There are more than 2 million people from every social economic, racial and political background that choose to live in the Chicagoland area, home to corporate headquarters for giants such as Boeing Co, McDonald’s and Allstate, over 51 colleges and professional schools (1),and a mosaic of more than 60 ethnically diverse neighborhoods (2). But those who are not familiar with Chicago may wonder what draws such a variety of people to a city that is usually only associated with cold weather and city congestion. Not overlooking some general aspects of the city, for example being listed as having the 2nd best skyline in the world (3), housing a variety of hall of fame sports teams or on the academic side of things, being home to the University of Chicago, the university with the most Nobel Prize winner affiliates in all of the US (4) and Northwestern, ranked 4th in the US for it’s Kellog school of management (5); the best answer, as usual, lies within the everyday people themselves. Although their personalities, ages, cultural backgrounds and individual tastes vary, their readiness to boast about the characteristics they find attractive in the place they now call home is one common thread that ties them together.

One of them is Bala Srinivasan, who has lived everywhere from New Brunswick, New Jersey to Valparaiso, Indiana to Bangalore, India says he chose to live in Chicago because it “has a big city feel, but is not overcrowded or over expensive.” He compares the city to New York, describing his lifestyle as “very exciting” due to the continuous availability of entertainment. He cites his quick access to the free Lincoln Park Zoo, the lakefront beach, the varieties of both local and ethnic foods and a thriving nightlife ranging from blues bars to house music clubs, two genres with a rich history in Chicago as examples. “There’s always something going on, no matter what time, what day of the week or time of year,” a friend of his, Brian Westrick, an American who lived in Hong Kong for 16 years and California for three years, adds. “You will never be bored.”

In addition to young, working professionals being attracted to Chicago’s vibrant atmosphere, people from all walks of life and various experiences have also made the decision to call Chicago their home. Michael Teach although a born and raised Chicagoan, has spent over 20 years of touring and living in various cities of the world before returning to the Windy City to start his own independent music label, Caudog. When asked to explain why he chose Chicago as his destination over other big cities, he emphasizes the strong roots the city has in the arts, jokingly calling himself an addict to the art institute, the symphony orchestra and operas, as well as various social events. “I just try to take advantage of all the culture the city has to offer,” he says, describing the opportunities of the city, ranging from continuous outdoor summer festivals to consistent free music in the world-renowned Millennium Park as “endless and amazing.” Although nearly 64 years old, Teach says he’s extremely active, spending his free time supporting the artists of his label at local venues and walking his dog, Buffy, along the lakefront.

Although the hustle and bustle of city life may fulfill the need for continuous excitement in some, others prefer the more moderate pace of the Chicago suburban lifestyle. Elwood Richard, retired founder of NOW Foods, is one person who has chosen this way of life. As a lover of both local and world travel, Richard says that there are many places that are great to vacation, but Chicago is a good place to live. “You have good access to interstates, probably the cheapest airfare in the country, low living costs compared to other big cities-so that a lot of money can be saved and additionally, a state withholding tax of only 3%,” he says. Richard describes his lifestyle as “relatively relaxed” and says the opportunity for sports and outdoor activities is something that often surprises people about the Chicagoland area. He cites as examples the extensive Grand Illinois bike trail project that stretches over 500 miles (6), the various canoe lifts within near access, as well as the abundant winter sports opportunities, such as skiing and snowboarding, both locally and in nearby Wisconsin. Although close to being 80 years old, Richard remains active in various outdoor activities, as well as sports.

Regardless of your likes or dislikes, or the type of lifestyle you desire, there is something for you in Chicago. Maybe it’s the outdoor, summer lifestyle of the Chicago lakefront, the excitement and nightlife of a cosmopolitan hot spot or the excellent opportunity for independent arts and music specifically unique to Chicago. Perhaps it’s the 315 miles of biking trails which Mayor Richard Daley hopes to expand to make Chicago the top biker friendly city of the US by the year 2015 (7). Or perhaps it’s the relaxed yet still vibrant suburban lifestyle that can capture the interest of whosoever may decide to pay a visit. It’s no wonder Chicago was a top candidate for the 2016 Olympics and that so many greats, such as President Barack Obama, never forget their roots here. There is a something for everyone.

References:

1. http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2006/snapshots/PL1714000.html
2. http://www.depaul.edu/about/chicago/index.asp

3. . http://www.diserio.com/top15-skylines.html

4. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-schools-have-the-most-nobel-prizes.htm

5. http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/rankings

6. http://www.openlands.org/index.php/Greenways/Projects/grand-illinois-trail.html

7. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/29/AR2006092900490.html