Internet Says ‘Flee Chicago, While You Can’, But It’s Wrong

I am going to do something unusual for me. I'm going to defend Chicago, Illinois. I feel the need to take to task an article on the internet that says that everyone should 'flee Chicago while they can'. I think it's very wrong and I'll explain why.

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I must confess that on the surface, the article just published on 24/7 Wall St has some valid points, but I think when you dig deeper you'll see that 'fleeing Chicago' isn't necessary at all for most.

The article tries to make their point based on some themes. I'll address them one at a time.

Chicago is too crowded

Driving the Loop in Chicago, I would agree that the Windy City is crowded, but there are so many great suburbs of the city, it really isn't that hard to find a part of the Chicago area where you'll have plenty of elbow room.

Chicago's unemployment rate is sky high

This is the one point they make that I will agree is statistically correct, but there's a bigger picture to consider. Statista confirms the unemployment rate in Illinois is top 5 in the country, but as I checked Indeed today, there are more than 100,000 jobs available in Chicago. Seems like there's still opportunity in Chicago if you're willing to dig.

Crime rate in Chicago is awful

It's a popular (and sort of accurate) narrative that Chicago is a murder capital where crime is out of control. But, did you know that 5 of the safest cities in America are in the Chicago area? Get out of the main metro part of Chicago and you'll find great places to live.

Chicago weather is awful

This is a very subjective category. Yes, lake-effect snow is miserable, but Chicago has 4 distinct (windy) seasons and not many major metros can say that.

The point is beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It pains me to say this as a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan who considers Chicago teams vile rivals, but the Windy City isn't as bad as some on the net want to make it out to be. Oh, and the food in Chicago...almost makes it worth putting up with the crime. Almost.