List of Pros and Cons of Living in Chicago
Moving to a new city is always a challenge, whether you are moving from close by or arriving from a completely different region of the country. Finding a city that not only provides you with a career, but also a social life is incredibly crucial. Chicago is one of our nation’s most storied cities and there are a great deal of advantages and disadvantages associated with living there. Read on to learn more about these pros and cons.
List of Pros of Living In Chicago
1. Foodies’ Paradise
One of the most common advantages that Chicago residents cite when it comes to living in their chosen city is the amazing food selection. Whether you are dying to try Chicago’s famed deep dish pizza or you would rather sample the cuisines of Italy, Greece, Ethiopia, Afghanistan and China, Chicago has the restaurant for you.
2. Exciting Nightlife
Most people who move to major cities do so with an increased nightlife expectation and to that end, Chicago does not disappoint. Division Street and Clark Street offer a large number of bars and nightclubs and for those who are less interested in drinking, there are a number of conventions and art museums to spend time in.
3. Fast Paced Sports Scene
Chicago is home to one of the nation’s most vibrant professional sporting scene. The Chicago Bulls are a perennial NBA championship contender and a six time champion. The Chicago Blackhawks are the premier NHL dynasty, with three titles in the past six years. The Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears have also won championships in recent years. Even the long suffering Cubs have their share of fans.
List of Cons of Living In Chicago
1. Gun Violence
Chicago’s long standing issues with gun related violence have recently escalated and the city has received unwanted national attention due to its rash of violence and has been dubbed “Chiraq an unflattering nickname that causes a great deal of consternation among the local population.
2. Cold Weather
On the whole, Chicago has excellent weather, once you take the beauty of the fall and summer seasons into account. However, residents must endure a very long, harsh winter in order to make it to these more palatable seasons. If you are moving from a warm weather area, Chicago can certainly take a lot of getting used to.
3. Increased Living Costs
While the Midwest region is typically known for its low cost of living, this does not apply to Chicago, as it is one of the most expensive cities in America. When the prices of Chicago real estate or apartment rental are compared to other cities in the region, the prices are significantly higher. Housing demand in Chicago is on the rise, which will only cause prices to skyrocket.