Why I think Chicago sucks
February 22, 2008 — DarcsFalconRecently I did a little post called, “Proof That Chicago Sucks.” It has turned out to be one of my most popular posts, and I get daily searches for the phrase “Chicago sucks” in my search engine terms. So I thought I’d dedicate an entire post to the subject, with my reasons for disliking Chicago, and not simply Forbes reasons for listing it in the Top 10 Most Miserable US cities.
The unemployment rate is higher than the national average. I can speak from personal experience that this is especially true in the tech industry. And even if you can get a job, the pay rate will be below national average. Housing sales are down more than 22% since the same time period last year. The average home price is close to $260,000. And property taxes are through the roof. (Pun intended!) Can’t afford a house? Plan on paying at least $1000 to rent a half-way decent apartment. The commute time is horrible, on roads that are more pothole and patchwork than actual road. Plan on an hour, each way, just to get to work and back.
The weather is terrible. A local joke is that Chicago has 2 seasons - winter and road work. Um, it’s not a joke and it’s not funny. I have calculated that temperatures can vary as much as 200°. I have seen -80° windchills in winter, and 120° heat indices in summer. Often it is colder here than in Alaska. Jackets? You like jackets? Good, because you’ll need at least 6. One to wear to and from the car, one to wear in the car, one to wear inside, one for fall days, one for fall nights, and one for rainy days. See, if you get one heavy enough for outside wear, it’s too bulky to wear in the car, but your car’s not warm enough to ditch the coat entirely - you still need something to stay warm. The weather varies so widely that you need a coat, jacket, or sweater for every 10° variance. In the summer, the heat and humidity can be so stifling that it’s almost difficult to breathe. It’s no surprise that Chicago has one of the highest asthma rates in the nation. How hot is it? In 1995, it was so hot that nearly 600 people died in less than a week from heat related causes. Spring? Don’t blink or you’ll miss it. Autumn’s not a whole lot different.
The City That Works? ROFLMAO Yeah. I remember when this story about sleeping on the job hit the air. Pictures and video of sleeping city workers were all over the news. Officials leave work early, if they deign to show up at all. They put friends and relatives on the payroll. No, they don’t give them jobs, just put them on the payroll. Government corruption in Chicago, and the Illinois state government? Notorious. One of our former governors is sitting in prison right now for his role in this truck license scam that cost a family 6 of their children.
Taxes? Chicago has one of the highest tax rates in the country. (And it’s gone up since the linked article was written.) Someone has to pay for all those relatives and friends on city payrolls. It seems like everything costs more here, from milk to gasoline. Utility rates are sky high. Take natural gas, for instance: one year I lived in a place that had electric heat. The years before and after I had gas heat. During that one year with electric heat, gas prices had doubled. Before, I paid about $75 to heat my house. The year after? About $150. Bigger house? No. I checked the bill - the rates were 100% higher. And that was 10 years ago.
People think the food here is wonderful. I suspect the only people who feel that way are the people who have lived here all their lives, and never eaten anywhere else. Chicago pizza isn’t all that hot. It’s more sauce than cheese, and sausage seems to be the topping of choice around here. Saucy sausage on dough. Does that sound appetizing to you? And did you know, it’s offensive to put ketchup on a Chicago Style hot dog? I kid you not: “It is taboo to put ketchup on a Chicago hot dog; there are actually some hot dog shops and stands that will refuse to provide service if the customer makes the request.” They aren’t kidding - I’ve been to such places. “We don’ got no catch up heeah. You ain’t from Shikahga, air ya?” No. No I’m not. (Yes, folks actually speak like Dennis Franz around here. He’s from Chicago, not New York. The “accent” he has is native to here.) And I would love to get out, but it’s like living in a black hole.
There’s some sort of weird arrogance in Chicago too, at least on the news. Everything has to have some kind of Chicago connection. When the September 11 attacks happened, I expected my local news to carry the story of what was happening across the nation - New York, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C. Nothing was happening here, the big news was elsewhere. What was the news about? The Sears Tower and how it might possibly may have maybe at some point thought to have been we think on the speculated we assume target list. Oh and by the way, some planes made the World Trade Center collapse. But they were headed to Chicago! It was nauseating.
Those are a few of my reasons. I have more, but I think this is enough for a post. No doubt you’d say, “More than!” LoL 
That’s why I hope someone who’s searched for “Chicago sucks” comments here. Hey, we’re in one of the Top 10 Most Miserable cities! Misery loves company! Let’s chat!
Some people like it here. I doubt they’ve ever lived some place else to compare it to. I’m happy for them, honestly. It’s good to like where you live. I know of families who’ve lived around Chicago for generations. I wish I could live where I liked and like where I lived. It must be a great feeling. One day I’ll get out, and find that place where I fit in. It’s just not here.
If you like Chicago, here’s a site for you, or you can go here. They like Chicago too.
February 22, 2008 at 10:43 am
Move to Texas!!!!!
February 22, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I’ve been through the pan-handle. The people were so nice, and friendly. It seemed like a nice place to live.
February 23, 2008 at 11:16 am
Anywhere. But. Here.
Please, God. Please.
March 3, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Chicago has its faults and problems, and it’s not perfect (what place is?), but I know a great many people who like it here, and many of them have lived in plenty of other places.
If you really hate it here, you should do whatever it takes to find someplace else you like and relocate there. Life’s too short to waste it in a place you hate. Why be unhappy?
(BTW, if you think $1000 a month is too much to pay for a decent apartment, you don’t want to move to NYC. Or Boston. Or San Francisco.)
March 3, 2008 at 11:20 pm
Andrew - We’ve tried relocating. Many times. We have experiences with places like San Francisco, Boston and NYC. We know the costs of those places, though in truth we’d take two of the three over this one any day. (Not NYC, though. No.)
We don’t think $1000/mo. for an apartment is too much. We also don’t think that $1000/mo. buys here what it does in a lot of other places we’ve looked into. A LOT of other places. We definitely agree with you about leaving and we will as soon as it’s possible, because you’re absolutely right: why be unhappy?
On the other hand, we aren’t able to simply snap our fingers and be somewhere better. Like I said, we’ve tried. Like you, we know a lot of people that like it “here” just fine. Great — they can have it. For us, it’s LONG overdue time to go, and we will go when it’s possible.
Until then, we have to make due with hating it.
March 3, 2008 at 11:35 pm
Andrew - Moving? Why, what a novel concept! I wish I’d thought of it! Seriously though, do you really think I haven’t tried to find a way to get out? Do you think I’d still be here if I had the means to leave?
Certainly no place is perfect. Absolutely many people like living here. They are entitled to their opinion - as am I. I also know that many people agree with me.
I have lived in SF, and NYC, and have known people in Boston. I know how expensive they are. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a vote about living in Chicago. Also unfortunately, I don’t have the ability to beam myself to another place. When I am able to, believe me, I won’t let the door hit me in the ass on my way out.
In the meantime, since it’s still a free country, I enjoy my right to make fun of the place I didn’t get a choice about living in.
But maybe - since it seems to bother you that I don’t like it here - could I convince you to pay my moving expenses?
No hard feelings dude, and thanks for stopping by.
March 4, 2008 at 3:40 pm
LMAO. Andrew give my friends here some money and I will happily move them to Texas. They’re ready when you are.
March 5, 2008 at 8:44 am
HA! ‘Andrew’ as he would have you believe his name truly is, is a former Clevelander who got relocated to Chicago by the phone company he worked for, then subsequently downsized. He got a nice severance and now lives, trapped in a tiny apartment, in a ghetto area of Chicago. I only know this because his sole reason for being anymore is to go back to the cleveland websites and bash his old home town, and present his Chicago lifestyle as that which we all should strive for.
I imagine most Chicagoans are fairly nice people, just trying to get through the day like everyone else. ‘Andrew’ is the guy that’s obnoxiously representing your city in other parts of the world.
So there you have it…the ‘obnoxious Chicagoan’ isn’t even really from Chicago.
March 5, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Snicker - LOL Yeah, I got that he came here from Cleveland. It’s funny though that he apparently wants to bash his old home town, and then suggest to me that I stop doing the same. Which is funny because I wasn’t born and raised here either.
Many Chicagoans are nice people, no question. And I don’t have an issue with the people here so much as the policies, and the weather. We all want to make where we live a better place, and if calling attention to its faults does that, then it’s all to the good.
I had no choice about moving here, so I don’t have the “native” viewpoint that gets defensive about its home turf. I can see a lot of things perhaps that those born here can’t, which is why the original Forbes.com article caught my attention. I just wanted to play with it, and it seemed to take off, and I found a lot of other people seem to think Chicago sucks too, if the searches on my blog are any indication!
I’m glad you stopped by though, to provide a little insight.
Andrew’s entitled to his opinion, which he is more than free to express on his blog - just as I will on mine. 
I hope to see you again.
March 19, 2008 at 12:03 am
So I came to Chicago for Graduate School and I have to say that I really dislike this city. I have lived in Louisville, San Diego, Seattle, and most recently San Francisco, so I have some experience of other cities.
The CTA sucks! I depend on the red line from the north side to get downtown to school, and it has been under construction since I got here. It seem to be doing better when it was in the news for needed funding and once the governor passed a tax hike for funding, the red line went back to being very slow. The buses are ridiculous, they show up three at a time after waiting 45 minutes in the cold and the drivers act put out. I have used buses in every city I have lived in these drivers have the worst attitudes.
I know there is nothing that can be done about the winter, but the last two have sucked!
The city calls itself a green city but dying a river green to attract drunken suburbanites is really what the green is about. Having a few green roofs is not being green. It has a lousy blue bag recycling program that just does not work. Recycling has been worked out in a lot of major cities for over a decade now, what is the problem with Chicago? This city has so many back yards, that everyone should be provided with compost bins. I think the mayor likes to say Chicago is a green city but it’s just political posturing.
I have NOT found people to be friendly. I have seen a lot of passive aggressive behavior and total lack of interest in the well being of others. The whole nice mid western thing is a myth.
The city lacks culture that most metropolitan areas have. Sorry but The Taste of Chicago is just a celebration of carnival food and might be a reason that there is a large obese population here. I have had some decent meals in Chicago and even found some decent Sushi but the Taste of Chicago seems to cater to those who prefer corn dogs and deep fried twinkies. And the last thing about food, there is a Dunken Donuts on every corner. Again, it only makes sense that this city has an obesity problem, although I think Houston might be worse but do you really want to be compared to a city in Texas.
I think this city has potential but it might be the whole practical mid wester values things that will keep it from being a truly cosmopolitan city. I know NYC, LA, and San Francisco are expensive but what you get in return with weather or culture makes the smaller space with higher rent worth it.
This city is also very socially conservative but I know it’s hard to compare to the west coast. I do think there is a lot of corruption in the government here and people just allow it to happen. There is a total lack of people standing up for what they believe in and calling out the politicians on their bullshit corruption. I also see a lack of social activism. The gay pride parade is contained in the gay ghetto with religious nuts spewing hate. I know this happens in other cities but I have seen these people called out on their shit. Maybe the attitude is that they are not worth the effort but I don’t see anyone confronting them in an educated manner pointing out hypocrisies.
So I will be leaving Chicago this summer probably never to return for a visit. I have convinced a few friends that live here to move west and everyone I know from school are moving elsewhere because they see similar problems with this city and find it uninspiring to set up residence and make it their home.
So on the positive side. The lake front is nice in the summer, I will give it that.
March 19, 2008 at 2:16 am
Scott - you sound like a man with passion. I have heard nothing positive, in decades, about Chicago’s public transportation problems. As for the “green” thing - while I can’t claim to be an environmentalist, I really don’t care for the hypocrisy that seems to ooze out of the city on this issue. If you’re not “green” then fine, just say so, but stop the political posturing. And no, the people here don’t seem to be friendly at all, do they? People look at you cross-eyed if you smile a greeting and say, “Have a nice day!” ROFL about the Taste - I was at the very first one, and have never returned. Oooh, how fun it is to walk around the city during the hottest period of the summer, around all kinds of little booths with ovens! Not. And I’m not sure Chicago knows what culture means. Who needs culture when you have the top of the Sears Tower? Not sure what to tell you on the gay pride parade thing. Never been near one, never plan to, not gay.
You have a point on the lakefront thing. I’ve been to North Ave. Beach - yeah, years ago - but it was nice. But the lake is not an ocean. One thing I do like about the city is some of their older buildings. Some of the architecture is beautiful. I envy you and your friends leaving. You have no idea how much I wish I could too.
Good luck in the rest of your studies, and thanks for stopping by.
March 28, 2008 at 11:34 pm
I live in michigan city. we call people from chicago fips. i have been to chicago a couple of times. it is big and dirty. my car got towed and cost me 120 bucks to get it back. the place that I used to work at was bought by a bunch of chicago fips. they threw me out. the great folks I used to work with are being hassled, and will most likely be out of work soon. its not too hard to figure out who is from shitcago when one is forced to engage in a conversation with one. I cant wait for the day when the chinese drop a nuke on shitcago. I wont be the only one to dance and sing when the mushroom cloud sprouts over that evil blight on lake michigan.
March 29, 2008 at 2:46 pm
That’s for stopping by, keane.
I’m curious, what’s a fip exactly and why do you call Chicagoans that? I’ve never heard that term.
I hate the place too, although I can’t say I hope anyone nukes it. I just want to leave, but not see anyone die. My hatred doesn’t extend quite that far!
March 30, 2008 at 7:47 am
I just spent 10 of the most miserable months of my life in Chicago, and if I ever have to go back there again it’ll be too soon. The weather is 100 percent crap. Miserable. Horrible. Awful.
The city government is a corrupt quagmire. Tens of thousands of wasteful city jobs are added to the payroll every year. How do they pay for it? Just raise taxes again! As of March 2008, Chicago has the highest taxes of any city in the US. And why? So we can pay for traffic enforcement officers who literally stand in the middle of every major intersection and direct traffic… even though there’s already a traffic light that does the same thing.
Sorry, Chicagoans. I know there are a lot of good people in the windy city. But your town is truly detestable.
March 30, 2008 at 8:42 am
That settles it. I am never moving there. I might visit, but hopefully you’ll be out of there by the time I get the means.
March 31, 2008 at 12:39 am
ChicagoHater - I know how you feel, and envy you having only spent 10 months here. What you’ve said is absolutely true, about the jobs and taxes. Sure, there are a lot of nice people in Chicago, and I don’t wish them ill. I’m just sick of all the bullshit that goes on in the city and surrounding suburbs. And the weather sucks.
Thanks for stopping by, Hater, I hope you come back! To my blog, not Chicago!
March 31, 2008 at 12:43 am
Berrykins - nope, you’ll never move here.
I had to laugh, I hope you don’t visit after I’m gone, lol. (Please God tell me I’ll be gone from here one day soon! And by that I don’t mean dead!) There are some interesting architectural things in the city you might like, and of course, the tallest building in the US, but I’m not sure they’d be worth a trip in and of themselves. Don’t come for the weather, or the food, or the scenery … just come for the friends. 
Love and hugs hon!
April 8, 2008 at 11:11 am
Hrmm…
Good post, and good comments. I concur with these and expected to see some people that liked it … I guess not.
I have been here about 3 years now… and well, have had well over enough and will be leaving before the next winter comes and my lease ends, going back to Florida.
The jobs here are a *tad* higher salary wise (5% tops), but not really, I factored in state taxes and cost of living and it is actually significantly lower! Imagine that.
I had visited Chicago in the past and did admit I liked the visits, there are about 2 months out of the year where the weather is gorgeous… but, the other 10 SUCK. I swear it is hotter and more humid than Florida ever was in the summer. I have also lived in other climates, and countries… and the weather here is the WORST…
As far as green city, it is definitely not green. You have to PAY for the blue bags now, this city is just plain dirty! Michigan ave and the lake are okay… the tourist areas. but living here? PLEASE. It is dirty with the worst roads I have ever experienced in my life.
Cost of living is DEFINITELY higher, groceries, oil, taxes, insurance, everything! Chicago will soon, if not already have the highest sales tax in the country.
I’m not really sure about the culture here either… people in southeast or west coast are definitely friendlier as well. Yes there are good institutions, yes there is good architecture. Not sure about culture though, it seems like a bunch of sheep to me! Like suburbs moved to the city.
So as far as Chicago goes, visit in late May or June, but I wouldn’t advise anybody moving here unless they are apathetic and materialistic. Besides that the city just doesn’t have much to offer I’m afraid, esp in the shit weather.
Out of the 10 cities as most miserable by Forbes, Chicago had weather index of 122, one point behind Flint Michigan, nothing else was close.
Most people I know here are either moving, not staying here, or would like to move if they could. There are a few newcomers or transients or just haven’t lived anywhere else or family is here that stay.
April 9, 2008 at 9:28 pm
LeavingChiTown - I love your name! You make me jealous, and I wish I was leaving too. Thank you for your nice comments.
All the things you said are true. Chicago IS dirty and the roads are some of the worst I’ve seen in the country - and I’ve driven over a huge portion of it. I once took a picture of the road across the state line bordering WI, because the difference was visible. Good road on the WI side, terrible on the IL side.
And yep on the taxes. Chicago recently passed new tax laws, which will raise them to the highest level in the country, double digits. They will begin in the fall I believe.
There are so many things wrong with the place, and part of me doesn’t understand the apathy that simply allows it to continue, to keep electing the same officials who keep maintaining the status quo. It’s like no one cares that it’s so terrible here. Maybe they just don’t know better. Perhaps they don’t care. Either way, when my turn comes, I will be like you, and leaving Chicago forever, with nary a glance back.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting! And good luck in FL!
April 23, 2008 at 2:18 pm
http://chicagowithdrawal.blogspot.com/ I’m just following up to anyone reading this. Your post is so popular Darcsfalcon because Chicago is one of the darkest cities of this country that people literally type “chicago sucks” into google to find like minded people. The thing is that natives either don’t know or mask the problem when someone says something other than, “What an awesome place!” The people who have lived in happy, joyful and functioning areas of the country are perplexed, the people who are raised here suffer through it so much they don’t know what society is capable of. i devoted a blog because i lived in the city and suburbs for my whole life until finally getting the hell out of there recently.
April 25, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Chicago absolutely blows. Im getting the %$#* out as soon as my lease is up.
May 7, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Wow, I’m assuming anybody that comes on this website to defend Chicago will be called “closed minded”, “socially conservative”, and “fat”.
You’re entitled to your opinion, but I’d at least expect good arguments for a Chicago hater (just as I’d expect good arguments from all the annoying New York City haters out there, don’t even get me started with them!).
Yeah, the CTA system and the government corruption can use some work, but if you think Chicago is one of the few cities that suffer from those problems, good luck in San Francisco, Phoenix, Atlanta, or Houston! The latter three cities that I mentioned have non-existent public transportation systems, and you ruling NYC out as another option to move to other than Chicago doesn’t give you many options (You can try D.C, but it sounds like you’re a “liberal, west coaster”
Lack of culture here? It depends on how often you leave your living room and go out with friends? Got any? It helps! You can find endless things to do at any time of the year (especially the summer) all over the city. Clubbing, restaurants, bars, I’m having a blast down here! And I used to live in LA, Seattle, and Miami (all fantastic cities by the way).
And with regards to the friendliness of the city, Chicago is well known by many to be one of the friendliest big cities in the country. The drivers are aggressive yes, but you’ll never escape that in any big city, especially San Francisco, New York, or LA.
There are tons of unfriendly people here, yes, but it’s not the kind of city where you’d receive awkward glances by everyone for simply saying “hello!”
Socially conservative (I’m responding to other arguments above me as well)? Well, there are plenty here, but aren’t us liberals supposed to be excepting and open minded? I sense a little hypocrisy in some of you. People in Chicago are more socially liberal and economically conservative. Have you seen the gay pride parade that attracts thousands of people each year in Lakeview? You guys probably don’t even know where Lakeview is, hence your claim that Chicago is lacking “culture”.
http://www.concierge.com/destination/chicago/nightlife
Here is link (one of many) that I found saying that Chicago has some of the most bars per capita out of any US city. Again, guys and gals, there’s tons to do here! Make something of what you have instead of whining like babies all the time and hoping that grass will be greener on the other side!
Speaking of links, do you have any quality ones that can back up your claim on the CTA, September 11, and the asthma. What about the Alaska claim? According to Weather.com, Chicago’s average in January is nearly 11 degrees warmer than Anchorage’s. The summers are humid, but have you been to the sunbelt? Or the desert southwest? or New York City? I am not bashing any of these mentioned areas, only stating that you are never going to live in an area with perfect weather.
I don’t know how I stumbled upon this miserable excuse for an essay/blog, but I am really beginning to regret since I had to waste ten minutes of my time writing a counter argument that most likely will be lambasted by the previous 21 posters who have been kissing your ass since you first wrote the blog.
I’m sure, once you move, I’ll be hearing another blog about a fantastic city (New York, Los Angeles, Houston, San Francisco, Miami, Washing DC, Boston, Philly, etc.), and how it lacks “culture”, “friendliness”, and “sincerity”, when you’re probably the biggest jerk to ever step foot in Chicago.
May 8, 2008 at 5:15 am
I was reading through and I agree with evertything anti-chicago that i have seen so far. My girlfriend and i moved here from Austin. Yup thats right. From one in the top 10 to one in the bottom 10. The part that gets me most about this poo hole is the boasting of the friendly people and the great food.
So maybe they aren’t mean, but most of them don’t seem to know how to be polite, or respectful. They all think that they know more about everthing than everyone else! And seriously, do you need to use the F-bomb for every third word?
The food that is so amazing……..may be non exhistant. I have given up trying new places, because it’s constantly a let down. I think the overwieght obnoxious speaking locals are talking about how good the bar food is.
My girlfriend and I are finally leaving in late August! We are going to check out clearwater, fl. wish us luck …. and the best of luck to all of you not liking it in this stye! Get out!
ps if i made a list of things i didn’t like about chicago, i would have to miss a few days of work so i just jotted down the two that were bugging me today.
ps are they all alcoholics?
May 8, 2008 at 5:25 am
sorry about the back to back comments but i just read “franktown” comments on culture. Dude, the gay pride parade. Culture huh? I am far from anti gay, but the parade is just another excuse for people to get wasted in the streets.
What, no baseball game to not watch and get hammered at? Oh no, it’s not st pattys day (2 parades to get drunk at for that one). What will we do???? Oh ya, we’ll go to one of the thousands of bars and still get ridiculously DRUNK!
So, where is this culture thing you are talking about, or were you drunk when you wrote your response?
May 8, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Well, It’s clear that I now know why people seem to hate Chicago.
Because we know how to have a good time (I’m sorry if watching baseball or football over a polish sausage and a beer and then going to the bars to get hammered isn’t your idea of a good time).
I don’t need to say anything else. You like cookie cutter perfect neighborhoods? You might as well move anywhere out of the Midwest, because you’re probably the a-hole that’s been filing noise complaints down the street.
Austin, huh? Great city! How much of a low life are you that you don’t know that 6th street basically turns into Mardi Gras after 2 am when the bars close. I had a blast bar happing in that city, although Chicago has loads more to offer simply because it has everything on a bigger scale (great city). I also loved Austin’s Tex-Mex and pure Mexican food. Delicious!
I feel sorry that Tampa is going to have to deal with your BS. I suggest moving to Sarasota, where the population over 75+ is booming, and you and your girlfriend can spend a Saturday evening playing a good game of checkers or bingo with your grandparents.
They’re lucky to have you. And I’m done. Buh-bye!
May 9, 2008 at 7:12 pm
Franktown - You deserve some special attention from me, I’m thinking.
First of all, I think you’ve made some assumptions about me that simply aren’t warranted. Me? Accuse someone of being socially conservative? Not unless I was heaping praise from the bottom of my Republican heart. You’ve presumed me a liberal and I can assure you, nothing could be further from the truth. And I would never call someone close-minded just for disagreeing with me. As I pointed out at the top of my Anti-Chicago page, it’s intended as a place for like-minded people to vent their frustrations. We already KNOW there are people such as yourself who love Chicago and can think of no better place to live, and we don’t have a problem with that. Believe me, we’ve lived next door to you for years, and are frankly a bit tired of being made to feel that we aren’t entitled to our opinion. It’s part of our frustration. Chicago is NOT the friendly city it likes to claim to be, and I HAVE gotten sour looks and rude gestures simply for nodding “hello” to passersby. For the record, we shouldn’t HAVE to file noise complaints either - our neighbors shouldn’t be so rude to blast their music at all hours of the night. Personally, I think only other “true Chicagoans” find Chicago to be a friendly city. Why would anyone come here to defend Chicago? I stated at the top of my Anti-Chicago page that if anyone came here to argue with me, not to bother because it wouldn’t alter anything I’ve experienced. There’s lots of “Love Chicago” sites, or you can start your own. You read that part, right?
Please Franktown, clubbing and the Gay Pride parade are not culture. You don’t honestly believe that, do you? Not everyone in Chicagoland wants to do the club scene, bar hop, and eat sausage. It is precisely that attitude that something’s wrong with us if we don’t like those things that make it frustrating to live here. Besides, the club scene isn’t really the kind of place to go with your kids either.
Yeah, one year I tracked the temps daily between Anchorage and Chicago. Chicago was always colder. As for averages, I don’t think a 10° difference in average temps, when both temps are below freezing is that big a difference. Perhaps you don’t have anyone you love who has to cope with asthma that causes you to discover the statistics on that. According to http://www.lungchicago.org The asthma hospitalization rate in Chicago is nearly double the national average. As for the news stuff during 911, I guess you had to be here. You may have been living in LA, Seattle, or Miami during that time. The CTA? Were you here in Dec of last year during the “crisis”? Don’t you know about the tax bailout the CTA received from the city? And I don’t think that bragging that other city’s faults are just as bad as Chicago’s is really bragging, either, you know? Like I’ve never lived anywhere else. It’s amusing really - the people who most try to convince me how wonderful Chicago is are people who’ve recently moved here, and don’t seem to realize that I’ve been here for over 30 years and seen a lot that’s gone on.
There is more to life than bar-hopping, but sadly, there doesn’t seem to be anything else to do in Chicago. I certainly find it sad that Chicago has the most bars per capita than other major US cities. It’s not something to brag about. How many bars does 1 city need, exactly? No wonder the drunk-driving statistics around here are so terrible!
I know how you stumbled upon my miserable excuse for a blog, Franktown. You probably put “Chicago sucks” into a search engine and found it - that’s how everyone else does, and those are the search terms that showed up on my blog stats. No one forced you to read. No one made you waste 10 minutes of your time. You chose to do that. If you regret it then that’s on you.
It’s funny, Franktown, you tell me I have no valid arguments, but then you agree with me on the CTA system, government corruption, the “tons of unfriendly people,” the humid summers, and aggressive drivers. And you call me a hypocrite?
No other opinion but “The Chicago Way” is tolerated here, and that only proves how intolerant Chicago really is. Tolerance? Try being a Republican in Chicago. No one is as intolerant of us as “the tolerant liberals,” of which you claim to be. You call yourself open-minded, yet I find it ironic that you are not tolerant of my disagreement with you regarding Chicago. I didn’t seek you out, you sought me, and decided to argue with me despite my opening request that you not do so. I don’t go to Chicago lover’s pages and read them the riot act. And despite your claim of “Chicago friendliness,” Franktown, you’re the one who resorted to name-calling, not me.
But thanks for stopping by anyway and I hope you’ll be very happy in Chicago.
May 9, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Ehhhh, whatever.
I do find that you’re entitled to an opinion, and btw, I am NOT that much of a liberal as I claimed to be above.
It’s not that I’m not tolerating your viewpoint by arguing with you, I’m simply defending the city I’ve been living in for quite a long time now (despite the fact that I’ve been moving all over the country).
There are PLENTY of other things to do in Chicago other than bar hop and clubbing.
Family wise, go to a broadway show downtown or try an off broadway production (adult or kid friendly material) scattered around the city. Go to the lake either in the city or on the north shore. Go to The Field Museum, Art Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, or the Planetarium. Climb the Tower downtown. Go to a farmers market, a political rally, or a coffeehouse. Go to an art show (there are TONS all over the city).
I’m simply stating that you can find what you want in Chicago if you try hard (you can’t find mountains, though).
I was not insulting you for not liking bar hopping, but if that’s not your thing, there are infinite other things to do around the city or in the suburbs. Open an edition of the Red Eye (if it’s still published) and that’ll prove my point.
I’m sorry, but yes, you will find these same problems in other cities.
I just think that you are acting very pessimistic and you won’t be happy in your other city you move to based on how you’ve judged Chicago.
I also never called YOU a name, I called shitcagoan a name for judging me.
I guess that settles that. I suggest you pursue your happiness and leave the city. Life is short and you should be somewhere that makes you happy.
May 11, 2008 at 4:54 am
looking back i feel bad for being so arrogant. I became what i was bitching about while I was bitching.
I like going to bars, occasionally even going too far. What bugs me is that seems to be the number one past time around here.
And please Ftown, having A beer at a baseball game? I live within earshot of wrigley, and there isn’t alot of sanity around here during baseball season.
I didn’t mean to attack you Ftown, at least not enough to make you think I’m an A hole and i am loaded with BS for Floridians.
I have been happy EVERYWHERE else that I have lived. Fortunalely for us, we only had to come up here for a two year project. It’s just that somedays my dislike for this city gets to me and I get very negative.
DarcsFalcon, thanks for giving me/us a place to vent my feelings when the chicago life gets rough. I’m sure you’ll hear more from me.
May 11, 2008 at 4:40 pm
JoJo - I hope you find happiness and success wherever you end up! And thanks for stopping by!
May 12, 2008 at 11:15 am
Shitcagoan - I wanted to give you some special attention too, since you’ve visited here a few times while I was gone. Please know you’re always welcome here and I thank you for stopping by.
At least you are here for just 2 years. I’ve been here 30 so far, and if I could have gotten away after just 2, my life would have been totally different.
I agree with you completely on the food thing. I heard such great things about Chicago food, but I’ve yet to find it. Like you, I’ve given up trying. The best food I’ve found around here wasn’t in the city, but way way out in the far west ‘burbs, and one tiny little diner down in Reagan’s birthplace (can’t recall the name of the city) that no longer exists. I’ve had decent food, but it wasn’t pizza and it wasn’t hot dogs. I can’t stand the “Chicago version” of either of those.
Are they all alcoholics? LOL Seems that way sometimes, doesn’t it? Chicagoans love their beer, that’s for sure! I doubt they’re alcoholics, but maybe the drinking numbs the pain of living here. Perhaps I should give it a try?
Thanks for the FL invite! I would love to take you up on it! Honestly though, I do wish you and your gf every success there. I’ve heard it’s humid and rains a lot, so be sure to take your umbrella. That’s one of the 22 of the lower 48 I’ve not been to. Four more months dude, then you’re out. You have no idea how I envy you!
I understand the level of frustration and dislike, and how it can get to you sometimes. You just want to scream, “Why don’t you people DO something about all the things that need fixing?!” I know. People complain about taxes and still vote in the people who raised the taxes. They complain about the Democratic Machine of Chicago, and still vote Democrat. They have so much power with their dollars and their votes, and they won’t use them to change things. If you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.
I’m glad you stopped by Shitcagoan. As I said in the beginning, you’re always welcome here. This is a place to vent, where you won’t get the hostile stares or raised brows just for feeling the way you do. Not from me anyway. I wish you Godspeed on your journey, and all success.
May 14, 2008 at 10:56 pm
JR - Yes, I get multiple daily searches for “Chicago sucks” on my blog. I always felt pretty alone in my thoughts, until I saw how many people were looking at the same things I was, and coming to the same conclusions. I don’t know if the “natives” are just in denial or if they truly believe the rhetoric they spew, but there are many others of us who know that this place is not as great as it cracked itself up to be.
Your blog is cool - don’t stop.
May 15, 2008 at 12:11 am
Franktown - I’m glad you came back.
I never said there wasn’t anything to do in Chicago. That wasn’t one of my complaints in my original post. Certainly, most major metros try to have things to do for its residents. Personally, I’m not that concerned with those things as I don’t live in the city and getting down there is too much trouble and too expensive for my efforts. So, meh. I think it may have been one of the commentors who referred to that.
My complaints have been with taxation and unemployment, the incredibly high cost of living around here, the apathy of the people to change the way the city “works,” the attitude of so many people here.
I can find what I want if I just “look hard enough?” Franktown, I’m sure you mean well, but let me be blunt: after being here 30 years, what makes you think I haven’t? It’s a little insulting for you to imply I haven’t. Can I change the weather? Can I change the tax rate? Can I change unemployment? Can I change the politics? (Believe me I’ve tried!) My desire is to be around like-minded people, and here, I’m just a fish out of water. I don’t belong here. Chicago never welcomed me, no matter how hard I tried to fit in. I wasn’t allowed in the “clique.” When I got here I was greeted with condescension and arrogance, and nothing’s changed since. Unfortunately, I can’t just magically transport myself to where I want to be either, so I’m stuck with struggling in a place that doesn’t want me.
No offense Franktown, but you don’t know me well enough to know whether or not I’d be happy some place else. You’ve not walked a step in my shoes, let alone a mile, to know whether I’m just being pessimistic. I have no problem that some people seem to love it here. I leave it to them, gladly. I’m happy for them that they’ve found a place they want to be. Honest. I just want the same for myself. And Chicago doesn’t need you to defend it. After being here so long, please don’t think I haven’t heard it all, all the praise that people want to heap on this place. It’s because I’ve been here so long I feel I have the right to vent, more than folks who’ve just come for a visit, or only lived here a short time. For me, this place is a prison - I can’t get out, no matter how hard I try. But I’ll keep trying, because “home” calls me.
No hard feelings Franktown, none at all. And honestly, my criticism of Chicago won’t hurt it in the least. Chicago and it’s denizens couldn’t care less about me, or what I think of it.
June 10, 2008 at 3:58 pm
[...] 10, 2008 by pinksunshine Partly inspired by DarcsFalcon’s Why I Think Chicago Sucks (although I really like Chicago!) and partly by the fact that some idiot lorry driver almost [...]
June 16, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Everything here sucks:
Public transportations system - five EL lines going to Downtown and nothing to interconnect the outskirts plus very slooooow… Buses that add to already bad congestion.
Roads? Traffic is bad most of time, people here do not know how to drive in big city i.e. keep up with the traffic (no five car-lengths gaps), signal when changing lanes, use all available lanes, do not block others etc. etc.
Culture? What culture? Broadway reruns? Five theaters in a two million city? Lola ? :))
Chicago sports? Two teams that win the championships every hundred years plus “da Bears” that haven’t won since 1960’s..
Chicago food? How many hot-dogs you can eat in your lifetime? Chicago food is greasy and in large quantities - just look around and realize how many obese individuals are walking these streets. No. Big chain restaurants do not count as attractions.
Journalism: There is no major magazine published in Chicago besides Playboy. Both Chicago dailies are epitomes of bad journalism: parochial, isolationist, servile. Plain boring. No great names.
Chicago politics? Which other city would allow the mayor to run eight consecutive terms? Only a city where NOBODY decent wants to be a mayor. Governor after governor goes to jail. Corruption capital of the US. The highest gas prices in the country. On of the highest property taxes in the country. The highest foreclosure rate in the country. Does this all add up? Eight terms in the office. Keep it up Chicago!
Conclusion: Chicago suffers from the Midwestern “never complain and learn to like what you have” mentality. It sounds good on paper but in reality nobody complains so nothing ever get fixed or improved. Squeaky wheel gets the grease? Not in Chicago. Instead Chicagoans are “tough” so they actually learn to like the rusted bridge in the middle of town (the EL), terrible potholes and high taxes. Nobody complains so nothing ever changes. Chicago reward complacency and mediocrity. You can see the effect yourself.
On top of that Chicagoans act like they all have this big inferiority complex masquerading as superiotiy complex
“Of course Chicago has the best sports, education, food and culture”. Where else could it be if not the middle of the prairie 
Point of reference? Bismarck ND?
Chicagoans are so rude. Do not expect someone to hold the door for you or to hear “I am sorry” if someone steps on your foot on the train. New York is rude? Try Chicago.
Terrible place… Avoid at all cost.
PS. Why am I here? Because I do not have the choice, do not tell me to move out ’cause I can’t.
June 16, 2008 at 6:46 pm
SD - Thanks for stopping by! I know just how you feel! And I am only, sadly, too familiar with being unable to leave, myself. It is the bane of my existence. So any time you need to rant, feel free to come on by.
June 17, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Hey, SD, we’re in the same boat. Saying “so move if youse don’t like it” isn’t really thoughtful or intelligent. If I could, I would, I don’t like spending my life complaining about living.
But I disagree about Shitcagoans being tough. They may not complain, but I think it’s because they’re too stupid to realize how bad they’re being screwed.
Glad you sounded off. In a city of 2+ million people, at least a few of us have the intellectual capacity to know crap when we see it.
June 20, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Been here 20 years ..
The positives::
Public Transit while it bogs down, still allows you the luxury of not having a car.
Since they overbuilt the city, plenty of rentals available relatively cheap compared to other cities.
Lots of non chain bars and restaraunts off the tourist beaten path and some good cheap food, Mexican- Thai, Woodfire pizza and deep dish (which is a whole other animal).
The negatives:
Weather is only good in June, July and August (especially by the lake) so they jam in a kazillion festivals during those months and then 9 months go by without anything similar.
Since a good portion of the residence are from the Chicagoland area or other areas of the midwest, Chicago is looked at as a panacea, utopia by many who havent traveled elsewhere. They think the food is the greatest in the world, the women are the best looking in the world (please!) and the world ends at Harlem Avenue.
This provinicalism is also noted in there sports teams. If you root for anybody but a Chicago team I’ve been told there’s something wrong with you and the aging decrepit Wrigley field is considered the greatest ballpark in the world.
The dining and bar scene exacerbate the weight problem in this city. There are more overweight people here per capita then I’ve ever seen. Most restaraunts serve huge portions and if you ask for a junior or child size portion you are laughed or scoffed at by waiters and waitresses.
And finally the City has let some great little former urban oasis neighborhoods go junior yuppie, changing the complexion of the city- See Bucktown, Roscoe Village, North Center, Ravenswood, South loop etc.
And as far as Daley being re-elected year after year its shows you the intellect or lack of the populous.
June 21, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Pistol Pete - Thanks for stopping by! I got you beat by a decade! I agree with you about Daley - it’s like he’s king or something, and not an elected official. 17 yrs as mayor? Come ON people! Get a Republican in that office! Do something different for a change! I think the weather’s only nice in May and September though, but I must admit, this June has been pretty nice. Usually it’s sweltering by now. You are right about Chicago being viewed as a panacea - it’s like the people have some weird tunnel vision and aren’t even willing to consider the possibility that other cities have great things to offer. If it’s not the Chicago Way, then it’s NO WAY, forget it, we ain’t interested! And I’m not sure about the transit system - I was just reading yesterday how bad it’s getting, Metra needs more cars and can’t afford them. You know what that means - higher rates, longer wait times, more delays. And I know just what you mean about being a fan of a non-Chicago team. I’ve seen Packers fans harrassed, so I don’t often wear my Patriots stuff.
Where were you before you came to Chicago, if you don’t mind me asking? Thanks for dropping in - I hope to see you again.
June 21, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Hi I lived in Boston as well, did 4 years in Kansas City and a year or two in Suburban LA. I have to say that when I came to Chicago it was pretty damn fun. You had great bars, like the Octagon, Neo (still around in some form), Avalon, and the Lakeview, Lincoln Park scene had some good things going for it. It also was kind of neat to go to the “undiscovered areas” at the time- Roscoe Village, Ravenswood, Bucktown etc. What’s happened is the Economy in the midwest has gotten so shitty in the past 10-15 years in places like Detroit, Cleveland, Iowa, etc. is that the city is overrun by 20 somethings right out of big ten schools that used to settle in places like Wrigleyville, Clark and Diversey etc. Due to sheer numbers the young “hipster” element of this crowd has taken over former quite outpusts (forgot to mention Ukranian Village and River West) and now those neighborhoods are supposed hipster hangouts. The thing is when you my age 45 you realize these kids arent’ really hipsters, it’s just a phase or right of passage they are going through and wearing a tatoo and nose ring and hanging out at North and Damen is the thing to do. Sort of like Belmont and Clark 20 years ago. Then on the other hand those that grew up in Chicago tend to be what I call “urban rednecks” they keep to themselves and most think a summer trip to the Dells or the Dunes is about all they can muster up for a vacation . Being able to go to Vegas (for the buffets would be the ultimate conquest). I also find in the retail outlets the black and hispanic products of the Chicago school system are either rude or dont talk to you or look away in a lot of instances. Not sure if this is education or just distrust with white people since the city is considered one of the (if not the) most racially tense large cities in the country. So the bottom line is the city looks great on TV when a sports event is going on, but it’s an unpleasant place to live.
I have to stay hear for about 5-10 more years god help me until I retire and head to the Sun Belt, so all I can do it try to be positive and keep a smile on my face while facing CTA delays and passive employees, 8 months of helacious cold,
SUV’s and cabs not stopping at crosswalks, frowning faces, and being considered a freak since I weigh 145 pounds and stand 5 foot 11 inches and dont live my life around food and booze
June 21, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Wow, Pistol Pete — you’re 5′ 11″ and 145??? I’m SOOOO jealous!
June 22, 2008 at 10:05 am
Thanks DarcNyt, Maybe its from not bring Mickey D’s double cheezburgers when I’m on the El and depositing it on the seat or floor.
Does anyone ever do that in Chicago?? No way!
June 23, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Pitsol Pete - I’d love to hear about Boston. Darc and I feel called to the east coast and are hoping to get there one day. Boston and it’s surroundings are in our top 10 list of places to consider.
I love your use of urban rednecks! It fits so well! And you’re right - there’s a hostility in the city that’s hard to pin down, as well as an apathy I simply will never understand.
And I guess the Dells is nearly gone now for a vacation spot, so wherever will people go?
Thanks for coming back!
June 24, 2008 at 10:32 am
Saw this story and thought of you! http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7470871.stm
June 24, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Pink - ROFLMAO! I saw that a couple days ago in my local online paper. It reminded me of the time I saw a blue jay go after a train for getting too close to its nest. Silly Chicago birds!
June 24, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Yeah, even the BIRDS here are stupid. The whole place is … well, for the birds.
June 24, 2008 at 9:55 pm
i agree with Pistol Pete. Chicago is really fun to begin with but here lies the danger and pull of the place. You may have fun for a month or even a year, but then you realize where you are at some point and immediately want to escape.
I lived with the Hipster element. Its like neighborhoods of high school acting people all over again. These people aren’t enlightened or even fun to be around they are boring and pretentious– not all but many.
People are intensely rude there, especially products of the CPS. I worked with someone that had to drop out of high school because it was so ghetto. As far as minorities go, most of them are surprised to see you if you walk through their neighborhood and vice versa, with exception of parts of the north side i guess.
I’ve been back there for like 2 weeks the last half a year and it was about enough. As far as fat people, I think its the capital in the U.S. Good luck living there and staying thin, I told my friend that recently moved there to buy a gym membership right away.
June 25, 2008 at 12:22 am
Great point by JR. The whole N.Side from North Ave up to Irving and now West to Western is like a big high school or college campus where bars/porch parties/those Cubbies rule on the frat boy side and then there’s the Wicker hipsters who’ve spread south to the West Loop and Ukranian Village. Sort of the geeks who couldnt play sports but now are cool with there tatood girlfriend in retro pigtails.
As ugly ass as the South Side is (it might as well be Detroit) at least the Urban rednecks , hispanics and blacks are just trying to get by in the city.
Thank goodness for a bar called the Liars Club. It’s my only salvation here!!
June 25, 2008 at 3:48 pm
I never got into the bar scene, so what you guys are talking about is unfamiliar to me. And really, if you’re not into a bar scene on some level, what has Chicago got for you?
June 26, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Chicago is fun too a point where you can drink a lot of beer at one area and end up in a different part of the city, you havent discovered. Although, in the last 20 years the city has mainly become just a giant ghetto and sterile shopping mall.
The areas Pistol Pete is talking about are havens for what is a recently coined term steming from the beat/hippie generation of the 60s. The “hipster” is what it is called in modern times, there is a book called “the hipster handbook” if you would like to know more about it. Basically most of them are pretend hippies/ pseudo beatniks and they act pretentious. Many of them flock to Chicago as North and Damen is one of the main centers of “hipster” culture in the United States. Although these areas, are becoming too expensive so they are forced to live elsewhere and only “pretend” hipsters remain that have regular 9-5 jobs that automatically disqualify them from being a hipster. They ride one speed bikes, dress, in tight clothes and wear ironic t-shirts. Many of them aim at living the “bohemian” lifestyle.
The area I lived in was an enclave of these people. I thought that they had something they were rebelling against at first and they at least partied hard or were fun to be around- after living around/with these people for about a year, I realized that they are none of these things. I realized how much I liked capitalism and wanted to have a 9-5 job and did not want to be poor. These people are among the biggest hypocrites American society has ever produced. The 60s were rebelling against Vietnam, hipsters today rebel against the suburbs they are from and making money. Hipsters hate money, while living off their parents or leaching off of others like me, as one of my roommates did. I can honestly say its like a giant High school, not even to the level of college with their closed minded, supposedly opened minded mentality.
As big is Chicago is and as much as I hate to say it, besides being wasted and my family there, it has nothing to offer me. I’m too smart for getting drunk all the time and living with the array of hypocrites in the metropolitan area.
June 28, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Good point on the North and Damen 20 something (or sadly early 30’s) “hipster scene”. Most of these kids are from rich suburbs of Chicago, Detroit (a city that apparently sucks even worse than Chicago due to the auto industry obsession) or other midwest outposts. Bucktown started as a good idea, but like a good portion of Chicago’s “hip neighborhoods” became the sterile mall atmosphere the kids came from. Hence, sportsbars have sprung up as well as standard retail. J.R is correct. These kids arent’ beatniks, hippies, or stand for anything. There spoiled little rich brats who went to Big Ten or expensive private college. Anyway,it’s only one aspect of what drives me nuts about Chicago. Happy to be heading out of town for the 4th of Julyweekend
June 29, 2008 at 3:00 am
PistolPete - Oh lucky you, getting to go away for a fun holiday weekend! I hope you have a blast! Let us know what you did when you get back, ok? I’d love to hear about your mini-vacation.
June 30, 2008 at 6:59 am
Pistol Pete– I left college for a while to move there and I figured out the hard way the hypocrisies of Chicago. Hipsters being one. Politicians in that city are the worst hypocrites, expecting you to use the shitty transit while they drive their limos everywhere.
I think its the scale of Chicago that sets it apart from other shitty cities and places. Cincinnati has its bad parts as every city, but the size and dilapidation of Chicago physically and mentally is enough to make you to want to run far away.
I know I can work for the family business if I go back there, but I know I’ll be miserable. I am actively trying to stay in Cincinnati after college.
June 30, 2008 at 7:37 pm
I was excited to read this blog because I thought my husband I and were the only ones. We too are stuck here, not by choice, for a few more years and dislike is describing our sentiment nicely. I used to live in San Diego, but drove through and stayed in LA and San Fran. People here in chicago constantly ask me, “isn’t the traffic so bad in LA”? Are you kidding me? It’s not great, but at least I don’t have to fear for my life as some a** hole in a mercedes benz careens past me with no turn signal, or a bus basically runs into the side of me because he hasn’t looked or doesn’t care or has been doing this too long to give a damn. Don’t even get me started on the taxi drivers. I haven’t used much public transit because it isn’t big in SD and I’m not familiar with it, but from the stories I’ve heard, I think I’ll stick to the car. I think I could overlook the potholes that have roads in them, but holy cow, I have not seen a worse created infostructure in my life. Did they set a bunch of toddlers down to draw on a big piece of paper and that’s how they came up with the roads and freeways? I understand that there are way more people here now than back in the day, but our taxes seem to be high enough that we could receive a little more help on the traffic congestion. Or did I just pay for someones fancy dinner?
I agree with most of the comments on culture. If you like to eat bar food and consume mass quantities of alcohol this is the town for you. Chicago likes to party! And hey, if that’s your thing, more power to ya and you’re livin in the right place.
Recycling is ridiculous here. We have had a recycling system in place in san diego for about 20 years plus. And it’s not just a blue bag the garbage men throw in with all of the other waste and tell you it’s been “recycled” come on are we idiots? They come around with a separate truck for all recycling in SD and in a lot of other cities I’ve been too. The parks systems are pretty nice here..gotta give them that. However, whatever is not a park is DIIIIRRRTTYYY. When I first moved here, I thought breathing might be hazardous to my health. I won’t go jogging on the streets anymore because inhaling exhaust isn’t what I want to do while I’m trying to be healthy. The lakefront is nice, but try to get anywhere near it on the weekend! My husband and I love outdoor activities. I used to surf and horseback ride on a daily basis and he loves to bike ride. Now, however to get to a place you won’t be hit by some reckless driver, we have to drive at least 2 hours roundtrip and that’s with absolutely no traffic…which come on, when does that ever happen? 3 am?
Wow and I know this is getting long, but my last gripe is the people. In San Diego, LA, San Fran and even NY I have met friendlier people. Everyone told me when I first moved here, “oh, you’ll LOVE it..the people are so friendly”…what a load of you know what. Big culture shock for me! It was so different to what I was used to in SD that I just figured everyone was mad at me or having a bad day….ALL THE TIME. Most of the fun people I have met are not from chicago originally.
And seriously what is the superiority complex around here? Do your farts not stink? Do you all drive hybrids? I mean I could see if your weather wasn’t sh*t on a stick or something, but c’mon. I can tell you rent is the same in SD as it is here pretty much and houses might be a little pricier, but not much. And hey, if the weather doesn’t make me want to hang myself with a shower curtain, I think I’ll pay a little more.
For all those that love chicago, like in a couple of the posts before, I mean no harm…I’m glad you like it here, cuz when I move out, you won’t follow me and crowd up my new city. I think Chicago has a lot to offer, especially for people who like NYC, but think it’s too big of a hassle. For me, I wasn’t raised here or in NYC - I like things a little more peaceful, a little warmer, a little greener, little less traffic and to get to enjoy the activities I like to do. While I’m here I’m gonna make the most out of it and keep trying new things cuz doom and gloom isn’t my style, but thanks to this blog I could share a few frustrations with like minded individuals and find out that I’m not alone out there lol!
June 30, 2008 at 7:41 pm
oh yeah, PS, I forgot one more thing..what’s up with the handgun ban in chicago? So what the gang bangers and criminals can be loaded up to their eyeballs in all sorts of fun weaponry, and I can’t even have a handgun if I wished to defend myself? I’m pretty sure chicago doesn’t have a shortage of criminals - what would it hurt if I popped off a few. I’d pay a $25.00 fine….
June 30, 2008 at 9:08 pm
JG, this site is like the only place online for people that figure out Chicago sucks (besides mine now). It seems to me that most of the people on here are from somewhere else and eventually just disgusted when they stay in Chicago for any length of time. Personally, I’ll never live in Cook County again. It is seriously run by the mob/ naive socialists. Now maybe socialism works in Denmark, but this is Chicago and the majority of the people are idiots.
I’m from here, and I feel like my blog is blasphemy towards people I know. But like I said before, it needs to be said.
The handgun ban was put in place by the mob; I think I show evidence in one of my “violence” posts. IT was instated in the 80s by a mob alderman.
After careful examination, its the hypocrisy of Chicago that is just the most irritating. I can give a million examples: Hipsters as in the previous posts, A mayor that has armed body guards and tells everyone they can’t have a gun. A governor who doesn’t live in the Capital, instead in some shitty Polish NW. neighborhood. People that tell you to use transit, while driving their fat asses everywhere. Intolerant democrats that are supposedly “tolerant.” as darc I believe said. The city-state mentality. “Friendliness” From the moment you see the Cubs/Chicago Tribune propaganda on WGN, you think, “what a great place.”–then they suck you it and tax you.
June 30, 2008 at 9:23 pm
I will say Chicago is a fun so much as your liver can hold up, lol. I probably went out like 4 nights a weeks when I lived there last year. Its like you sit in your apt and freeze or go out and drink and freeze.
June 30, 2008 at 9:43 pm
JG - Thank you so much for stopping by! It’s always a pleasure to meet like-minded people!
You are so right about all the things you mentioned. And did you know, Chicago has one of the worst asthma records in the country? Breathing here is hard to do, but if you can get away with it, they’ll tax it.
I’m so with you - I wasn’t raised here either, and I too long for something more peaceful, with less traffic, and more friendliness.
As for the gun ban - yep, that went into effect in 1981 or 2 I believe, but thanks to the recent 2nd Amendment case, that ban is being challenged and is expected to be overturned, at least in some measure.
And please feel free to stop back in anytime! Vent all you need to - you are welcome here.
June 30, 2008 at 9:48 pm
JR - You’re so right - the hypocrisy is mind-boggling sometimes. I just can’t get over how many people buy the BS, when it’s so obvious. People just shrug and say, “Well, wateru gonna doo? Diss is Shikahgah” like they’re proud of being taken for a ride.
June 30, 2008 at 11:55 pm
FIY-this is going to be a long tirade, since I have a million things to say, and compounded with excitement of discovering all of you like-minded people.…Where do I begin? I moved here 16 years ago (I am preparing to get the hell out to SF
I did not like it from the beginning, but felt time was needed to get used to things, or to get to know a different side of the city, since it’s ‘so versatile’ and ‘cultural.’ Well, I gave it more that a chance, and here are some observations:
A giant ghetto, occasionally classed up by a Starbucks. An honorable mention to Dunkin Doughnuts, which could very well be synonymous with Chicago, along with Polish sausage and other deep-fried legends of the local cuisine.
A corporate rat maze (downtown) interjected by fast food joints and bars. (OK, I begrudgingly admit the 5 star restaurants are a welcome relief and well deserve the rating).
An urban redneck oasis (a term someone brilliantly delivered up thread) with the NW Side still in 1996 and the South Side in 1984.
A hipster ‘scene,’ where the trendy crowd attempts to buy identity of a faux cosmopolitan with their credit card budget. (But that’s ok, cause mom and dad will cough up down-payment on that Lincoln Park condo anyway).
Downtown:.
A corporate rat maze, and a tourist Disneyland- due to congestion and ridiculous distances always turns out to be an exhausting way to spend a day.
The Chicago Magnificent Mall-it’s got a Bulgari so “no, it’s not at all like the Mall of America.” It does however probably serve more pounds of fast food cheese daily.
Architecture:
Sure, it has a number of architectural stars, but what about the remaining 99%?
…It seems the rest of the architects went to the Gambino School of Architecture. And let’s not neglect to the vision that are the vintage rental bldgs- wooden, scrappy and brittle porches…ahh, joie de vivre! Let’s keep that Mies Van Der Rohe proud…
To the locals (btw, very pleased with their aesthetic sensibility), this landscape cannot be rivaled by beauty of Rome…or even Vegas.
People
Friendly…my ass. Friendly in terms of helping a lost tourist with directions, but that’s that. The problem with Chicagoans is that they confuse common courtesy with exceptional friendliness, that they so freely give themselves credit for, and not understanding standards outside, Chicago (IN excluded). Barn manners elsewhere would here be what we call laid back.
Politics
2.8 mil. people who can’t govern themselves. No. Collective. Action. Whatsoever. No collective social conscience. City officials rule totalitarian style (taxation, i.e.), and with zero benefit for the people other than friends with city official jobs, or in the construction business. Daley has been practically electing himself each time. What have Chicagoans done about it? Nada. But a bit of critical thought maybe hard to process when you’re in a meatball pizza induced coma.
I have more to say, but will do so next time…
Tc, all! So happy to learn you all exist!
July 1, 2008 at 4:10 am
bologal- lol, Gambino School of Architecture, so true. Like many of the people here I was so excited to find this blog post, I emailed falcon.
For some reason, I feel like this is some sort of unknown wisdom that very few are lucky to be able to understand. Maybe this is why I am so excited about talking about this subject, haha. When you are walking around your neighborhood or at the grocery store 99% of the people will have no idea WTF you are talking about analyzing Chicago. It is only with the advent of the internet, have the underground critics found a place to meet.
As a result, many here are shocked to find out that other people have looked around Chicagoland and said, “WTF is wrong with this place!”
Furthermore, any attempt to criticize it, is shot down with personal assaults and trivial name calling. Did you ever think, Chicago lovers out there, that maybe this is constructive criticism and people here actually care about the crumbling city?
I could talk about this all day. At first, I started my blog out of pure rage against the place. But now its just like a giant joke to me. The joke is on you if you live there!
July 1, 2008 at 1:37 pm
BoloGal - Welcome welcome! And take as long as you need for your tirades! Couple of things you said made me LOL - I love your sarcastic spin on things.
The line about barn manners was so dead on, and the confusing courtesy with friendliness, too true!
Oh, and the “cannot govern themselves,” is one of my faves. I just don’t get that - it’s like something’s in the water that prevents people from doing anything about the way this city is run. And to top it off, they’re proud of it. >shakes head<
What part of SF are you planning on going to? The city, or the ‘burbs?
Please come back again BG, it was nice to have you visit!
July 3, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I’ve really enjoyed reading this thread. It’s nice that all the provincial girl scouts have a place to cry together. Perhaps this forum should merge with LA sucks, nyc sucks, boston sucks, san f. sucks etc… Many of the complaints on this board reveal little more then a lack of sophistication on the part of the author. Seriously, take a look at other _________ city sucks blogs. Full of the same uncultured opinionated garbage.
Chicago never made any promises to anyone. Some people are just too soft to make it in Chicago plain and simple. Chicago is not for everyone, not everyone likes living and working in a major metropolis. That’s why cities like Phoenix and Atlanta exit. I hear Phoenix has great Opera, wonderful museums, and loads of diverse white people from all over California.
Someone mentioned San Fran, a cute and pretty city, I used to live and work there and liked it a lot, trust me though when i say it’s a few tiers two below Chicago. There is much to like there, but after the initial honeymoon, you will find it to be corrupt, less cultured, a homeless haven, few cabs, terrible public transport, much dirtier, uninspiring night life, delusional citizens believe the city is better then Paris, Tokyo, etc…more on par with Minneapolis(not an insult, I hear good things about Minneapolis) can be sort of pathetic etc… I have lived and worked in San Fran, nyc, Rome, bologna, and Chicago. I have very positive things to say about each city and don’t really care for the naysayers that can’t cut it. But guess what they all have problems and they are not for everyone. Paris has massive slums and race riots, London has some of the worst traffic and ugliest housing in Western Europe. Rome/Nyc is dirty and smells like urine. Good luck finding your paradise, from reading some of these post it sounds like many of you are A. running from another problem or B. just not cut out for big city life.
Anyways, thanks for letting me rant. I enjoyed this little tirade. I found it to be rather therapeutic. But really, most cities, particularly big ones are going to have an upside and a downside.
July 3, 2008 at 3:01 pm
So Hey, do you believe