Sweet Home Chicago. A city that I was lucky enough to grow up 40 miles away from, yet still claim as home, like all us suburbanites do when we move away to college. And while I might not be a "true" Chicagoan, that doesn't stop me from missing the Windy City. Here are the top five things I miss about Chicago:

1. The Beauty

The best word to describe Chicago is unexpected. When you think of Midwestern cities, you think of small, industrial, concrete jungles. But Chicago is different. One of my favorite parts of coming home is flying into O’Hare and having my breath taken away as the plane flies up the shoreline of Lake Michigan and the skyline emerges from the clouds. The sheer grandeur of the historic architecture combined with the endlessness of The Lake never cease to leave me awestruck. The unexpected beauty of the Windy City is definitely something I miss.

2. The Sports Teams

You can’t tell me that there’s a better sports city than Chicago. Just go to the United Center and listen to 22,000 screaming Blackhawks fans during the National Anthem and tell me you don’t get chills. Or look at the sea of blue at the World Series parade this past November. And even though they’ve suffered more losses than wins, the Bears faithful fans still withstand negative wind chill to cheer on their beloved football team. I miss the sense of unity that stems from Chicago sports.

3. The Park

One of my favorite things about Chicago is that you never feel like you’re trapped in a concrete jungle. Millennium Park is a major reason for this. The park serves an oasis from the hustle and bustle of city life. What I would give to be sitting in the park, listening to a free concert or watching kids squeal in delight as they were sprayed by the fountains is endless. And of course, a trip to Millennium Park isn’t complete without that classic tourist selfie at the Bean!

4. The Suburbs

Ah yes, the good old ‘burbs. The place that 99% of people who say they are from Chicago actually live. While not as grand as the city itself, the suburbs are their own kind of special. My childhood pretty much consisted of being dragged all over the suburbs playing every soccer club known to mankind, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Each suburb is unique in its own way, and helps make Chicago the great city it is.

5. The Food

Hands down, the thing I miss the most about Chicago has to be the food. (Sorry, mom!) Between Portillo’s, Lou Malnati’s, and Garrett’s popcorn, there isn’t a city who can boast better food. At this point, my roommate from Boston can rattle off my Portillo’s order because I talk about it so much. So to say the least, I miss Chicago’s food.