It’ll come as no surprise to residents that Chicago was just named the best city ever by Time Out’s City Life Index. Our dedication to the environment, our community, and humanity are what set us apart and make us amazing.
Data from surveys about different aspects of life in cities around the world were taken from 15,000 residents of 32 cities. Even amongst places like London, New York, and Melbourne, Chicago still came out on top, and here are the reasons why:
This is actually the second year in a row that the honor of best city ever has been bestowed upon Chicago.
Christopher/Flickr City dwellers already know this to be true, but we now have the numbers to prove it.
Our people are happier.
Pexels/freestockpro.com When it comes to appreciating the good things about life, Chicagoans are the best. About 89% of residents feel happy overall, despite the cold winters, traffic, and other less pleasant parts of city life.
Our rent is cheaper.
Flickr/Daniel X. O’Neil Though still up there with big city prices, it is much more cost effective to live in Chicago than New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, as well as many other places in the world. The average rent for a two bedroom apartment here is around $2,300.
Our finances are in order.
Pixabay/stevepb Though news stories of financial woes are frequent, the Time Out poll saw that 81% of Chicagoans are actually satisfied with the economic state of the city. With plans for new skyscrapers and more walkways for pedestrian traffic, our budgets are looking quite good.
Our bars are epic.
Wikimedia Commons/TonyTheTiger From local watering holes to upscale hotel bars, there are many places to get a good drink in the best city ever, and most are open late. New York City isn’t the only place that doesn’t sleep!
The food is irresistible.
Facebook/Proxi According to Time Out, Chicago’s food scene is second best only to Tel Aviv. New restaurants open all the time, and because of this, residents dine out pretty often. We also eat out because pizza, Italian beef, hot dogs, and popcorn are everywhere.
It’s exciting to live here.
Kevin Brown/Flickr No one is ever bored in Chicago. With street festivals, concerts, Broadway shows, museums, and other activities around every single corner, it’s impossible to say there’s nothing to do.
We have a strong sense of culture.
Flickr/pulaw The city is a huge melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities. From Chinatown to Little Italy, you’ll find unique beauty and character everywhere you turn.
We are proud of our neighborhoods.
David Harmantas/Flickr The only thing Chicagoans love more than the city itself is our individual neighborhoods. Whether you enjoy a trendy spot like Lakeview or live in a historic district like Pilsen, we love where we live.
We’re unshakably loyal to our city.
Flickr/Richie Diesterheft Chicagoans are true through and through, especially when it comes to the place they call home. We’re one of the only cities that touts an iconic flag, and we’re constantly talking about how much we love it here.
Another reason Chicago is great is our amazing views, and we’ve got 15 photos that prove we’re the most gorgeous city in the world.
Christopher/Flickr
City dwellers already know this to be true, but we now have the numbers to prove it.
Pexels/freestockpro.com
When it comes to appreciating the good things about life, Chicagoans are the best. About 89% of residents feel happy overall, despite the cold winters, traffic, and other less pleasant parts of city life.
Flickr/Daniel X. O’Neil
Though still up there with big city prices, it is much more cost effective to live in Chicago than New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, as well as many other places in the world. The average rent for a two bedroom apartment here is around $2,300.
Pixabay/stevepb
Though news stories of financial woes are frequent, the Time Out poll saw that 81% of Chicagoans are actually satisfied with the economic state of the city. With plans for new skyscrapers and more walkways for pedestrian traffic, our budgets are looking quite good.
Wikimedia Commons/TonyTheTiger
From local watering holes to upscale hotel bars, there are many places to get a good drink in the best city ever, and most are open late. New York City isn’t the only place that doesn’t sleep!
Facebook/Proxi
According to Time Out, Chicago’s food scene is second best only to Tel Aviv. New restaurants open all the time, and because of this, residents dine out pretty often. We also eat out because pizza, Italian beef, hot dogs, and popcorn are everywhere.
Kevin Brown/Flickr
No one is ever bored in Chicago. With street festivals, concerts, Broadway shows, museums, and other activities around every single corner, it’s impossible to say there’s nothing to do.
Flickr/pulaw
The city is a huge melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities. From Chinatown to Little Italy, you’ll find unique beauty and character everywhere you turn.
David Harmantas/Flickr
The only thing Chicagoans love more than the city itself is our individual neighborhoods. Whether you enjoy a trendy spot like Lakeview or live in a historic district like Pilsen, we love where we live.
Flickr/Richie Diesterheft
Chicagoans are true through and through, especially when it comes to the place they call home. We’re one of the only cities that touts an iconic flag, and we’re constantly talking about how much we love it here.
We’d love to hear why you think Chicago is the best city ever. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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