Chicago, Rock Island

Great town to live in. Winters can be very cold but Spring, Summer and Fall are wonderful. Plenty of things to do from night life to museums to shopping. Something for everyone. I have lived in smaller towns and NYC. Chicago is a great compromise for both.

I've spent quite a bit of time in Chicago on business and I must say it is a city I could easily live in. The first time I visited, i thought it going to be quite a dirty, scummy city, but as it turns out I was completely wrong. Very clean streets, and very friendly people. I've spent a bit of time in the absolutely adorable Gold Coast \ Lincoln Park neighborhoods and I could move there in a heartbeat.

Lake Michigan really makes this city complete though, especially in the summer months. The bottom line is that this is a very liveable city, and I think most people would be lucky to live here!

Chicago is a city often underrated and overlooked in favor of New York City or Los Angeles. I can say that once you have been here you will appreciate all that Chicago has to offer, from some of the most beautiful neighborhoods to the great lakes which provide great beaches in summer.

Chicago is made up of just over 200 neighborhoods, each with a very different feel. Obviously as you get closer to the city prices can skyrocket. We have our very expensive areas like the Gold Coast etc just north of the city but there are still plenty of houses that do not yet hit the heights of New York City.

Crime is not as bad as some make out, obviously if you go too far south of the city we have some poorer neighborhoods that are crying out for help but overall if you stick to the areas you know you will be fine.

We have some of the best shopping in the world, the city's Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue is home to all the major department stores.

It can be very cold in winter for sure, it's not known as the windy city for nothing, but in summer temperatures can approach 100. And the parks - the city parks like Grant, Millennium and Lincoln provide some great fun with plenty of activities all round.

I would definitely recommend Chicago as a place to live, obviously you just need to find the right neighborhood to suit your needs (and budget)

I love Michigan Avenue. There is nothing like stepping off the Metra at the LaSalle Street Station and taking a walk over to Michigan Avenue during the Christmas season. I know it is the middle of June right now, but something about the weather in June gets me longing for the Christmas season! I love the window displays at what used to be Marshall Fields, and the smell of the cinnamon rolls baking a few blocks down at Cinnabon. Mmmm. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it!