Why do some people on here hate Chicago, when it's a great city?

I'm from Los Angeles, and visited Chicago in September last year for 2 weeks. It was really nice, the atmosphere, air was much better than in LA, and Chicago is a MUCH cleaner city. Downtown is very big, and the architecture is more beautiful than the ones you get in LA, which aren't that great. There are good restaurants everywhere, no matter where you go and not as expensive as in LA. The parks are always quite nice, also there is a lake right by the city. There's good Public Transportation, and most importantly, people are so Kind and fun to talk to. They have a good mentality I think.



I would love to move to Chicago.



But why do so many people think it's a shithole on YA!... i read a lot of people hating it, it's not that bad at all.Why do some people on here hate Chicago, when it's a great city?
everyone has their own opinion of Chicago



spend a few winters here your mind will change

try driving here in the winter time during rush hour

but other than that it is nice city with many friendly people
The stink in summer from the dumpsters. The bugs. The loud mouths and jerks. Have to look hard for a tree.

I did enjoy the elderly lady I would meet with at a donut shop and she would tell me about the aliens she spent the last night with and her fabulous shopping trips to Paris.

And yes...there ARE many people who talk freely and are very friendly.

I recall a lady telling me all about her efforts to remove unsightly female facial hair.

Seriously...people in Ohio...just would NOT do that.Why do some people on here hate Chicago, when it's a great city?
Other than the weather, I very much like Chicago. There are plenty of things to do and see downtown.



That being said, the weather sucks a good portion of the time.
There are a lot of illiterate idiots on here.
one word "Jealousy" it is that simple. My family chose Chicago over so many other places for tons of reasons and we have never once regretted our decision!
Thanks for the kind words! I think people either a) don't know any better and/or b) they are jealous.
ive never been so i wouldnt know
Well, there are pros and cons to any place. Also, it depends on exactly where in the city that you live. If you live in a crime-heavy area with minimal resources nearby, then the perspective of Chicago may not be so great. There are many neighborhoods like that, which get short-shifted, especially when it comes to what others may take for granted (for example, recycling). Here are some possible negatives about living in Chicago:





It's the third-largest city in the U.S. Cost of living and housing can be on the higher side, if you want to live comfortably. The state was definitely hit hard - particularly Cook County - by housing foreclosures. There tends to be a lot of taxation and fees. Some taxes are low compared to the rest of the nation; some are high (like property taxes). Taxes are imbalanced - with the state income tax being low %26amp; flat. The middle-class and poor get hit hard, in regards to taxation. It is not a good job market at the moment, overall (http://www.indeed.com/jobtrends/unemploy鈥?/a> ). The city is diverse in general makeup, but there are areas where people of the same class and/or ethnicity are the majority. If you don't like cold weather, then you may not like the extended winter here. It doesn't get really hot until mid-June sometimes. Some areas are a lot safer than others (http://gis.chicagopolice.org/CLEARMap/st鈥?/a> ). Segments of the educational system tends to below average for many children; it's heavily dependent on property taxes and is inefficient structurally. While there are some charter schools, the school system tends to have more resources and improved administration for more affluent areas of the city. Lately, there has been a trend of mergers and shutdowns, and supposed turnarounds (http://cbs2chicago.com/local/Chicago.sch鈥?/a> ). There is a history (and some pretty recent) of political corruption.
Well, I've lived in Chicago for almost 15 years [that is my entire life lol] and I do love Chicago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. But let me just list some of the bad things:



-Weather constantly changes (We have a saying and it goes like: If you're in Chicago, and don't like the weather, wait a few minutes and it'll change.) Now thats exaggerating a bit, but thats how it is sometimes. It gets annoying when you make plans, and then the weather changes and interferes with everything!

-Winters. Ugh! They last forever!

-When the cicadas come out of hiding in the summer sometimes, you cannot go outside if you're scared of bugs.

-And honestly, some parts of the city are pretty bad.



But, thats all I could name off the top of my head. Anyways, I still prefer this city over the other major cities here in the U.S. And I do admit, I hate it when people hate on this city. lolz

And the city is known for it's architecture. And I do admit, there are a lot of nice people out here.

Hope I helped out with your answer! :PP