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Chicago City Profile
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- čas přidán 17. 08. 2024
- Analysis of Chicago and what makes it a great city. The majority of the information on Chicago coming out of the news media only focuses on the crime statistics, but there is so much more to the city that sadly many people are unaware of because of news media bias. This video is meant to be middle ground between all-negative news coverage of the city and an all-positive travel guide.
0:00 Intro
1:47 Demographics
2:48 Downtown & Neighborhoods
8:05 Poverty & Crime
8:47 Gentrification
9:11 Chicago Geographer Interview
14:03 Economy
15:21 Food
Thanks again to Chicago Geographer!
Be sure to check out his channel for great GeoGuessr and other geography content.
/ chicagogeographer
Album displayed: Chicago- "Chicago Transit Authority" (1969)
I wanted to address how in a video from a few years ago, I myself mentioned the high crime rate in Chicago when mentioning the poorest parts of Chicago being the most violent of the highest crime parts of all cities, which only adds to the notion that all of Chicago is like that (although in the video I did specify that most of Chicago is not like that). So hopefully I can reconcile that with this newer video.
We are without a doubt the greatest city in America, but unfortunately we also have the greatest levels of violence in some of our neighborhoods. You did a good job at staying objective and neutral in both videos.
No worries! You always give proper context Kyle, but I appreciate you highlighting this point. I grew up mostly in various parts of Chicago and always appreciate your honest and fair coverage of the city and metro area
@@miles4270 you forgot CHOP .... 3rd world cesspool...
Thanks for this update, Kyle. I came across that video a year ago and was irked at what sounded like such a stereotypical and narrow-minded take from a creator that I respected so much. Thank you for clarifying your thoughts. Glad to know you enjoy our great city so much! Come back soon.
I wouldn’t waste my time trying to explain myself to someone committed to misunderstanding me. The context is decisive. If someone watching doesn’t get it, don’t feel compelled to defend yourself as a straw man so that a hot mess of a human can virtue signal with faux outrage
As somebody from outside US, Chicago surprised me. The most relaxed big city I've ever visited. Lots to see and do but a great place just to walk around. One of my favourite US cities.
Exactly my thoughts, people there were way chiller than almost any other big city I’ve been to, which is one of the reasons I’m not enamored with some other big cities (New York etc)
Chicago is one of the better cities in America. My only major complaint is that a lot of the downtown areas become empty and boring at night and it kind of lacks charm compared to some of the east coast cities. But on the flip side, there are some nice beautiful areas that’s highly enjoyable..
Relaxed? Hah
Mf your crazy af ...
@@ramencurry6672 The action is a little north of downtown. Downtown is primarily business district.
Illinoisan here, a lot of people think about NYC being a truly "American" city, but don't realize how Chicago was fundamental for the development of the US. It was the central hub for most trade, it started many agricultural technologies and even where ag futures started.
"Nature's Metropolis" is an excellent book that covers the growth of Chicago and its impact.
It's definitely Chicago and New York City as America's only 2 true cities.
Chicago and many other rust belt cities were planned before pre-suburb driven zoning laws made it near impossible to build dense, walkable neighborhoods. I’ve been to plenty of cities out West, and it’s Chicago’s density and public transit that really set it apart. Skyline is also getting quite a lift too, with new skyscrapers in progress or recently completed. World class city
Most American cities are poorly designed. Chicago is one of the better designed cities. Not as good as Tokyo but still good overall
We would need a much lower population to fix the problem. Mass immigration dumps WAY too many onto the existing population.
@@taxthesocialist2602 dawg Chicago population has actually decreased. Jobs have started to get desperate looking for working, especially in the trades. If anything more immigration and city planning focused for efficient density is needed. But judging by your name I bet u don’t really know what ur talking about besides destroy the libs rhetoric.
@@taxthesocialist2602 pretty sure immigrants don’t have anything to do with it… tokyo is the biggest city in the world and it’s still walkable and has good public transport
@@ramencurry6672 So, by American standards it's an S tier in urban design, but overall it's a B tier? Sounds good to me.
Chicago is architecturally America's most interesting and attractive city -- from its iconic skyline towering above the lake and Chicago River to homey feeling working class neighborhoods to Wrigley Field. One of a kind.
Pretty to fly into Chicago at night! 👍🏼😎✌🏼
Wrigley field? That double A team still occupies that space?
Chicago built the first skyscraper
Hear hear!! Yes, the skyline here is one if the best in the U.S.
Chicago will be Detroit in 7 years make my words
Chicago might be overlooked often because it’s not New York or LA but it will always be my favorite city. It’s a city of architecture, art, music, food, culture, education, medicine, commerce, transportation, nature, museums, sports, nightlife, the list goes on and I just can’t imagine being from anywhere else. So laid back and yet so hectic. The weather might suck but the true four seasons give the city so much beauty as well.
I moved to Chicago from the Oklahoma City area in 2012. I had visited New York, Boston, Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Dallas and Houston before I ever stepped foot in Chicago.
I remember thinking, and frankly still do, that Chicago is in a different league rivaled only by New York. It's so much bigger than I ever believed. However, what really struck me the most was just how beautiful the city is everywhere I went. The lakefront beaches, the parks, architecture, and neighborhood streets dotted with beautiful tree lines almost let you forget that a bustling metropolis is nearby.
As far as the perception of the city, Chicago is a big city with big problems. What I believe is important to remember is that here in Chicago, we don't hide these problems (at least not anymore) and we confront them. We know we have issues, but we also are critical of our government and most of us demand disparities to be addressed.
However, if you aren't living here, then kindly spend your energy worrying about your own local issues. Not one city I mentioned doesn't have the same issues in varying degrees.
One last little cheeky thing I want to say is that most of our harshest criticism comes from cities who used gentrification coupled with natural land barriers to "solve" their perceived issues - then seem to turn around and criticize Chicago for violence, lower housing values, and segregation.
Perhaps if we had built on an island, a peninsula or in the valley between mountains - and raised our housing costs - we would be forgiven by these same cities.
Anywho, I am proud of the way we handle most of our social justice issues and I don't think many cities can boast achievement let alone dominance in finance, technology, education, architecture, politics, tourism, agriculture, culinary arts and of course trade. Chicago is second to none and I appreciate this video and come visit us. We are intricate to the American identity and experience. If you do come, you will see why.
As a non-American, Chicago is certainly the best of all I've visited. The only negative is the weather.
And crime.
Glad you didn't get shot, it is a murder mecca !!!
@@mxderate While Chicago has plenty of crime issues, it’s primarily located in very small sections of the city that no one goes to. It’s a complex issue that actually came about because of hyper-segregation in the past, along with systemic racist housing policies from the early 20th century, and federal policies in the 90s that backfired, plus a host of other things.
Pretty much the entire city wants to fix it, no matter what political affiliation they have. But that hasn’t stopped it from being the poster child for conservative talking points however.
Crime exists but it's over-blown. Just stay as safe as possible in the south side. You won't get hurt on the Magnificent Mile or The Loop.
@@mxderate Most areas have no more than most cities. Mainly just avoid the South Side.
It was so great to explore Bridgeport with you! Thanks for having me on the channel. This video was a fantastic overview of my beautiful city.
The Chicago expert himself. Awesome to see you getting collabs like these!
Very knowledgeable and insightful. Great stuff man!
Between Univ of Chicago and Northwestern, Chicago has a record of academia to be proud of. Many Nobel Laureates from those schools.
Cant agree more, as an Irishman who has seen much of the US, Chicago is awesome and my favourite city
I went to a convention in Chicago a couple years ago and there were people from Dubai and UAE and they were stunned at how beautiful Chicago was and how much there was to do. They said they were going to bring their families back at some future date.
My stepbrother lives in Chicago, and I visited the city several dozen times. I completely agree that it's a phenomenal city. I'm from Pittsburgh, and ordinarily I would say Pittsburgh is the greatest city in the world, but I'm willing to give that title up to Chicago.
Thanks. I'm a Chicagoan who's never been to Pittsburgh. Never thought about it before. Your comment makes me want to check it out.
@@mimiwills8610 you should
How tf is Chicago a GREAT city there's more people losing there lives in Chicago then any other city... you people promoting this Chicago shit are out of your fuckin minds frfr...
As a former NYer who lived in Bridgeport and now Lincoln Square, I appreciate this vid. Definitely one of the greater cities of the US.
I love this place, I don't think I'll ever leave. We have some of the best public transportation in the country, best food, best architecture, and such variety with our neighborhoods. I originally grew up in Oak Park but now I live right by Union Station.
Best food I ever have in USA is in Chicago. International and American food
@@RemixedVoice Whenever a tourist asks me what they should try, I always tell them Mexican and they get really surprised. People know Chicago for our deep dish and Italian beef, but really they should know us for our tacorias.
Iove this town. Could never leave Chicago
An outer loop that connects all the lines of the L Train away from downtown would transform transit in Chicago, especially if it was in the mold of Vancouver SkyTrain with smaller, faster, automated trains
@@eriklakeland3857 Personally I think the two best changes CTA could make are a green line extension from Ashland 63rd to MDW, and a new line between Cicero and Kostner running North/South from MDW to the Montrose Blue Line station. There are already freight tracks that run there, so building a CTA line adjacent would avoid needing to demolish any residential zoning.
I refused to go to Chicago for years because of what I heard on the news. It’s so incredibly beautiful and vibrant. There are definitely scary areas but the “nice” areas are no more dangerous than any other city. I have more to worry about statically in Atlanta but you’d never know bc it’s not as interesting of a media villain as Chicago 😒
According to CBS News, Chicago is 27th in per capita murders. The lazy media look at total numbers and decide that this place is Kabul on Lake Michigan.
@@beanieknowledge9019 but as he said it’s really not that deep as the media claims. Plus ya could say the same with NYC at one point. Probably even now since crime is rising there again
On the one hand, recent politicians (even local ones here in the state) that emphasize democratic leadership and crime etc etc, will die off, and Chicago will live on beyond Trump etc and will continue to SUCCEED! Chicago will continue to march on. On the other hand, Chicago always has had a reputation and will it forever be so. Anything that happens in national politics is barely a blip on the radar for the great city of Chicago.
@@beanieknowledge9019 That doesn't mean anything. And yet it still provides a greater chunk of economy to the country than pretty much any city other than NY or LA. GPD per Capita is up.
You are literally just another media parrot. Stop spreading misleading info. Chicago has no more greater or unique crime issues than most cities, actually.
You are exactly what Kyle is talking about as a propagandist.
@@beanieknowledge9019 also people move because of the harsh winters. Stop portraying your sophomoric geography takes as statistically viable without having considered other factors.
I've been to most of the big cities in this country, and Chicago is pretty much the best one when the weather isn't harsh.
I lived in Southern Illinois for five years and my daughter grew up there. The population decline in those areas has absolutely nothing to do with Chicago and everything to do with these areas refusing to change. I'm glad I left and my daughter couldn't wait to leave once she had the chance.
I've been to Chicago twice, passing through both times. At first I wanted to pass it off as another rust belt city but just sitting in Union Station I felt like I was missing out on something. It was only after the second visit that I found out about the Field museum
And even that phrase "Another Rust Belt City" feels seriously derogatory because so many other cities in the Midwest have so much cool history. The city I've visited the most, St Louis, has a ton of really cool spots that nobody talks about because of the high profile crime. Even so, I want to visit Chicago again, and maybe also pay a visit to Detroit, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh while I'm in the area
As someone who grew up in a decayed husk of a great lakes city, I can say Chicago is not just a rust belt city for sure. I'm pretty sure its growing which is much more than any "real" one by my definition can say.
Perhaps skip Cleveland, but Cincinnati is a must go.
let me guess you're from LA or NYC.
@@keithcaserta Cleveland is nicer that you think, give it a shot. Cincinnati I agree and the art deco Union Station is one of my favorite buildings.
@@wheelmanv the original Mayor Daley saw the writing on the wall and pushed to make Chicago more of a financial center seeing that it was coming less of an industrial one.
I've lived in Pittsburgh my whole life. My first time leaving the Eastern Time Zone was a trip to Chicago when I was 23. My thought at the time was that it was like a giant, flat Pittsburgh. Now that I've been to most of the large cities in the U.S., it's still one of my favorites.
I grew up in the South Hills but have moved away. I’ve been all around the US and to 20+ countries but Pittsburgh is still one of my favorite cities in the world and I always consider moving back each time I visit again.
pittsburgh and chicago seem like the two most overhated cities in the US
Pittsburgh is a loved city not hated sorry..
Chicago is nice despite the high crime but now everywhere in the World crime is getting worse post pandemic
Visited Chicago over Memorial Day weekend. So much to see, amazing food, incredible architecture, beautiful beaches. I didn’t feel unsafe at all in the neighborhoods I was in (wrigleyville, boystown, Lincoln park & Loop). I’m sure crime is bad in other parts of the city but if people think the whole city is bad they’re probably either too sheltered or have never actually been to Chicago and are parroting what they see on the news.
Sheltered is right!! I grew up outside NYC in the 70s and I found it exciting to go into the city for the adventure aspect, but Chicago seems very homey, not scary at all like NYC used to be in the 70s
I love in Chicago and am glad to hear you had a great time and enjoyed chicago like us locals do! Chicago does have its share of crime but overall safe place
@@MrSpartanPaul confused why you are comparing Chicago to the 70s nyc when Chicago today is much more scarier than nyc
Sorry to say, but going back decades Chicago always stood out a bit for violent crime. For example, in 1975, there were over a 1000 homicides in the city. I'm pretty sure that number has gyrated up and down over the years. Nowadays, Chicago police are not proactively policing, due to constant scrutiny from certain elements, leading to publicized incidents of anarchy and violence. People will get sick of this mayhem soon, i believe, and greater order will be restored.
You can very easily discern who has and who has not actually been to Chicago by how they speak of it. I've heard countless negative statements about Chicago from people who have never been here. I have never heard anyone who has actually given Chicago a true visit say anything but positive things about it.
A few things about the geography I find notable are:
1. Almost every street has a corresponding alley where you will find all of the garages, garbage cans, and power lines. Attached garages and driveway cutouts across the sidewalk are rare. This allows for more trees on the street, since they do not interfere with power lines, more on-street parking because there are no driveway cutouts, and for homeowners, shoveling snow is way easier!
2. In addition to alleys, most every residential street has what is called a parkway. A parkway is a little strip of grass with trees in between the sidewalk and the curb. From my experience with other big cities such as NY or SF, parkways are relatively rare. The trees in a tree-lined street in a city like SF are surrounded by concrete, whereas in Chicago they are surrounded by grass. I like the parkways since they, along with the parked cars on the street, provide a nice buffer between pedestrians walking on the sidewalk and cars driving down the street.
3. Row-houses are rare in Chicago compared to other big cities. Even in neighborhoods that are almost exclusively 2, 3, or 4 flat buildings, they are all separated from one another by what is known here as the "gangway."
4. The grid system is predominant across the city with very few exceptions. Streets run either east-west or north-south, along with a few diagonal streets that, for the most part, radiate out of downtown. Every 800 in street address numbers is one mile, so its easy to navigate.
There is a beauty in the orderly nature and simplicity of the layout of Chicago. Its all on flat land which it makes it pretty convenient for day-to-day living. You won't find so many diverse landscapes or spectacular vistas, but you don't have to walk up a steep hill in the ice and snow to get to the store either. It's a practical city built by Man, for Man, and there is something good to be said about that.
Hear, hear
As a Chicago native (now living in Chattanooga), I agree with you. Chicago is the BEST city in the United States.
As someone who lives in the area, it's nice to see someone likes Chicago.
Chicago has the largest population of Polish heritage people in the world. Second only to Warsaw Poland I believe. South side Pulaski Road is a major dividing line between Polish and Black. Chicago is one of the best cities in the world and is one of Americas best kept secrets. I grew up in Iowa just west of the city and to this day have a love for the city even with all it problems.
When I dream of places I’d like to own a vacation home/condo one day I always come back to Chicago as my top choice. No where else can you live right by in the heart of a city, next to transit, museums and amazing restaurants…and a beach…all at the same time. I’m so happy people are starting to give the Midwestern US it’s proper due, especially it’s de facto capital Chicago. Midwestern cities have my heart.
As a St. Louisan, I take the train up to Chicago a lot. It is a very nice place, and all of the things you said about crime perception obviously apply here as well. Either way, I cannot wait for high speed rail connecting these two underrated and amazing Midwestern cities!
I like St. Louis as well. It's crazy to think that Chicago is literally 10 times larger. But the City/County split of St. Louis gives the city unique problems that most other big cities don't face.
@@GeographyKing Thank you for replying and showing some love to the Lou.
@@GeographyKing Great video and very interesting takes. St. Louis is extremely unique when it comes to certain issues they face. We are just across the river in IL, Monroe County, the only exurban county that gained population in the Metro East. Literally 20 minutes from downtown, but feels like a completely different world. Hope you make a similar video about STL eventually.
Is there a high speed rail line planned between Chicago and St. Louis? First I hear about it but sounds exciting.
It’s kind of funny, a couple of co-workers from the Baltimore/DC area went to St Louis for a trade show and the van got caught in a shoot out on the highway in South St Louis. Had to leave the Baltimore area to get shot at. I don’t judge the area by this, just thought it was a bit funny.
Considering I'm literally leaving on a family trip to Chicago in 4 days, this video was very convenient and helpful. Thanks as always!
Check out the museum campus and you can walk along the lakefront as well as venturing just west to the South Loop to see what a neighborhood is like. It's close to downtown and everything, but has such a neighborhood feel. It's beautifully appointed with trees and flowers, and is very dog friendly. Is my neighborhood pride showing? 😀 I most often take the bus (avoiding crazy parking fees), but have walked to and from my downtown office and downtown shopping. We're New York but smaller, cheaper, cleaner, and nicer. Enjoy your trip!
@@mimiwills8610 Thank you!
We had the same experience, coming from small town TN only heard bad things about Chicago but we loved it
Born and raised in Chicago, I feel it's set apart from many other cities primarily because of its size (it is truly only topped by New York as a US city with this kind of population and development density, as well as overall size.) However, when compared to New York Chicago seems extremely manageable though, both in terms of walking on the street or the ability to drive. As the geographer mentioned Chicago is much less cost prohibitive than New York as well as many other smaller (less cool) cities - and for many people Chicago provides the perfect balance of the major metropolitan American city experience with affordability and livability. For example when you compare the cost of living in Chicago to places like Los Angeles or denver, it's less expensive - yes there's no question it provides much more of a real walkable dense City experience then those places which are both sprawling and void of architectural significance by comparison. As far as the crime goes, there is an honest and long story there that deserves to be told. However this is one that is more centered on people and certain areas and elements that happen to exist in chicago, but are not a city wide all encompassing reality. The fact that the news media has succeeded in applying this label to the city with a national branding is truly shameful and disgraceful, but nobody who lives in Chicago believes these falsehoods ....and maybe Chicagoans benefit from that bad press keeping its prices down? If the geography King can feel safe strolling the streets all day, so can you.
Mad respect for having Chicago's 1st album in the background there, personally Chicago XI is my favorite but you can't go wrong with any of their albums from Chicago Transit Authority through to Chicago XI.
You couldn’t have timed this any perfecter, I’m going to Chicago for the first time next week! Can’t wait to watch this, thank you for the upload 🤟
If you want to try deep dish pizza while your here go to UNO or DUE(both owned by the same people and around the corner from each other)- restaurant where the deep dish was invented and best deep dish for sale- don’t go to giordanos(it’s terrible)
CTA Day Pass, $5 for unlimited bus and train rides for 24-Hours. One of the best things in Chicago, transportation is no problem at all, explore all you want. Enjoy your time here.
@@rdlplays9472 I agree on Uno/Due being delicious. But the best IMO will always be Lou Malnati's. I agree about giordanos though. I don't even know how that place stays in business.
You better be in your hotel before dark sir thats all I have to say...
@@git1259 LMAO. No. You can go out at midnight and there will still be people up, going about their business, getting food, getting drinks, shopping, doing all sorts of things.
Thanks for this video Kyle. I was one of the millions of Americans who had fallen victim to the anti Chicago propaganda until a few years back. In the past few years I’ve really realized how nice the capital of the Midwest is.
Minneapolis is more of a capitol of the Midwest
@A S is it or is it not propaganda to say that all of Chicago is an urban warzone? Bruh don’t even start with your bullcrap. I’m fully aware Chicago has the worst gun violence in the nation for a major city besides maybe Detroit. I was saying thanks to Kyle for showing me that Chicago isn’t all some hellscape and that some parts are quite nice. Don’t try to sound smart/educated on the internet when you’re a moron who can’t determine context.
@@KanyeTheGayFish69 arguably, yes it is. I only called Chicago the capital because it’s the Midwest’s largest city. I personally prefer the feel of Minneapolis tho.
@@KanyeTheGayFish69 I live in Minneapolis. It's more like the capital of the Upper Midwest.
@@KanyeTheGayFish69 you are literally the first person to ever say that asinine statement
Kyle, I was with you 99% until the Chicago hot dog slander. The pickle is the best part!
But no sport peppers please 🤮 Yuck.....
Cubs vs Sox is as unreconcilable as Rome vs Carthage. 😄😄
Thanks for this video. I grew up in Chicagoland and nice to see what’s changed and what’s still similar to what it was decades ago.
Probably what I miss most are the great museums, ethnic restaurants, and Lake Michigan on a hot summer day.
Catulis delenda est. (With apologies to Cato the Censor)
Go Sox!
Go Sox!!
Southside Cubs fan here. I stopped caring about the rivalry after the Cubs won the World Series. If the Sox are doing well, I'll root for them.
And many don’t realize Cubs Sox isn’t just about geography. Since the Cubs didn’t start to play night baseball until few decades ago, so many working class people who could not go to games during day were Sox fans.
The thing that sticks out with Chicago is the pride that the citizens have for the city; if you ask people from NYC, LA. Houston, Philadelphia ect.. about their city you usually get a mix of positive and negative, but Chicago residents put on for their city more than any other major metro in the US that I can think of.
Awesome video Kyle come to Albany next!
Living in Houston currently and I agree completely, zero pride here that isn’t related to food or rap. I’d move to Chicago but those winters got me scared 😂
I noticed. Look at what flags you commonly see when you're in a certain place. If you see only American flags, there's national pride, but not much else. State flags (California, Texas), the state pride overrides the local pride. City flags (Chicago, DC), the local pride exceeds the state pride (or likely the state is an afterthought, if not an embarrassment).
@@apmrage71 I turned down a job in Houston once I researched the weather. Come to Chicago. The winters here are fairly mild.
Yes, I agree with you about the pride that is here in Chicago. Or he cities are different and nice but Chicago has a special added touch to the people that live here.
Agreed. Most well-rounded city and most beautiful suburbs in America imo.
North shore is so pretty!
Agreed. The Chicago suburbs just feels like home.
Being from Chicago, I’d say what really stand out are 2 types of residential buildings we have. The Chicago style 2/3-flat and the Chicago style bungalow. I have not seen these houses anywhere else on earth
My other city! (Besides Atlanta) If not for the winters I might still be living in the Chicagoland area. Best food, great museums, activities, events, etc. The Lake Michigan beaches are pretty cool too
This series would be very helpful overviews for someone looking to move to a certain city! You should do more of these
THANK YOU!! As a Chicagoan, I'm so tired of hearing Chicago put down. Thank you for showing the good side!
Chicago IS the greatest city in the US. You just won yourself a subscriber good sir.
My dream city!! I'll be moving there in a few years once I rebuild my life downstate!
I visited Chicago a few years ago with my sister and niece. We really liked it a lot. I've been living in Shanghai for about 10 years now, but if I ever move back to the States, I think Chicago may be the place I move too. Great feeling there. And good video.
Chicagoans talk about the portrayal of Chicago in the media with a lot of frustration. We do have trouble with violent crime and areas of concentrated poverty. More so than the two cities that are larger, New York and L.A. We are not, however, the most violent city in the country. You would not think given how many politicians and the media portray us. I enjoy living in Chicago and won’t ever leave and most of the people I know feel the same. Thanks for making this positive picture of our city.
Work took me to Chicago in the 90s, and every time I went somebody was always trying to outdo my last visit. "Been to the Hancock Tower?" "Been to Buddy Guy's Blues Legends?" "Been to the Field Museum?" "Been to Ruth's Chris?" Gosh, people, I can only take so much. My Chicago friends are so proud and positive about their city. I appreciated my visits.
My brother moved there, so I get to explore the city when I go visit. So much to see.
I’ve only spent a couple days in Chicago, the days I spent were great and would happily go back there again
I've only been to Chicago once a long time ago but I loved the city. We got to go to the art museum and stand right by the blue thing where Ferris Buler was filmed. Still a highlight of all my memories I have of various travels
I appreciate that you are objective and don't play into popular negative commentary.
Once upon a time, I interviewed to teach at the U of Chicago (music dept), which is famously located on the South Side, near Hyde Park. "An island of boring in a sea of scary."
While there, I noticed that every single intersection on campus had an on-duty U of Chicago cop patrolling, staring me down as I passed through. At some point during the interview, I mentioned this and was told that the U of Chicago has the *second* largest private police force in the world - behind the Vatican.
Hyde Park has a world-class museum the museum of science and industry and has the robie house designed by Frank Lloyd wright which was 70 years ahead of its time .....I don't know if it's boring there
been here for a year now, I love this city
I've lived here for 30 years since 1992. I've always liked living here. I like riding the public transportation around. We got some great public transportation buses and trains. You can walk about anywhere you want in the city. Thanks for doing a good positive video about chicago.
As somebody from Chicago: do not go to the bad neighborhoods in the south side it is seriously dangerous
Chicago is really underrated. I assumed the worst but found it so enjoyable, like a cleaner and more polite NYC. The fiscal issues in IL and crime rate in Chicago are downsides,
Pritzker has done an outstanding turning our budget issues around. We still have a giant hole to dig ourselves out of, but he has us headed in the right direction, at least.
Chicago has been rated with New York as the most popular American cities. Chicago is never underrated.
Great video! I've been in Chicago for nearly a decade now. I'm lucky enough to travel to many parts of the city for work, and I love that i can see something new everyday. We have our issues, like anywhere, but more people should come see for themselves how great of a city we are. Most of the violence is gang related and can be avoided by using some common sense. The loop is great, but the neighborhoods are where you go to experience global culture and see how most of us live.
Great video! Don't forget to spend some time in Evanston, home of nationally-ranked Northwestern University and a gorgeous lake front...
Can’t believe you met up with Chicago Geographer!! Super cool. Next is to hit up the UK and meet up with GeoWizard.
8:00 correct. When I say I’m from Chicago and people bring up the crime. I say it’s only in two neighborhoods.
Chicago: the biggest integrated segregated place you will ever see.
as someone that has lived in the Chicago suburbs their whole life, went to college in Chicago and now works in the city, this kind of praise is so welcome and in my opinion deserved by Chicago.
growing up here you get so many people saying "Illinois sucks, Chicago sucks" and to those people I say have fun finding something just as good anywhere else in the USA
As a Chattanoogan living in Chicago, thank you!
Proud to be born and raised there! Thankyou for the video, it was the most honest review I’ve see thus far!
As long as the bad reputation keeps the masses from moving here im fine! I dont want people to screw up my city like they did with Austin and Denver.
Always loved US states and cities even though I am based in Europe. Your channel gives me the best information and ideas for trips.
I'm at the halfway point, and as someone who grew up in Chicagoland, I am just loving this video! There's so much I want to say, but I'm going to sit back and keep enjoying it. EDIT: I finished, and this is my *absolute favorite* video of yours, Kyle. Well done!
Interesting that you focused so much on Bridgeport, and thought you might be interested to know that for decades, Bridgeport was the seat of political power in Chicago, as Mayor Richard J. Daley was from there and continued to live in his old brownstone during his twenty years as Mayor, and of course his son was mayor for about the same amount of time. I'm looking forward to checking out your young friend's channel as well.
Fantastic video as always! I really want to visit some of the north side of Chicago as lots of films like Home Alone have used locations there. Some beautiful historic houses round there too.
North shore is very pretty.
I have a vespa scooter and I love riding up Sheridan Rd near where that house is because it's so scenic up there
I greatly enjoy all of your videos and was quite excited to see you post one about our city. Thank you for showing Chicago some love and for exploring areas other than the loop!
I live near Western Ave in Ukrainian Village and can attest that indeed many of my neighbors are Ukrainian or descendants of Ukrainians. I've found it to be a very friendly neighborhood since moving here 8 years ago.
While I am seeing more now, the Ukrainian flag was a prominent fixture all over the neighborhood even before the recent conflict with Russia. As was the Ukrainian "trident" coat of arms. I remember wondering why I kept seeing that distinctive trident symbol on buildings, signs, and even cars all over the place when I first moved here.
I always enjoy your take on new places and the intrinsic optimism that permeates your videos. Thank you for creating them!
I visited Chicago for 6 days last month for vacation and absolutely loved it. Was my first time to visit and will not be my last. Definitely a world class city with very friendly people and I felt it was pretty affordable for such a large city with good public transit and also pretty walkable. There are so many neighborhoods to explore and I was a little bummed that I didn't make it to the lakefront on the day I had planned to. Next trip! I also caught a Blackhawks game (my first NHL game) and saw Patrick Kane score a hattrick which was kind of crazy when I learned that he got traded.
I miss my city. I can't wait to move back in a couple of years. ❤️
Kyle YOU made the most brilliant video that answered my question about geo guesser. Thank you so much you are so beloved.
Great video. I grew up in Chicagoland and although I’ve lived mostly in NYC and surrounding area still think of myself as a Chicagoan (and still root for all Chicago and Illinois sports teams). Yes, Chicago has a great music scene 👍 including the Blues. Thanks for this video.
i also love how walkable chicago is i’m from oklahoma where you have to drive everywhere and like downtown the sidewalks are 4 feet eide
I’ve been visiting Chicago for most of my life being a St. Louisan. I discover new places & things to do every time I go! Gotta love the Cards/Cubs & Blues/Blackhawks rivalry too!
Torontonian here... been to Chicago several times and absolutely love it. (My friend went to grad school there for a while, so I conveniently had a place to stay!) It's just so sure of itself -- it's as if the city is saying, "We've got a lot of great stuff, and we know it, so come and see it." That's not to say it doesn't have its challenges, as all cities have.
And, you know what, a Chicago winter can't hold a candle to Winnipeg!
Every trip to Chicago needs to include a visit to Ann Sather, if for just their amazing cinnamon rolls.
In the late spring, summer and early fall Chicago is the best city in the States.
I visited Chicago few times, I did enjoy my trips.
My favorite city, had my honeymoon there! Stunning historic and modern architecture, amazing deep dish pizza, the river, the lake, what more could you want in a big city!
Great video, Kyle!
Thank you!
I visited Chicago once. Cool city. I would never consider moving there because of the high murder and crime rate and high local and state taxes. Their Mayor is crazy also. If i was forced to move to one of the top 10 most populated cities in the country i would choose the Dallas area. Nice video kyle.
Just a note: it’s not even in the top 20 cities nationwide for murders per capita.
True. Denver, Boston, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, and Austin sound way better.
Texas? No way. Crazy Governor. Too many Uvaldes.
Dallas sucks especially in the summer and around cowboys fans
@@xLamont_ all to expensive except Minneapolis which i would never consider since they tried to burn their own city down. Woke politics also.
Thanks for the great video. I've been to Chicago many times and I always have a good time. And it was great to see the Chicago Geographer, he has one of my favorite CZcams channels.
I feel like all the mentions of gentrification are about as unfair as the crime takes. The way to handle a housing crisis is to build new houses and make the areas around them vibrant and livable. People get up in arms about building luxury housing instead of affordable housing, when it's expensive simply because it's new. The entire population will see the benefits in the price of older housing stock and overall increased supply. Being judicious about zoning and maintaining solid density is important. Make no mistake why gentrification was brought up throughout the video, but then, wow it's actually really affordable.
Thank you for this wonderful video about my city! I have lived here for forty years (originally from NYC area) and I love it here. Sure, like all cities it has its problems, but as you note, these are often over blown in the national media. Chicago is a wonderful walking city with excellent cultural attractions and as you point out, the best and most diverse food scene around. I've lived in many places, and Chicago is definitely my favorite place.
Hear hear!! I agree with you. Having lived in New York where family is still there, I still loved Chicago being home. Glad I was born here in the 1960s and have seen transformation of the downtown skyline. Things take a while to change but the city has grown.
When to Chicago for a week was worried about what you hear on the news but I actually thought the city was way better then expected and I never once felt unsafe come over here to Philadelphia see what I mean
Chicago is a beautiful city. I live about 35 miles north of the city. I lived in Chicago when going to college. The architecture is amazing. A cruise up the Chicago river at night is stunning. Lake Michigan is stunning as well. And food, don’t get me started. The museums, the Art Institute, the Shedd Aquarium, the Bean (Cloud Gate). Yes, there is some crime but the downtown is absolutely beautiful. I used to park on Navy Pier before it got all fancy! Born and raised in Chicagoland. Yes, taxes in Illinois are outrageous. Chicago style hot dogs are the best! And yes, winters are brutal here.
@manxkin Nice comment. All true, except there is more than "some crime."
@@brigitteking969 You are absolutely correct. There is a lot more than “some” crime.
Chicagoan and fan of the channel- great video! Very much agree with your overall analysis. I know you're limited by time. There are many more great neighborhoods, nightlife, beaches & parks, and great people (and their amazing food) from around the world. I'm still exploring all the time and have lived here a while!
When I was a kid in the 60's & 70's, the Chicago "rush hour" commute was all exiting the city to the suburbs. Then people started to see how fun it was to live in the city, and ever since there has been a "reverse commute" with people working in the suburbs but living "downtown". It is one of the best cities to live in or that wouldn't happen.
There is no "rush hour" anymore. Traffic is terrible in every direction all the time.
@@bossfan49 And that's why the L and Metra exist!
@@nickwojcicki9623 And that's fine for people who work in the same place every day. I however, do not.
Chicago doesn't get as much tourism as NYC, Los Angeles, San Francisco or Miami mostly because of the bad climate and harsh winters. Also, most of the exciting things such as the festivals and boat tours happen in the Summer months. The only plus side with visiting Chicago in the Winter are the cheap hotels and almost empty tourist attractions. No one wants to be outside when it's 10 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind is blowing snow directly at your face.
What makes Chicago so good isn't just the history or architecture, but the public transportation and walkability. It's wonderful going to the popular places without needing a car. Chicago's popular attractions such as the Sears Tower, Navy Pier and Millenium Park are near eachother and connected by public transportation and walkways. Compare this to LA where the popular tourist attractions like Santa Monica, Universal Studios and Disneyland are far away from eachother. Public transportation sucks so it's excruciatingly difficult getting there without a vehicle. Sure parts Chicago can be very dangerous, but so are parts of LA and SF. If you stay within or near downtown (the Loop or Magnificent Mile), then you should be perfectly safe
I don’t no where you got your information from but can unsure you that Chicago gets way more tourists then those cities accept NY & It’s not to far behind
Chicago has the second most tourist in the us every year. Higher than LA, Miami and San Francisco. Idk where you got your info😂😂
It does get cold in Chicago but winter high temperatures in the 40s-50s can happen often.
pleasantly surprised to see you wearing a rattleback records shirt!! i moved to chicago recently and one of the first places i fell in love with was the andersonville strip. it's nice to see the area getting praise from someone like you.
Polish-Chicagoan here! Loved the video and love the city.
One correction: West & East Garfield Park are neither considered the North nor South Side of Chicago - They're on the West Side (directly west, Madison Ave. divides the North and South Side). The West Side is well known and referred to by Chicagoans and includes neighborhoods such as Austin, Humbolt Park, West Loop, West Town, Ukranian Village, Lawndale, Little Village, Tri Taylor, Near West Side and more.
Bonus fact: ⅓ of all Polish immigrants in the U.S. live in the Chicagoland area!
thought the same thing lol when he didn’t mention the west side!! i didn’t realize how large our polish population is until i learned most people don’t get the day off school for pulaski day!
I would LOVE to see you come to duluth MN and make a video like this, give the midwest some more love
Hometown of mega-superstar Maria Bamford.😀
I liked Duluth. It reminded me of a smaller version of Seattle.
I really ove the museums in Chicago
Great video as always. I’ve exhausted all the major cities in NC to visit so I can’t wait to see Chicago this summer.
I stayed in Lincoln Park when I went. The neighborhood is beautiful
Nice positive video! By the way, I found that after you visited Chicago that you made it all the way up to Door County! So just wondering, are you going do do a video on your experiences of Wisconsin's Lake Michigan towns and cities?
I saw he responded to someone else about Milwaukee. He's working on a Milwaukee video now.
I love that you did this thorough breakdown of the city of Chicago! "Best City in the U.S." is a bold title to apply to any city, but Chicago is definitely one of the cities that could plausibly claim it. If it were located in, say, a Gulf Coast state instead of the frigid Midwest, I could consider living there. Its relative affordability for being such a big city is definitely a point in its favor.
I've visited Chicago just once so far, in 2014. I stayed at an Airbnb in Englewood, actually 😅 Yeah it was one of the worst ghettos I've ever seen, but thankfully nothing happened to me or my car while I was there. I think that I was okay cuz I kept my head down and was just in and out of there at night to sleep. I made sure to eat the three big Chicago staples: deep dish pizza, Chicago hot dogs, and Italian beef. I liked Italian beef but deep dish pizza was okay and Chicago hot dogs were gross lol. I did get to some tourist spots and I also saw a movie at the historic Music Box Theatre. But I was only there for a few days so I just scratched the surface of what Chicago had to offer. This video is making me want to go for another visit as soon as I can!
I'm glad you overall enjoyed your stay in my city. We take pride in being able to withstand blizzards without complaining.
Deep dish pizza is rarely eaten by Chicagoans. Thin cracker crust is true Chicago pizza.
If you want to eat "real" Chicago food, what most Chicagoans eat when they go out, then get to the ethnic restaurants and stay out of the 312 area code.
Look at that crime map at 6:51, it is accurate. Please don't chance Englewood again, or any other section >30/1000.
Darn, I missed you! I live in Chicago. Great video, represents the city well. I'll also plug my favorite neighborhoods for your next visit; Lincoln Park (900 W. Armitage and surrounding blocks), Old Town, Gold Coast, Lakeview (walk up Broadway N. from Diversey), Lincoln Square... next to the Uptown Theatre (boarded up) I believe there is a record shop and the famous Green Mill jazz lounge. Glad you saw Andersonville; I live right near there. You spent time in Bridgeport, but Pilsen is a very artsy Mexican neighborhood that's worth a visit! As an architecture lover, living in Chicago the past 9 years has been amazing for me... just hate the long winters! Our mild summers are really nice though.
New York too cluttered, LA too spread out and no planning Chicago gets it just right for me. Maybe I'm biased
I've lived in the Chicago area for over twenty years and it's frustrating how hard it is to convince people that it's actually a great city. The lakefront makes it feel like a coastal city, the mix of ethnicities through multiple waves of immigration make the city very cosmopolitan and the friendly Midwestern culture is really welcoming. The high crime areas are extremely localized, out of the way and compact. Also, it's all gang-on-gang violence in those areas, you can visit and be just fine. One other thing about Chicago: it's spotless. All trash is kept in hidden alleys, the streets are well maintained, the public planters are always full of flowers and most building exteriors are all routinely scrubbed. It looks immaculate in most neighborhoods. This video doesn't mention the sprawling suburbs, but there are also some very nice suburban towns. If it weren't for the real estate taxes and the winter weather this would be just about a perfect city.
I find Chicago easier to visit than most other cities. It has comprehensive public transit that's easier to navigate than cities like New York and D.C. I actually prefer Midwestern winters to the summers. You can always put on more clothes, but there's only so much you can take off.
In the summer you can take everything off and you are still hot and sweaty and, now, naked and that is not a good look for anyone.
Their transit is far from comprehensive. It’s good for USA standards, and has a lot of potential, but it has a long way to go. Metra blows and should really function like a German S-Bahn or the RER in Paris.
The CTA L train is solid but all lines lead to downtown, the system would be transformed by an outer loop that provides connections outside downtown.
Nice, I like your perspective. I also like to try and experience travel and locations outside the norm or season. Some of the absolute best experiences of my life.
Chicago is seriously underrated imo. Downtown is beautiful but theres a lot to see outside of the city centre wether it be wicker park, uptown, or south Chicago. I slight prefer Seattle due to its location/culture but its close second.
Great video Kyle! Chicago is my favorite city.