Growing up in a big city isn’t easy. While it has its perks, there are certain survival methods you pick up when you live in Chicago that make you tough.
No matter which neighborhood (or suburb) you’re from, you’re likely strong-willed because of these nine things. Keep scrolling for all the reasons why Chicagoans are tough as nails.
- We’ve survived many storms.
Flickr/Zooey When it rains in Chicago, it pours. We’re right in tornado alley, and scary monster clouds like this often take over our skies during the summer. It may look like the world is ending, but Chicagoans truck on regardless.
- We survive awful winters on a yearly basis.
Wikimedia Commons/David Wilson Surviving a Chicago winter will make you feel like you can take on the world. We’ve built up a tough skin over the years to shield us from some of the chill.
- We navigate through public transportation with ease…
Wikipedia/Daniel Schwen Chicagoans can, without panicking, easily figure out which train or bus to get on and when to get off, even when facing the intimidating maps and charts can seem impossible to read for first-time visitors. Those familiar with taking the CTA are prepared for anything.
- …even at night.
Wikimedia Commons/Daniel Schwen The CTA can be confusing during the day, but in the dark - especially in unfamiliar territory - everything seems a bit more complicated… unless you’re a local, of course. You never know what you might come across, but that doesn’t stop a true Chicagoan from getting home after a club or concert in the quickest way possible.
- We know how to handle traffic jams.
Wikimedia Commons/Steven Vance No matter where you want to go in Chicago, you will probably encounter traffic. Even at 3 a.m., there are still parts of the city where you’ll have to deal with that slow poke in front of you. Rush hour can be a nightmare, but anyone who has ever been stuck in a jam knows a few tips and tricks for getting around the busiest spots in town. It just toughen us up.
- We work hard.
Wikimedia Commons/Adam Jones, Ph.D. Chicagoans will work just about any job you could think of, with many working more than one. When work needs to be done, young and old alike put their heads down and dive into any project they face, both on the job and in life.
- We shake off the stereotypes.
IIP Photo Archive / Flickr There are plenty of stereotypes about people from Chicago. If you’ve lived here, you’ve probably heard critics suggesting we’re pretentious or pointing out inner city violence, but those who truly know Chicago understand that issues like these are everywhere, and we are often unfairly judged. We’ve developed a thick skin for criticism, which is probably why true Chicagoans are loud and proud of their hometown.
- When trouble arises, we unite.
rob walsh / Flickr In tough times, Chicagoans come together to stand up for what is right. When needed, we hold protests, and when it comes time to vote, we use ours to make statements.
- We’re loyal to our teams… even after losing seasons.
Wikimedia Commons/Arturo Pardavila III No matter how good or bad our sports teams are doing, there are always die-hard Chicagoans who still support them. Even though the Cubs did not win a World Series for 108 years, the city never gave up hope, and last year our faithfulness paid off.
- We always rebuild.
Wikimedia Commons/victorgrigas As far back as the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, this city has been known for rebuilding itself from the ashes. Nothing is ever going to keep us down!
There are many more shared experiences amongst those of us who live in the city. Check out 15 things every Chicagoan has done at least once.
Flickr/Zooey
When it rains in Chicago, it pours. We’re right in tornado alley, and scary monster clouds like this often take over our skies during the summer. It may look like the world is ending, but Chicagoans truck on regardless.
Wikimedia Commons/David Wilson
Surviving a Chicago winter will make you feel like you can take on the world. We’ve built up a tough skin over the years to shield us from some of the chill.
Wikipedia/Daniel Schwen
Chicagoans can, without panicking, easily figure out which train or bus to get on and when to get off, even when facing the intimidating maps and charts can seem impossible to read for first-time visitors. Those familiar with taking the CTA are prepared for anything.
Wikimedia Commons/Daniel Schwen
The CTA can be confusing during the day, but in the dark - especially in unfamiliar territory - everything seems a bit more complicated… unless you’re a local, of course. You never know what you might come across, but that doesn’t stop a true Chicagoan from getting home after a club or concert in the quickest way possible.
Wikimedia Commons/Steven Vance
No matter where you want to go in Chicago, you will probably encounter traffic. Even at 3 a.m., there are still parts of the city where you’ll have to deal with that slow poke in front of you. Rush hour can be a nightmare, but anyone who has ever been stuck in a jam knows a few tips and tricks for getting around the busiest spots in town. It just toughen us up.
Wikimedia Commons/Adam Jones, Ph.D.
Chicagoans will work just about any job you could think of, with many working more than one. When work needs to be done, young and old alike put their heads down and dive into any project they face, both on the job and in life.
IIP Photo Archive / Flickr
There are plenty of stereotypes about people from Chicago. If you’ve lived here, you’ve probably heard critics suggesting we’re pretentious or pointing out inner city violence, but those who truly know Chicago understand that issues like these are everywhere, and we are often unfairly judged. We’ve developed a thick skin for criticism, which is probably why true Chicagoans are loud and proud of their hometown.
rob walsh / Flickr
In tough times, Chicagoans come together to stand up for what is right. When needed, we hold protests, and when it comes time to vote, we use ours to make statements.
Wikimedia Commons/Arturo Pardavila III
No matter how good or bad our sports teams are doing, there are always die-hard Chicagoans who still support them. Even though the Cubs did not win a World Series for 108 years, the city never gave up hope, and last year our faithfulness paid off.
Wikimedia Commons/victorgrigas
As far back as the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, this city has been known for rebuilding itself from the ashes. Nothing is ever going to keep us down!
What else makes Chicagoans so strong and durable? Share your thoughts with us in the comment below!
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