I Moved From Florida To Chicago, And I Plan On Staying

DePaul University
Mon, 14 May 2018 16:55:56 +0000

Often times, I hear the question, "where are you from?" When I tell them I am from sunny south Florida, I get a variety of responses ranging from "Why did you move here?" to "Why would you come HERE?!" I often find it hilarious when people ask me these questions. Sure, living in "paradise" for most of your life, where the weather never drops below 65 in the worst of winters is nice, but Florida has its drawbacks as well. More than a few, actually.

You may have heard that the weather is great in Florida. This is true. Year round the weather is temperate, and you can pretty much wear shorts outside almost any day of the year and be completely fine. Everyone owns an outdoor pool, and outdoor barbecues and pool parties are pretty much the normal. Where is the downside to this? Florida is HUMID and HOT. Not to mention RAINY.

Most summer days in Florida are unbearably hot to the point where leaving your house to walk anywhere becomes a chore, and a car is pretty much necessary. Also, some of the rain downpours in Florida can be downright crazy, and it rains pretty damn frequently in Florida.

Another thing? The bugs. Dear god, the bugs.

Florida's temperate weather attracts a multitude of tourists each year...as well as cockroaches, spiders, mosquitos, flies, pretty much every annoying bug you can imagine goes on this list.

When you live in Florida, you pretty much have to get used to cockroaches popping out of random places of your house at random times as a regular occurrence. Even keeping your place as clean as a whistle won't save you. These bugs will find ways into your house, and you can find them anywhere. Honestly, having a heart attack after a cockroach crawls on your laptop at 2 a.m. is a one-time occurrence. (Never again, please.)

See also: 5 Things To Do In Chicago BESIDES Theater And Concerts

So whats so great about Chicago then? Sure, the weather isn't the best. Occasionally, it's pretty gloomy. But most of all it is manageable. Chicago has a certain charm to it. It's one of those places that grows on you over time. Once you get attached to the city, it's pretty hard to imagine living anywhere else. All the restaurants, people, parks, places to see. All the opportunities available to graduating college students and those willing to work hard.

To me, Chicago is a place I wouldn't mind calling home for a long time. It's a place I am glad to call home.

Yes Chicago, even with all your flaws, I still love you.