Yesterday was the bad. The things that I dislike, cringe, and fear about Chicago. Today, are the things that suck me in to such a great city. These are the things that I like and will miss when I leave.
Diversity. The diversity of the city is amazing. So many different ethnicities, races, and cultures all huddled into one place as community. Life as it should be, or at least close.
There is something about urban life that is so great. The culture, thoughts, activities, and life in the city is just different and it is ‘good’!
Urban design. I love narrow streets, back allies, and diverse housing. The city equips neighborhoods to have mixed housing. This creates diversity among the rich and the poor, black and white, and different cultures. Among that, there are sidewalks everywhere. Creating the opportunity to walk or bike where you need to get to. I will also miss street parking.
I love getting on a bus or the el. Mass transit is underrated. I feel like we are missing something when we forgo community in transportation. The el brings a viable and fun way to see the city. It allows people to get around the city fast and views of it that are otherwise not possible.
Really tall buildings. There is something ingenious about seeing the engineering and design that goes into a skyscraper.
I’ll miss my church.
I’ll miss my friends.
It’s been something of a privilege to live next to Lake Michigan for the past four years. The beach is a wonderful place to be in the summer time. Picnics and walks are also fun.
The endless opportunities for food. You can find just about anything in Chicago and best bets are that it is close. From Thai to steak to anything in between it is all here.
I’ll miss the North Park Nature Center. It houses nature trails, nature programs, and birding. Also on the grounds is the recycling center.
Sometimes the parking lot is a little small and the aisles a little narrow, but Traders Joe’s serves up some of the best groceries in the city for your money. I’ve come to love Joe Joe’s and mango vanilla soy ice cream.
Kind of an odd thing – but the $5 pizzas at Dominick’s on Friday nights. It’s not as good as a quality pizza place in Chicago, but it is way better than Pizza Hut or Dominoes.
Chicago hot dogs. Yummy!
Wrigley field. It isn’t the cheapest place to see a ball game, but there are very few places left today that have so much history and baseball in one place.
Good radio stations. If you’ve ever been in a region with a bad assortment of radio stations you will appreciate this one.
Someone is always standing up for justice. It seems as though there is always a rally, march, or activist fighting for someone here.
It’s always easy to pick some one up, drop someone off, or take my own trip with O’Hare being so close. I will miss the easy access to a big airport.
It’s impossible to be bored in Chicago. The countless museums, parks, festivals, and programs make the city a tourist attraction and a fun place to be.
Grant Park Music Festival. World class music for free.
I love being so close to Michigan and Wisconsin. I will miss the days when I am only a quick drive to the border.
I love Chicago and Great Lakes history. It will be sad not to be a part of that.
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