Chicago is one of the most criminally overlooked cities in the United States. As a Midwesterner, I am a ride-or-die when it comes to Chicago. I can’t say enough good things about this city on the shores of Lake Michigan. With its silver skyscrapers and the glistening blue waters of the Great Lakes, Chicago is quite literally a gem of a city. Here’s why The Windy City is an amazing place to call home.

The Chicago Nightlife Scene

Let’s start where I excel. I consistently rank Chicago as one of the top nightlife destinations in the United States. The varied nightlife districts are bound to win you over. Prefer a classy evening on a rooftop terrace overlooking the city? Chicago’s got plenty of those. Want a raucous night out that you don’t plan on remembering? Head to Wrigleyville for a good time that only The Windy City could provide. When in Chicago, you’ve got options.

Affordable Cost of Living

As far as big cities go, Chicago might be your best bet for finding affordable living. Chicago has everything that a big city like New York City has but with a fraction of the cost of living. As a Mizzou graduate, Chicago has always been on my radar as where I would live if I were to settle in the United States.

Check out Zumper to see just how affordable Chicago rates among the U.S.’s best cities. This apartment search tool is one of the best when it comes to finding your dream apartment. Depending on which of Chicago’s many diverse neighborhoods you choose from, rent can be unfathomably affordable. Seriously, check it out yourself. You’ll find apartments in Chicago for as low as $525.

Chicago’s got a great public transportation system, too. It makes this large city feel a whole lot smaller, so you can’t go wrong no matter what neighborhood you end up choosing. And with the coronavirus pandemic, Zumper’s got you covered since you can submit digital applications and credit reports to minimize physical contact. Finding the perfect apartment when moving to a city can be beyond stressful, but using the right apartment hunting website can make things a whole lot easier.

There’s Always Something To Do

There is always something going on in Chicago, whether it’s a festival, a concert, or a sporting event. The Art Institute of Chicago is a must for anyone, and it is my personal favorite art museum that I’ve been to. There are plenty of museums for history geeks to visit, none more famous than the Field Museum. Sports fans have the Bulls, the Cubs, the Bears, the White Sox, the Blackhawks, the Fire, and more to choose from. Chicago is undeniably one of the best sports cities in the United States.

Shedd Aquarium, Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, and the Willis Tower are some more must-dos for those new to or planning to move to Chicago. I haven’t even mentioned all of the unique events that come through Chicago, like Lollapalooza. There’s always something to look forward to and you will never find yourself bored.

Abundance of Outdoors Activities

I am a very active person, or at least I try to be. Chicago makes it easy. Situated right on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago has plenty of outdoors opportunities. All things considered, Chicago might be the best city for outdoorsy folks in the Midwest. Cycling along the coast, chilling on the beach, and going out on the lake are all favorite summer activities for Chicagoans. Let me tell you, the summers in Chicago are some of the most pleasant you’ll ever experience.

Chicago’s International Flavors and Cultures

Chicago shines when it comes to diversity and culture. As an immigrant and person of color, Chicago has always appealed to me due to its diversity. And as a Filipino, Chicago’s got the only Jollibee in the Midwest. That’s all you really need to tell me. The various international communities that call Chicago home really make it an exciting city. As a traveler, it is important to me that a city feels like an adventure, even when I call it home. Those international communities often make you forget that you are in the U.S., and the various cultural celebrations, festivals, and of course, restaurants, add so many dimensions to an already diverse city.

Last But Not Least, Chicago’s Beauty

And let’s be honest. Chicago is just straight up beautiful. No matter how much time I spend in the city, I constantly find myself in awe at this city of silver and obsidian monoliths. With an abundance of green areas intertwining perfectly amongst the masterpieces of modern and classic architecture, Chicago is pretty dang easy on the eyes. Whether you choose to see Chicago from a boat on the river or from Navy Pier’s ferris wheel, there’s no shortage of unique ways to explore and see Chicago in all of its glory.

There’s just something special about living in a city as beautiful as Chicago. This city truly has it all. It’s not just one of my favorite cities in the United States, it’s one of my favorite cities in the world.

If this post helped you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by buying me a beer! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated, and allows me to keep writing helpful travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world on a budget.