Why Chicago Is Worth The "Risk"

Chicago, America's "Murder Capital of the World, remains the third most populated city in the United States with around 2.7 million residents. So why are people staying in such a "dangerous" city?

1. The Location

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Chicago is situated on Lake Michigan, which gives it a coastal feel. Basically, you get to feel a breeze without the humidity that comes with living in the south.

2. The Food

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Chicago is famous for its hot-dogs, deep-dish pizza, and Italian beef. However, overall the city has a huge appreciation for food. They even have an annual Macaroni and Cheese Festival.

3. The Opportunities

Chicago contains four out of the ten tallest buildings in North America. These buildings and others in the downtown area are the homes of many companies that have numerous opportunities for employment.

4. The Parks

Chicago is home to some of the most beautiful parks including Hyde Park, Grant Park, Millennium Park, Lincoln Park, Portage Park and Jefferson Park. Chicago's parks are actually larger than New York City's and are more centrally located.

5. Art

Chicago has 11 art museums alone and has art scattered everywere around the city. The Art Institute of Chicago contains the American Gothic and A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, among other famous pieces.

6. The Layout

Because of the fire in 1871 that left 1/3 of Chicagoans homeless, Chicago was able to rebuild and has one of the nicest layouts of any city in the United States. Chicago's architect Daniel Burnham envisioned a city where everyone was in walking distance to a park and he widened the streets, allowing for a more spacious city.

7. The Culture

Chicago has always been the home to a variety of cultures and has allowed various art forms to flourish including surrealism, improvisational comedy, jazz, and blues. It continues to foster a strong tradition of classical music, dance, and performing arts, shaped by Western civilization and the traditions of its African-American, Asian-American, European, Hispanic, and Native American citizens.

8. The Cost

Unlike other cities, Chicago doesn't have its own personal income tax. It also has a significantly cheaper average cost of rent compared to New York City and San Francisco.

9. The People

Chicagoans are known for their modesty. Northwestern University President Morton Schapiro said about the community of Chicago: “I love the civility, I love the humility, I love the respect, I love the friendliness, I love the lack of entitlement.”

10. The History

Chicago experienced the Industrial Revolution, the evolution of organized crime, the Prohibition Era, the Great Fire of 1871, and so much more. It is a living museum and history is preserved on its streets.