Awesome city. Great outdoor parks!

amazing city

It is hard for me to say, but Chicago is a great city. My ex lives there and since he moved there I've been jealous. I'm from Phoenix, and yes I know its not as exciting as Chicago, but why did he have to move there. I really like Chicago, and while I was there a couple of months ago I could picture myself living there someday. Now, I must find another city thats better than Chicago. But where??

Chicago is probably the best all american urban experience one can have. Having been a few times just the thought of it excites me with a skyline that will knock your socks off, awesome food, good shopping, lots of world class museums, amazing architecture, beautiful parks and a dramtic setting on the Lake Michigan shoreline. The people of Chicago are great and I love this city, looking forward to going back again.

Chicago isn't too bad. There are reasonably inexpensive places to eat, and I haven't had any problems with the public transportation system the few times I've used it. I wouldn't really want to live in Chicago, but I could handle the suburbs.

My favorite megacity! Chicago is huge and meets all my criteria for a big city. Proximity to Water, great culture, distinct 4 seasons, vibrant city center.  One thing that perplexes me though is why so many Chicagoans are fleeing to Phoenix??? it can't all be weather related

Chicago is a great American city! It has to be one of the, if not, the best city in the USA. It is a large city that is rather easy to get around. It has a distinct look and feel to it with the most amazing architecture you'll find in the US. There's plenty to see and do. There are lots of people from all over that flock there and it has some of the best bars and restaurants you'll ever go to. It's a city on a lake that has a beach. How cool is that? It's a big city without the stuffiness or aggressiveness of a New York. I cant say enough about how much I like the city. There also are some really good, cool people who grew up and come from the city. Meet them and you'll realize they're just good folks. People say the weather is a drawback, and from what I've seen and heard about it, it is, but that doesnt distract from this town being a wonderful-all-around place.

Educated people galore. No superficial people, welll, very few.

Best city in the world! People are so friendly. Love it...

I think big cities like Chicago, new york, philly, get somewhat biased treatment in these types surveys due to the number of people who have either lived or visited the place. I think Chicago is a bit overrated. The downtown area is indeed great. Beautiful architecture. Michigan Ave is a national destination boulevard. But there is a lot more to the city than just its downtown, and that is where things dont look so good. There is a lot of poverty and crime on the cities' west and south sides. Away from the lake, there is precious little natural beauty in the area. It has some of the worst pollution and worst traffic problems in America. And is still one of the more segregated cities in America. Plus, people are not the friendliest I have encountered. But that said, Chicago is definitely better than NY or Detroit or LA, without question.

To coin a phrase the worst year of my life was the two weeks I spent in Chicago. Horribly humid accompanied by tornado warnings and not a whole lot to do made the visit terribly boring.

Great town for bumpkins who've never been anywhere, bad for people who have been.

I have lived in Chicago for about a year and I believe it is the best metropolitan area to live in. It has ample of employment opportunities in a variety of industries, the cost of living is affordable, and it also has a relatively relaxed environment. Besides this, Chicago has one of the cleanest and most beautiful downtown areas of all the American cities that I have visited. It also is culturally rich.

This city by far is the best city based on parties,people,and things to do, as well as jobs.

Tied with New York as the best city in the USA. It just has that feel about it. The history, the architecture, and the people. Chicagoans are nicer than the people you will find in most big cities.

Best pizza in the U.S. Lou Malnati's!Almost all Chicago pizza is fantastic, easily beating New York pizza, only thing New York's better at is being rude! People are nice and friendly in Chi-town. The north side has Wrigley Field and Soldier Field. There's so much history in this city, you can see where the St. Valentiines Day Massacre happened, The Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain. I was born here and im proud to tell everyone I was!

Let's face it, Chicago has it all except for big mountains. The life is the city is always happening, and no matter what you like to do, you can find it there.

The culture and the diversity in the Windy City speaks for itself. It's a fun place to visit. You oughta check out Wrigley Field and the United Center once in your lives.

a great city. if you want a big city w/o all the big city traps, Chicago is it. i've been there three times and each time i dig the place.

I love the place. Good bars, great blues, decent sports, good folks. Everytime I come here I enjoy it. My favourite memory of Chicago is sitting in a tiny, crappy little bar in the Loop circa 1985, listening to a better than average blues combo getting down, when they stopped their set and called up a guy from the crowd to sit in. The guy was Albert Collins, and he did four numbers with them, had a drink with me, and gave me a memory to tell my grandchildren.

Chicago may very well be the best city in the United States overall. It has all the amenities of a big city - great theater, music, art, restaurants, and culture, with a surprising amount of the amenities of a smaller one - walkable, friendly, relaxed. The city skyline is spectacular and Lake Michigan is stunning, and it's all surrounded by a tremendous amount of green space and parks. Crime is always cited as a problem in Chicago, but it's largely relegated out on the west side, and even there gentrification is sweeping the area clean. This is a remarkably nice city - even in January.

I'm sure I must have had a past life in Chicago as the moment I landed I could find my way around easily and without too much use of the map. The lakeside beach areas were a joy and the city was not too overpowering to feel lost in. I went in mid-summer but I've heard that the winters are a nightmare.

Great city. two things I recomend doing if in Chicago. Eat at a resturant called The Chicago Chop House. It is across the street from Hard Rock Cafe. It is really expensive ($100 for a two steak dinner) but if the mafia eat there it is really good food (look for pitcure of Ness and Capone together). Second thing, go to the top of Sears Tower at night. You can see city lights for miles except to the east at Lake Michigan. It's city lights for 3 blocks, then it is pitch black. It is like the world ends right there.

Not even close- my favorite town in the good old USA. Good food at prices that won't kill you. Great sports fans. The women aren't as snobby or unaproachable like NYC, DC, or LA. Just a great town with wonderful people. Don't forget the deep dish pizza, blues music, and a trip to Wrigley!

too cold for me

I LOVE Chicago, great people, clean city, beautiful lakefront, lots to do. The people are so friendly. I recommend this city to anyone who loves good food, beautiful scenery, shopping and historical sites

I definitely love Chicago. Lots of things to do, mostly open minded people and nicer than new yorkers. Also public transportation is extremely convenient and nos as crowded as in New York or D.C.

Along with Boston, the sports capitol of the US in my opinion. The legendary Wrigley Field and Soldier Field are some of the best sport venues in the country.