Residents know that Chicago is the best city in America, yet we’re still incredibly underrated. From interesting attractions to fabulous people, there are many things that make us great. You’ll be hooked on us after just one visit. Keep scrolling for 16 reasons why ours is the number one city in the world.
- Our world-famous architecture.
Flickr/Timothy Neesam Chicago is an expertly-designed city full of beauty. Each building is unique, yet fits into the rest of the skyline.
- We’re a “city in a garden.”
Wikimedia Commons/Alanscottwalker That’s our mantra. We have more green space than most cities, including a wealth of parks, conservatories, and nature preserves.
- Our picturesque lakefront.
Wikimedia Commons/Alanscottwalker One of the coolest things about the city is that it’s right on Lake Michigan, which means we have beaches, lighthouses, and a nice breeze. Many use it to relax, exercise, or catch great shots for Instagram.
- We have top-notch colleges and universities.
Flickr/afunkydamsel From Northwestern University in Evanston to the University of Chicago in the city, there are many great places to continue educational pursuits of any level. You could become anything from a doctor to an actor here.
- Our bars are open late.
Flickr/Alan Light Whether you get off work late or just can’t bear to let the night end, Chicago has you covered. We’re certainly the best city because many of our bars stay open until 4 a.m.
- Our sports fans are loyal.
Cathy Stanley-Erickson/Flickr Even when they lose, Chicago still holds on to hope that another day will come when we will win. We waited 108 years for the Cubs to finally win another World Series, and we’ll wait another hundred if we have to.
- We invented modern comedy.
Flickr/Erin Nekervis Thanks to Second City, Chicago is known as the birthplace of modern comedy. Our comedians get their start on our locals stages, but often make it big on Saturday Night Live.
- The views.
Pxhere/Free-Photos No one can deny that the city is gorgeous. No matter where you’re standing, there is beauty to be found.
- Living is affordable.
Wikimedia Commons/Adam Jones, Ph.D. It’s still more expensive than living out in the middle of nowhere, but compared to cities like Los Angeles and New York, it’s much cheaper to live here.
- Our epic eats.
Wikimedia Commons/caribb Hot dogs, Italian beef, pizza, and popcorn abound in this wonderful city. You’ll never be at a loss of amazing places to eat.
- We’re right in the middle of the country.
Wikimedia Commons/Curimedia This makes it easier to get here. O’Hare is our main airport, and it is a major hub for flights from around the world.
- We have a campus of museums.
Wikimedia Commons/Hjklemenz Museum Campus consists of the Field Museum and a few other fun and educational attractions along the lake in downtown. It’s one of the main places you’ll find hoards of tourists.
- It’s safer here than some may think.
Wikimedia Commons/Jason Helle While the news may have you believing that violence is rampant in the city, most neighborhoods are actually really safe. It takes more than one tiny news story to truly understand the crime here.
- We celebrate everything.
Wikimedia Commons/Knowledge Seeker From food to music to holidays, Chicago takes every opportunity to throw a celebration. We dye the river, shut down parks and streets, and bring culture to neighborhoods across the city.
- There’s art everywhere.
Wikimedia Commons/Teemu008 Of course, you can find it in museums, but there is also artwork all throughout the streets too. Slip into a park or walk around downtown, and you’ll find statues all around.
- Our incredible history.
Wikimedia Commons/Unknown Chicago has had many major events, both tragic and good. Nearly everyone knows about the Great Chicago Fire, the World’s Fair, and the Haymarket Riot, but those are just a few of many.
Another great thing about the city is its residents. Check out 10 reasons why people from Chicago are the best ever.
Flickr/Timothy Neesam
Chicago is an expertly-designed city full of beauty. Each building is unique, yet fits into the rest of the skyline.
Wikimedia Commons/Alanscottwalker
That’s our mantra. We have more green space than most cities, including a wealth of parks, conservatories, and nature preserves.
One of the coolest things about the city is that it’s right on Lake Michigan, which means we have beaches, lighthouses, and a nice breeze. Many use it to relax, exercise, or catch great shots for Instagram.
Flickr/afunkydamsel
From Northwestern University in Evanston to the University of Chicago in the city, there are many great places to continue educational pursuits of any level. You could become anything from a doctor to an actor here.
Flickr/Alan Light
Whether you get off work late or just can’t bear to let the night end, Chicago has you covered. We’re certainly the best city because many of our bars stay open until 4 a.m.
Cathy Stanley-Erickson/Flickr
Even when they lose, Chicago still holds on to hope that another day will come when we will win. We waited 108 years for the Cubs to finally win another World Series, and we’ll wait another hundred if we have to.
Flickr/Erin Nekervis
Thanks to Second City, Chicago is known as the birthplace of modern comedy. Our comedians get their start on our locals stages, but often make it big on Saturday Night Live.
Pxhere/Free-Photos
No one can deny that the city is gorgeous. No matter where you’re standing, there is beauty to be found.
Wikimedia Commons/Adam Jones, Ph.D.
It’s still more expensive than living out in the middle of nowhere, but compared to cities like Los Angeles and New York, it’s much cheaper to live here.
Wikimedia Commons/caribb
Hot dogs, Italian beef, pizza, and popcorn abound in this wonderful city. You’ll never be at a loss of amazing places to eat.
Wikimedia Commons/Curimedia
This makes it easier to get here. O’Hare is our main airport, and it is a major hub for flights from around the world.
Wikimedia Commons/Hjklemenz
Museum Campus consists of the Field Museum and a few other fun and educational attractions along the lake in downtown. It’s one of the main places you’ll find hoards of tourists.
Wikimedia Commons/Jason Helle
While the news may have you believing that violence is rampant in the city, most neighborhoods are actually really safe. It takes more than one tiny news story to truly understand the crime here.
Wikimedia Commons/Knowledge Seeker
From food to music to holidays, Chicago takes every opportunity to throw a celebration. We dye the river, shut down parks and streets, and bring culture to neighborhoods across the city.
Wikimedia Commons/Teemu008
Of course, you can find it in museums, but there is also artwork all throughout the streets too. Slip into a park or walk around downtown, and you’ll find statues all around.
Wikimedia Commons/Unknown
Chicago has had many major events, both tragic and good. Nearly everyone knows about the Great Chicago Fire, the World’s Fair, and the Haymarket Riot, but those are just a few of many.
What else makes Chicago the best city in America? Share your thoughts with us!
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