Chicago, IL

Terrible place to even visit, unless you're going to Six Flags Great America. Everywhere east of Illinois Route 50/Cicero Avenue, from Lawrence Avenue all the way south to well past Governors State University, is all one huge endless bad neighborhood. It gets over a hundred times more dangerous east of Kedzie Avenue. Between Cicero Avenue and Kedzie, it's mostly gangs, such as the Latin Kings, Gangster Disciples, and such. But east of Kedzie is the vicious, lethal flash mobs, ruthless cop killers, armed with stolen assault weapons and more dangerous than the MS-13. Downtown Chicago is nothing but constant drive-by shootings and robberies, including on the CTA. The flash mobs commit their heinous crimes in broad daylight. They're cop killers. Millennium Park sees nothing but shootings, homicides, and armed robberies including in broad daylight. Chicago's beaches, museums, and tourist attractions, including all of Michigan Avenue (yes, including the so-called magnificent mile) a... Read more

Hey Onyou/Ghostbusters, what happened to all your sock accounts? LOL! Now I've got to get the moderators to get rid of his QWEDC, ZXCVD, CDERT, and FDQSH multiple accounts. So Onyou (Ghostbusters) deleted his Yelp account, where he used his real name (Onyou H), but you can still see the cached version online! LOL! Effing loser! I love how everyone remembers his Yelp review about 5 Guys that I directed them to! I guess Onyou thought that if he stopped trolling for a few months everyone would forget! LMAO!!!

Not even a city at all. Just a small downtown area containing a few boring stores and restaurants, a lakefront, and a few gleaming skyscrapers. All of which is closely surrounded on all sides by many miles of endless ghetto! Update; The Downtown area is no longer safe as terror mobs have completely infiltrated the downtown area and the entire corridor between North Sheridan Road and the lakefront, shooting, murdering, beating senseless, and then robbing innocent people left and right. No longer is there any such thing as "safety" in Downtown Chicago, as well as anywhere at all within the entire area of Cook County east of Austin Boulevard between the Cook/Lake County border and Ogden Avenue, and east of Cicero Avenue between Ogden Avenue and the Cook/Will county border. All of that entire area is officially a Gangster's Paradise! It is mile after violent mile of endless ghetto! To make matters worse, news reports indicate that the largest and most dangerous street gang in Cook... Read more

Chicago is a toddling town, and the police will beat you within an inchof your miserable life the next time some blonde haired, dread-lock wearing loser takes a wrong turn from a lost Grateful Dead concert and pretends he/she cares about world peace. Get a job, raise a family. Be frickin' normal. Contribute. A toddling town. Chicago, the city that works (you over) City of broad shoulders. Hog butcher to the World. The Second City. The Windy City Chi-Town ''Chicagoland', the world's greatest amusement park. Sweet Home Chicago My Kind of Town, Chicago is...

Guys who are either looking for a girlfriend or like to mingle with women; Don't try to approach or interact with Chicagoland women! Chicagoland women are the type that only look for money when looking for a man, and they mean, seriously, absolutely no less than 6 figures a year. For the vast majority of them, it appears even physical beauty and a loving, caring heart come dead last on the list of especially the vast majority of women who live in Chicago's collar county area (DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane, McHenry counties), and money comes first. The majority of Chicagoland women also carry a total zero tolerance policy towards guys with glasses and even contact lenses; they want only men with 20/20 or better vision, and another majority of those will never take a man who even has 20/21 vision! And in fact, the only Chicagoland women who just might take a man with glasses and/or a 4 or 5 figure annual income are the morbidly obese (300 and 400+ pounds) women. So fortunately, there m... Read more

As if the social desert, the brutal winters, and massive corruption weren't enough, now there is a new issue at hand. Flash mob gangs and gangsters, terrorizing the whole Metro area like Adolf Hitler's Gestapo. In just the past few months, the Flash Mobs have rocketed the city's danger level through the roof. Flash Mob members are cop killers, robbers, and terrorists. They open fire on buses, trains, cars, even the expressway is no longer safe, and you are no longer any safer on a CTA bus or even an elevated or subway CTA train than you are on foot or in your car as those flash mobs carry AK-47 and HK-91 type assault rifles, and have allready fired on numerous trains and buses, blowing marble to golf ball sized holes in floors and lower walls of elevated trains, making swiss cheese out of city buses and ground level/subway trains, knocking out entire windows, destroying entire electrical and gas systems in trains and buses, causing them to stall and sit there as a smoking wreck. ki... Read more

Great city, lousy weather.

I like Chicago a lot. The more I travel and see other cities, the more I appreciate what Chicago has to offer. I'd never claim it's the best city in the world, but it's got a lot more to offer than some people seem to want to give it credit for. It has some great museums, a lot of different neighborhoods, transit that serves it well. I'll admit it's best as a summer town, but even in the winter there is plenty t do. The more I get out and see all the different parts, the more I realize so many people barely scratch the surface here. I think Chicago is great partly because it's global, but still very much American. I love the museums and the lakefront, but I also love the Mexican and Polish neighborhoods. The Chicago Symphony and Opera area both great, but so are the bands at the Empty Bottle or Metro, and so are the small ethnic bands that play various summer festivals. I like the 'L' for getting around, but the buses in Chicago seem to be cleaner and run better than those in... Read more

Chicago is arguably the worst major city in the U.S. Worst population loss in the nation, worst pollution, worst corruption, horrible race relations, terrible schools, nation's worst public housing, and all on the verge of bankruptcy. Add in the terrible weather, the boring, flat location, the distance from oceans, seas, and mountains (and really all forms of nature), and you have a less than desirable town, to say the least.

From a natives persepective. A stark contrast of 2 cities. One yes with plentiful culture, relatively clean for a city its size. Great restaurants, nightlife and certain neighborhoods. On the other side, some neighborhoods that rival the danger of Baghdad and Kabul at night. Very provincial, people that have lived here for decades that have never stepped foot on the other side of town( they think you need a passport to go there), crappy roads, traffic and Communists. All in all, like that sports dsaying goes clap your hands hit them on the table and yell OVERRATED!!!!

Not only is this place a social desert, but Chicagoland has some of the most restrictive and odd laws around. For instance, it is illegal in Chicagoland and in Illinois for students at school, including colleges and universities, to interact with or even approach any students of the opposite gender. It is illegal in Chicagoland to interact with anyone not part of your immediate group at carnivals, festivals, arcades, even at major events like the Taste of Chicago and the Saint Patricks day parade. The State of Illinois calls it "statutory stalking" and according to Illinois law, it is punishable by up to 50 years in prison. Public display of affection is also illegal in Illinois and that is punishable by 75 years.

People would normally deduct a star or two because the cost of visiting Chicago will lay a beating on your wallet, I won't though, you have to pay to play, and it was my 20th wedding anniversary with Mrs Wise so I planned on spending some coin. I’m not going to deduct stars based on “inconvenience” either, like parking. That is as they say…life in the city. I love skyscrapers, the Chicago skyline makes Detroit's look like Mayberry with one traffic light, it is just enormous. I was also impressed at how immaculately kept the city is, however, the vagrants don't like to use trash cans, I noticed pockets of litter where some of them congregated. The wife and I didn't want to spend any time in museums during this trip. Instead, it was restaurants, a couple of night clubs, and exercise, yes exercise! We did a lot of walking, jogging, and biking. Chicago has an excellent lakefront bike/walk path; it's about twenty miles long. We jumped on the path at Navy Pier and biked south to the McCor... Read more

Most amazing, diverse, laidback city in the world. So much to do without being overwhelming.

This review is limited to Chicago - city limits. I'm not a suburb fan, folks. Something for everyone- unless you can't stand some cold in winter! I lived there for 7 years. God, I miss it. People are outgoing. It is funny, but you can get into some helluva conversations with perfect strangers. People are really open. I lived on the Northside which is comprised of neighborhoods that are pretty safe, and full of distinct character. Great architecture. Lakefront is beautiful. Ironic given the size, but one of the draws for me was seeing the same folks in the neighborhood regularly. People would smile and say a warm hello. I could go on and on, but it is just one vibrant, crazy, and fun city.

shsh

Chicago is one of the best cities in the world. People in Chicago are strong willed and opinionated when it comes to politics and sports, specifically baseball. There are so many different things to do in Chicago. From viewing world class artworks to seeing a world class opera to spending a day shopping on the Magnificent Mile, there really is something for everyone in Chicago.

By far the best city in america, and the most alive next to NYC(have to its my home). Great food very fun to drive in love the rush, rush,rush!! Exceptinal public transportation,great diversity Heres a couple China town Korea Town Paseo Boricua Ukrain town Little Italy Jew Town (or maxwell street) Pol. town(polish) and many more, chicago has alot to offer if not every thing. it unique but reminds me alot of nyc. Historicall neighborhoods,love the 19th centry brownstones. Huge downtown and keeps expanding North,south, and west. Cool people,nice night clubs. population is false their its 2.8 not 2.7 btw. if u move hear u wont regreat it.

Big, loud, brash, with a big fat underbelly, and I really enjoyed living there. Bad weather and traffic, and some parts have quite high crime, but otherwise it is a great city. The best skyline in North America, great water front, driving down Lakeshore drive and looking at the skyline is the best. Restaurant scene is good, particularly for "hearty" food. Great museums. Go to a Cubs game at Wrigley if you love sports. Excellent blues, excellent orchestra, excellent architecture. I have great memories of my time living in Chicago. Negatives: A bit rough around the edges, with high crime and entire neighborhoods on the south side that appear abandoned. Bad traffic and a so so public transit system. Sprawling suburbs full of overweight people driving their SUVs to the mall.

I visited there a few times in the early 90's. Unfortunately for me, I always compare every city I've ever been to, in America and Europe both, to NY, and always find those other cities lacking. Still, I was suitably impressed by Chicago. If I had to live in the Midwest, Chicago is where I'd want to be. For one thing, it's the only city west of NY where I've had even halfway decent Italian food. Nightlife is good, there are a wide assortment of museums and historical exhibits, and the bookstores are worthwhile (although not up to NY standards, but then I've never found any in other cities that are, which might just be regional prejudice on my part). Also, given the history of organized crime in Chicago, it was a cornucopia for a mob enthusiast like me. I took a bus tour around the city, which is something I'd recommend to anybody unfamiliar with the city (as I was). The tour passed by the Lexington Hotel, on Michigan Avenue and 22nd Street, which once served as Al Capone's headquarters... Read more

Probably my second favourite U.S. city, by a hair, after New York. I've been there a few times and I love the Loop, the neighbourhoods and the people. The art museums aren't bad either.

I got drunk on Navy Pier one time and I got rolled. I never went back. I think Roosevelt was President at that time. Is he still in office?

I would not mind living in Chicago.  I have only visited Chicago for a day.  What I really did NOT like about Chicago was the traffic. Reminded me of hell hole experience living in los angeles.  The stretch of the 90 freeway in the downtown area is terrible. YOu have people cutting you off and my friend said that's considered "normal Chicago driving" habit!Other than that, I really enjoyed shopping at some of the stores in Niles area.  I have yet to eat at some of the restaurants in the downtown area so that I can really take a nice look at the Lake Michigan shorelines.

Actually the people in downtown are very pleasent compared to NYC.  For example, if you ask someone for directions in downtown Chicago, they will most likely take time to help you find your way, unlike New York City in which they would most likely give you the finger.  Downtowan Chicago is VERY clean, Mayor Richard Daley has down a world class job in keeping the city very vibrant.  As for crime rates, you might want to stay away from the south side of the city and were the Bulls play, otherwise its fine.  One big problem of Chicago:  The Climate.  ITS BAD!!  The winters are very cold, dark and long.  The summer can be very sticky humid and hot.  Hopefully there is such thing as a Spring and Fall in Chicago if your lucky.  Otherwise its a great place to live.

never been there but going in two weeksim so pumpedit looks sick-great architecture, waterfront,, burbs, and i like the weather (im from toronto and its pretty much the same)

NY lite

Great city with something for everyone.

Great downtown and lakefront area. Wants for nothing. Topography a little on the dull , flat side, though. West and south sides of city a little more, umm, gritty I guess is nice way to put it. Love that deep dish pizza, though ;-)

Best city in the country.

Chicago has everything Fresh water, a big downtown, unique and diverse neighborhoods, nightlife, colleges, change of seasons, quiet areas and busy areas. And, I'm not sure whether it's a good thing that Chicago doesn't get the attention that cities like L.A. and New York get. This "undergroundness" of the city is part of it's character, and Chicagoans are some of the most down to earth people around. This, also detracts from the nonstop eccentricity of the two aforementioned cities that is part of their character as well. New York is a great place to visit, but not to live. Too expensive also. Unless you're a lawyer or a third generation Yale grad you can't afford to live in Manhattan like you used to. But i digress, choose Chicago you won't regret it.

This is a great town - my favorite non-coastal town in the US. There's a culture of friendliness here, and the summers are just perfect. If it wasn't so damn cold here in the winter, I could live here.

Best City in the north americian continent

Amen!! I'm from Chicago and lived in S.F. for 10 years and you are right on the money. We left SF because my son has a hard time amking friends because all the other boys were Chinese and the Chinese parents don't like them to socialize with "white" people. Reverse Racism reigns supreme there. If you're not a freak with an agenda you'll have a hard time. The Bay Area is in its own bubble and it's just a really WEIRD place. Chicago has some issues but they are real issues other people can relate to. I don't recommend raising a family in the Bay Area it's just not normal.

There's nothing there for me.

I'm an east-coaster and had the chance of spending a weekend in Chicago. Wow! What a fun town! It feels like NYC, but less grimy. I can't wait to return for:The pizza - Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder is a MUST. Great salads as well. Nightlife - check out Excalibur and the huge art museum - free!

Chicago is one of the greatest cities in the world. Terrific nightlife, fantastic food (both high class and blue collar..mmm pizza!), and easily the best summer city in the world, IMO. The skyline, the museums, the art, the music, and the general culture is world class. The people are very nice, for a big city. The lake is pretty as can be. I could go on and on but I love Chicago. The winter, Jan and February and into March is pretty brutal. That is not the time to visit the city. That would be the only downfall but I could list some bad weather times for most cities in the US. And a great sports town, Chicago is! I really have little bad to say about Chicago except the winter weather. And honestly, that just makes the people a little more humble and real, which I like. I like people that have to endure a little tough weather..makes Chicago a real city!

The best with lots going and you can walk around the downtown and not get mugged. It has everything you might want to see or do. It still has many good neighborhoods and those are my favorite places to eat. I took the train many times to Wrigley Field and that is always a great ride through the North Side neighborhoods.

Chicago has everything a great metropolitan city has to offer. Culture, nightlife, restaurants, shopping and sports. The people are also some of the most unpretentious, approachable and down to earth you'll find in a big city. I'm from the east coast and I have to say that the comparisons to New York City are annoying and totally unwarranted. Chicago has a completely different vibe than NYC and isn't trying to copy it in any way. If anything, it's the major cities on the east coast that try to copy NYC in every way (i.e.: Philly, D.C. and Boston) and fall short. The cost of living in Chicago isn't bad either. You can get a one bedroom apt in downtown Chicago in a nice high rise for about $1000 a month. It's a very beautiful and clean city as well. The only major negative is the weather. It's very extreme and I have to force myself to leave the house in the winter, because it's so cold outside. Aside from that, though, it's altogether a pretty ideal big city.

Back in the early 90s I spent 2 years in the US and went to almost every major city. After the disappointment of Boston and NYC and an unwelcome experience in Detroit, Chicago was a very pleasant change. Architecturally it's the most impressive city in the US IMO. While I found NYC claustraphobic, Chicago was spacious and green. The quality of the bars and restaurants was high and the people were generally among the most friendly and welcoming I came across in my travels around the US. I didn't get that feeling that everyone's on the make, as in LA, and they were generally not as brusque as the New Yorkers I came aross. I'd definitely like to go back there.

Leslie Ann Warren's delightfully campy send-up of Chitown from "Victor Victoria."

Chicago is a truely amazing place. One hell of a city. The thing that prevents it from being on top is most deffently the weather. Put it in any region outside the midwest and there you have it. Where to start.... The city itself is beautiful in many ways. The lakefront is beautiful and I can't name off many cities with a better skyline. All the neighborhoods are filled with culture. Gold coast, river north, streeterville, lincoln park, the loop, and others are all awsome. It has a somewhat euro feel to it in a way. There are tons of weathy people there but they tend to be very nice at the same time. There are plenty of absolute bombshells walking this town pretty much everywhere you look. The midwest stereotypes on women generally dont fit this city and the surrounding area. Some of the people are overly fake but that goes for any major city. The nightlife is really good with great upscale venues which play great music however they tend to let in alot of underagers. The ... Read more

A city worthy of comparisons to New York. Lots to do and see, great nightlife. never boring. Great place to visit and to live. Bad traffic and bad weather, but it is worth it to put up with that the pros outweigh the cons. Love the waterfront.

I LOVE IT! One of the best cities in the world, where do I start? World-class museums, amazing attractions, Navy Pier, the Sears Tower, an incredible skyline, the Taste of Chicago, Oak Park, Lake Michigan, CHINATOWN, and, best of all, THE CUBBIES! GO CUBBIES! Lived in the Chicagoland area for 7 years and it was just awesome.

Chicago is a great city!  The suburbs are even better.  People are very polite here.  They do what they are supposed to do.  The pace of life is great and the food is terrific.  As for nerdy people and people with disabilities, they are a disease and a disgust in society and I really wish they were imprisoned/institutionalized!  They are a financial and social parasite, a drain on our money, money that can instead be used to improve our roads and buildings, fund our schools and buisnesses.  As for barky/ghostbusters, I don't know what his problem is, but his repeated posts on Chicago and on Illinois, especially during the spring/summer of 2006 have the exact same wording of a SEXUAL PREDATOR!!!

I love Chicago and I have a very stong affection for this city. The skyline is maginficent with a gorgeous setting on Lake Michigan. Chicago's skyline is grand and beautiful from every angle. Chicago is an all American city with layered archetecture from every decade back to the 1800's, probably the best archetectual city in the country because of its diversity and even the residential highrises are on a grand scale. Chicago also has some very fine parkland particularly along Lake Michigan at Lincoln Park which offers beaches, marinas, expansive lawns & landscaping, a free zoo, and inspires a lot of activity as it is a linear park along the lakeshore with a bicycle path that go's a long way, good for rollerblading and great views of the city. Grant Park is quite expceptional as well with the Buckingham fountain and good photo oppurtunities for the Loop & downtown skyline. Adjacent to Grant Park is Millenium Park, recently opened has a lot of modern scultures like the bean, a giant ... Read more

did you know chicago was the maker of the first skyscraper, which is what began real urban living. so for the people that say chicago is a NYC wanna-be your wrong because chicago is the first to become a real city and the idea of central park came from chicago's grant park. I was born in Chicago, people are very nice the city is gorgeous, transportation is cheap and easy. and for the people that said chicago was boring get your a** out of your hotel bed.