re: Seriously, what’s so great about Chicago?

for a metro/downtown area, it's the nicest i've been to. the architecture, river and lake against the backdrop of skyscrapers is visually pleasing.

there's history (albeit not as much as boston, nyc, dc, etc.) culture, good food, bars, shopping, etc.

although i'm in no rush to go back, i enjoyed my one visit there. it's definitely better than Seattle. i'd put it on par with San Francisco.

I liked Chicago. Went last year for the 1st time. Food was good at the places I went. Went to some nice bars,cigar shop. Nothing was special about the tourist spots I went to outside of the views of the city. Shopping was pretty legit downtown. Not far from casino in Indiana. Great sports city. Weather was the only issue I had with it. One of the nights the weather was brutal.

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Geekboy

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You don’t live here is a great reason.

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There's no skyline in the western hemisphere that comes close to Manhattan whether it be summer, fall. winter or spring.

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That’s debatable.
Most dense and number of tall buildings, absolutely NYC has that. But it’s a debate between Chicago and NYC for most aesthetically pleasing skyline in the US

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Pittsburgh has one of the top st patty day celebrations. That city goes nuts.

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Not compared to Chicago. Ours is one of the top 3 in the county and top 10 in the world.

Italian beef’s. That it, IMO

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that the weather is awful 9 months of the year

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What do you consider awful weather?

Also, people leave because of the corrupt government, high taxes, schools, and crime.

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Cracker

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Where do you live?

Having lived in Chicago the last 13 years, I can see the attraction. I can also see this being a miserable place for some folks. My father is very much an outdoors man and hates the city. He is completely out of his element. Me, I still love everything but the politics. The gangs still run Chicago, and is somewhat like the old school Chicago gangsters, but the gangs are now...less Italian. I really enjoy having Seasons. Growing up, I thought Louisiana’s winters suck, and still do. I love getting snow, having colorful falls, beautiful springs and activity filled Summers.
The architecture is fantastic, the museums (Field, AioC, and Science and Industry) are among the best in the world. Navy Pier’s Children’s Museum is awesome and they have pretty cool events.
This is the OT, right? Take the yacht out on the lake and take a river cruise. IMO, this is the best way to see the city. The concerts, plays and comedy venues are fantastic.
Maggie Daly Park is a child’s dream park, crown Fountain and Cloudgate are really cool. Buckingham Fountain and Pritzker Pavillion are great for people watching.
In addition to this, Chicago has great restaurants and shopping. The neighborhoods are what make Chicago unique. Each neighborhood has it’s own vibe with cool things about them. If you get away from the more touristy things, you may enjoy the places off the beaten path. We also have The Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Fire.

Grant park is nice and the infrastructure of the city is pretty from the park. I usually stay at the Essex. I personally like Chicago deep dish....and legal cannabis if that’s your thing.