), and many, many, many old-time favorites.
Chicago has by far one of the best skylines in the world.
Just look at that beaut.
The food of Chicago is truly the best food in the nation.
Chicago
Style hot dogs, deep dish pizza, and Italian beefs are only a few of the many delicious foods signature to Chicago.
Experience all different cultures throughout city.
Growing up in the city meant being introduced to a wide variety of cultures at a young age, whether it be through classmates or just playing at the park. Everyone was coming from a different culture.
Having not only one, but two major airports
Having two airports right at your fingertips makes quick getaways a very realistic idea.
