The 10 Worst Things About Living in Chicago

Chicago is a great city with much to offer, but there are also some major downsides to living here. Here are ten of the worst things about living in Chicago:

1. The crime rate is high. Chicago has one of the highest crime rates in the country. In 2021, there were over 800 murders in Chicago, and the city has been ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States.
2. The cost of living is high. Chicago is an expensive city to live in. The cost of housing, food, and transportation is all higher than average in Chicago.
3. The traffic is terrible. Chicago is known for its traffic congestion. The city has some of the worst traffic in the country, and it can take hours to get around during rush hour.
4. The winters are cold and long. Chicago winters are cold and long. The city averages over 50 inches of snow per year, and temperatures can drop below freezing for months at a time.
5. The summers are hot and humid. Chicago summers are hot and humid. The city averages over 80 degrees Fahrenheit in July and August, and the humidity can make it feel even hotter.
6. The city is noisy. Chicago is a noisy city. The city's traffic, construction, and nightlife can all contribute to noise pollution.
7. The air pollution is bad. Chicago has some of the worst air pollution in the country. The city's air pollution is caused by a combination of factors, including traffic, industry, and power plants.
8. The city is crowded. Chicago is a crowded city. The city has over 2.7 million people, and the population density is over 11,000 people per square mile.
9. The taxes are high. Chicago has some of the highest taxes in the country. The city's sales tax is 10.25%, and the property taxes are also high.
10. The city is corrupt. Chicago is a corrupt city. The city has a long history of corruption, and it has been ranked as one of the most corrupt cities in the United States.

Tips for Living in Chicago

Despite the downsides, Chicago is a great city to live in. Here are a few tips for making the most of your time in Chicago:

• Be aware of the crime rate and take precautions to stay safe.
• Be prepared for the high cost of living.
• Learn how to drive in traffic.
• Dress warmly in the winter and cool in the summer.
• Find ways to reduce noise pollution.
• Avoid areas with bad air pollution.
• Live in a less crowded neighborhood.
• Vote for politicians who will lower taxes.
• Get involved in your community.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when living in Chicago:

• Don't walk around alone at night.
• Don't leave your car unlocked.
• Don't drive drunk.
• Don't jaywalk.
• Don't litter.
• Don't be loud in public.
• Don't smoke in public places.
• Don't drink alcohol in public places.
• Don't use drugs.
• Don't carry a weapon.

Pros and Cons of Living in Chicago

Pros:

• Chicago is a vibrant city with a lot to offer.
• The city has a strong economy and a diverse population.
• Chicago is a cultural hub with world-class museums, theaters, and restaurants.
• The city is home to some of the best universities in the country.
• Chicago is a great place to live if you enjoy the outdoors. The city has many parks, beaches, and bike paths.

Cons:

• The crime rate is high.
• The cost of living is high.
• The traffic is terrible.
• The winters are cold and long.
• The summers are hot and humid.
• The city is noisy.
• The air pollution is bad.
• The city is crowded.
• The taxes are high.
• The city is corrupt.

Tables

| Table 1: Crime in Chicago |
|---|---|
| Year | Number of Murders |
| 2021 | 800 |
| 2020 | 774 |
| 2019 | 563 |
| 2018 | 561 |
| 2017 | 650 |

| Table 2: Cost of Living in Chicago |
|---|---|
| Item | Cost |
| Housing | $2,000 per month |
| Food | $500 per month |
| Transportation | $300 per month |
| Healthcare | $400 per month |
| Other expenses | $200 per month |

| Table 3: Traffic in Chicago |
|---|---|
| Route | Average Commute Time |
| I-94 | 60 minutes |
| I-290 | 45 minutes |
| I-55 | 30 minutes |
| US-41 | 20 minutes |
| IL-53 | 15 minutes |

| Table 4: Air Pollution in Chicago |
|---|---|
| Pollutant | Concentration |
| PM2.5 | 12.5 µg/m³ |
| PM10 | 18.5 µg/m³ |
| NO2 | 30.0 µg/m³ |
| SO2 | 9.0 µg/m³ |
| CO | 1.5 mg/m³ |