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6 Reasons Why Chicago Is The Most Underrated "Big" City In The U.S.

You don't know what you're missing out on.

Emma Kiely

Jan 27, 2021

Florida State University

102

6 Reasons Why Chicago Is The Most Underrated "Big" City In The U.S.

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I might be a little biased, but Chicago, IL is undoubtedly one of the most underrated cities in the world. Having family that lives twenty minutes away from downtown gave me numerous opportunities as a child to explore all of the architecture, food, and views the city had to offer. While New York City and Los Angeles seem to receive all the acclaim for their rich histories and electric city buzz, cities like Chicago are often left in the shadows. It's a hidden gem; a city full of opportunity, art, diverse people, and growth.

Here are 10 reasons why Chicago is just the best. Then again, you'd have to travel there to see for yourself.

The Cost of Living

Curbed Chicago

It's no surprise that living in a big, glamorous city is not cheap. However, in Chicago, IL living comfortably doesn't have to break your bank. "According to Numbeo's cost of living index, which factors the cost of consumer goods prices, including groceries, restaurants, transportation, and utilities, Chicago scores 82.23 out of 100 in July 2020, meaning that the cost of living in Chicago is about 20% less than in New York City," (Bungalow). For a big city, Chicagoans definitely get their money's worth.

Navy Pier

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One of Chicago's top attractions and waterfront locations; the Navy Pier is a fun-filled spot for the young and old. It offers public programs, shopping, dining, and incredible views of the city from the iconic Centennial Ferris Wheel.

Cloud Gate

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Pics or it didn't happen, right? At the Cloud Gate statue, nicknamed "The Bean", pictures are encouraged as the statue acts as a focal point in the midst of a bustling downtown atmosphere. After you're done marveling at the statue, feel free to observe the sites of the surrounding area in Millennium Park.

Foodie Haven

Giordano's

You haven't had good pizza until you've tried Chicago deep-dish pizza. Chicago is known for a variety of iconic dishes including, but not limited to, the famous Italian beef sandwich, Chicago-style hot dogs, and Chicago barbecue. Among some of my favorite restaurants native to the Chicago area are: Giordano's, Al's Beef, and Alexander's. Make sure the phone eats first.

The Chicago Cubs

Time Out

Join hundreds of enthusiastic die-hard fans at a Chicago Cubs baseball game. This major league team has played in a total of eleven World Series. Following each Cubs win, you can hear the victory song "Go, Cubs, Go" echoing loudly throughout the Wrigley Stadium. It's definitely an experience you don't want to miss.

Experience History

Field Museum

Chicago is full of art and history museums that highlight some of the most impressive exhibits in the country. Featured above is the Field Museum; home to nearly 40 million artifacts and specimens. (Field Museum) If you're more interested in the hard sciences, you can visit the largest science center in the Western Hemisphere, otherwise known as the Museum of Science and Industry. (MSI) Both options provide an opportunity to learn more about the natural world and your place within it.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Student Life

The 5 Phases Of Finals

May the odds be ever in your favor.

Essex County, NJ

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How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition

10 ways to prepare for finals week—beginning with getting to the library.

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How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

It’s that time of year again when college students live at the library all week, cramming for tests that they should have started studying for last month. Preparing to spend all day at the library takes much consideration and planning. Use these tips to help get you through the week while spending an excessive amount of time in a building that no one wants to be in.

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Student Life

26 Things to Thank Our Roommates For

Who knows where we would be without them.

Michigan State University

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Where do we begin when we start talking about our roommates? You practically spend every moment with them, they become your second family and they deal with you at your best and at your absolute worst. They are there to make you laugh just a little harder, cry a little less and make each day a little better. We often forget to thank them for the little things that they do to make college even a tiny bit easier and more fun. This list of 26 things are what you should thank your roommates for right this minute and every day that you live with them.

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Entertainment

Disney magic for New Year!

The "Happiest Place on Earth" has a lot of characters with some pretty great advice.

Butler University

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Disney magic kingdom castle on new years

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Recommended for you

6 Reasons Why Chicago Is The Most Underrated "Big" City In The U.S.

You don't know what you're missing out on.

The Cost of Living

Navy Pier

Cloud Gate

Foodie Haven

The Chicago Cubs

Experience History

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May the odds be ever in your favor.

Phase One: The “I got this” phase

Phase Two: The “I have time” phase

Phase Three: The uncontrollable sobbing phase

Phase Four: The “help me, I've fallen and I can't get up” phase

Phase Five: The rejoicing phase

10 ways to prepare for finals week—beginning with getting to the library.

Who knows where we would be without them.

1. Thank you for laughing at my jokes, even when they really aren’t funny.

2. Thank you for singing unbearably loud with me all the time.

3. Thank you for letting me vent to you for hours about anything and basically being my personal therapist.

4. Thank you for ordering pizza with me at 2 in the morning.

5. Thank you for all the movie days when we don’t feel like moving.

6. Thank you for being my workout buddy everyday.

7. Thank you for sharing your closets with me.

8. Thank you for taking naps with me at random hours during the day.

9. Thank you for cleaning our home with me when we absolutely need to.

10. Thank you for all the rides when it’s late and you don’t want me to walk home alone in the dark.

11. Thank you for studying with me in our kitchen when we didn't want to go the library.

12. Thank you for making dinner with me.

13. Thank you for helping with my hair, makeup and outfit every time we go out.

14. Thank you for taking countless ugly pictures with me.

15. Thank you for not judging me when I go too long without showering.

16. Thank you for making our apartment feel like a second home.

17. Thank you for being there through all of our boy troubles.

18. Thank you for giving me a hug when I feel homesick.

19. Thank you for getting excited with me when one of us gets a good grade on an exam.

20. Thank you for still being my friend and not judging me when I say or do dumb things.

21. Thank you for telling me what I should do when I am sick.

22. Thank you for dancing horribly with me everywhere we go.

23. Thank you for staying up super late with me when we aren’t tired or can’t sleep.

24. Thank you for being super weird with me.

25. Thank you for all the unforgettable college memories.

26. And most of all, thank you for being the best friends a girl could have.

I may or may not be stressing right now.

1. "What do I have to study for?"

2. "What class do I need to study for the most?"

3. "I’m going to ace this."

4. "Focus!"

5."I have no idea what I'm reading."

6. "I should call my smart friend about this."

7. "I’m going to fail. I’m going to fail."

8. "I’m dropping out of school."

9. "What grade do I have to get on the final to pass the class?"

10. "Oh, no, I have to do good."

11. "I shouldn’t have procrastinated all semester."

12. "I wanna go to bed."

13. "We did not learn this!"

14. "I should go get food."

15. "Why do we even have finals?"

16. "I don’t want to be at the library."

17. "Get off your phone."

18. "I can watch Netflix for like 20 minutes and then go back to studying."

19. "I shouldn’t have watched Netflix."

20. "You have to study now!"

The "Happiest Place on Earth" has a lot of characters with some pretty great advice.

Remember you’re the one who can fill the world with sunshine. — Snow White

The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it. — Rafiki

You don't have time to be timid. You must be bold and daring. — Lumière

If watching is all you're gonna do, then you're gonna watch your life go by without ya. — Laverne

Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one. — Grandmother Willow

Always let your conscience be your guide. — Jiminy Cricket

To infinity and beyond. — Buzz Lightyear

Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved. — Pooh

Let it go. — Elsa

If you can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all. — Thumper

Today's special moments are tomorrow's memories. — Genie

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