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* The setup…
When the morning’s arctic chill smacks the Carmex off your lips, when you’re gassing up the snowblower more often than the Chrysler and the dog would sooner burst than set a paw outside, it’s reasonable to question the geographic choices you’ve made.
Why live here? Why tolerate the worst winter in decades—not to mention this morning’s icy wind, a meteorological affront to all right-thinking people?
We posed the question, “Why do you live here?” to readers of the Chicago Tribune’s Web site on Wednesday, and they responded in droves, like bitter, blue barflies seeking a sympathetic ear.
* The Question: Why do you live here?
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:20 am
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I live hear because I am counting on Global warming to make us the tropics any day now.
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:22 am
To paraphrase Alvy Singer in Annie Hall: “I thought of that old joke, you know, . . . this guy goes to a psychiatrist and says, ‘Doc, uh, my brother’s crazy, he thinks he’s a chicken,’ and uh, the doctor says, ‘well why don’t you turn him in?’ And the guy says, ‘I would, but I need the eggs.’ Well, I guess that’s pretty much now how I feel about Illinois.
Comment by Captain Flume Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:24 am
Cause I got married, had kids, got divorced and would now never leave them for long periods of time with their mother.
Victim of circumstance. Cause I HATE Illinois right now.
Comment by BandCamp Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:27 am
All the family is here. Once the seniors move on to greener pastures, the last anchor will be broken.
Comment by Plutocrat03 Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:27 am
Are you kidding? Annold and California dont get the publicity we do. Colorado is a dream, but what do they have? Too many Army and Air Force bases, Dr. Dobson, and the Broncos. Hawwaiians dont like us coming over and living, so why not stay here. We have corrupt Governors who make each day even more fun than the last. We have more items on Cafe Press than any other state, and we have Chicago, the true State Capitol.
I love the Land of Lincoln. So it’s cold today, by this time next week, it will be 55 degrees and humid. There will be flash flooding and the deer will be running amok. Can Alabama claim that? Do armadillos destroy cars?
Comment by bored on 1 Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:29 am
I love the contrasts of the four seasons. A day like this is an adventure, it let’s you believe for a moment that you’re an old pioneer conquering the wilderness. There’s a sense of satisfaction in being prepared and persevering.
Plus, I’m not a crybaby. I put on a hat, gloves and boots and it’s no big deal. The hair freaks like Rod who refuse to wear a hat or the ladies in heels trying to navigate the snow and slush are a mystery.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:29 am
I came back from Florida after getting laid off from a job. Basically I got tired of eating Pot Pies and Rice. Being from Springpatch, with family here, I came back temporarily to get on my feet. Well a position opened up and I took it figuring I would eventually get back to Florida, it never happened.
On Days like this, when I am walking into work, I think about what might have been if I stayed in the Sunshine State. I hate this cold weather.
Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:30 am
Because you can wait a day or two and have a different climate to complain about.
Comment by Dan S, a Voter and Cubs Fan Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:30 am
I don’t. 75 degrees today.
I often wonder why I spent 50 years, there.
Comment by PPHS Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:31 am
In April 2001, I moved, from the San Diego area to North Chicago, to work for John Cox’s 2002 U.S. Senate campaign. After he lost the primary, I found a few other jobs.
Comment by Phil Collins Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:32 am
That’s what makes Southern Illinois great! It’s a balmy 10 degrees today!
Comment by Old Shepherd Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:32 am
Because if lived somewhere nice in the winter what would have to gripe about.
Comment by Hanging Out Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:32 am
It’s home.
Comment by Scooby Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:33 am
My job. I wish they could move the state capitol (at least during session) to Florida, or New Mexico, or Arizona. Still, it could be worse. We could all be living in Minnesota.
Comment by Huckleberry Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:34 am
There’s no better place than Chicago (and IL). The short summers make the long winters worth it.
Comment by Ditto Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:36 am
Here in the big city of Carbondale Illinois its a veritable tropical paradise. 14 outside, open the pool up, skinny dip and pour me a glass of lemonade!
Comment by Speaking at Will Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:38 am
Veni Vidi Matrimoni
I came. I saw. I got married (to an Illinois farm girl)
Comment by Rod sez I'm pork Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:41 am
I thought this is the tropics. I just talked to my mom (83 years young) in Minneapolis. She was on her way to the bank. It’s 15 below right now.
Comment by Jimbos Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:43 am
I love cold weather and snow and I would be happy if it was like this from mid-December to mid-March.
Comment by conservation guy Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:44 am
unfortunate accident of birth combined with a spirit that lacks motivation and a sense of adventure…
Comment by heet101 Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:46 am
Because it is my home and these 5 million citizens of IL who have made the same decision to live here are my people.
Because I can get pierogis filled with potato and onion and a bowl of hopping John at my favorite deli.
Because shoveling snow is a great full body exercise for nothing more than the cost of a shovel.
Because there is nothing so filled with accomplishment as the feeling when I am done shoveling and there is a wonderful cleared path, drive or walk. And shoveling my neighbors’ walks is a mitzvah as well.
Comment by cermak_rd Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:46 am
I like the mild winter is So. Ill. Still, I call them nuisance winters. When it snows, there’s usually not enough to play in. When it gets cold, its usually not long enough to freeze the lakes for any period of time, so no ice skating. But its supposed to be 45 on Saturday, so I’m gettin’ my bikini ready!
Comment by Deep South Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:48 am
Family, White Sox.
Comment by Amy Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:51 am
Business, family and the fulfillment of my dream of living in a corn and soybean factory. Life is just too short for this.
Comment by vole Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:55 am
Being originally from Northern Wisconsin, I came here for the mild winters. :->
I stayed for the interesting politics–nothing like it in the world.
train111
Comment by train111 Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:57 am
The people are the greatest, but find the worse ones among them to elect. I was born here but have lived in many places and in other countries. Illinois is in the middle of the US, so it lets us see both coasts and the Gulf, and Canada, and O’Hare gets us anywhere we need to be in the world as long as we wait on the tarmac 10 hours a pop.
I also discovered that south of Bloomington, Illinois weather becomes bearable, cheaper, friendlier, and more normal.
Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 11:58 am
I like the wide variety of ethnic pastries Chicago has to offer.
Comment by Joe Kotlarz Fan Club Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 12:05 pm
I live here because my wife won’t let me move to Florida. Florida is “too far away from family.” Not far enough, I say. Sunshine and palm trees. That’s what I want.
Comment by Hollis Mason Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 12:07 pm
Efficient government, qualified civil servants, and reasonable cost of living
Comment by Wumpus Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 12:09 pm
Why do I live here?
Because I love the skyline, because I’m a White Sox fan, because my family is here, because of the pizza, because of a whole bunch of reasons.
But mainly…because I MADE it here. I went away, I learned my craft, and I got good enough at what I do to succeed at what truly is the highest-level. It’s a feeling I’ll always associate with the corner of Clark and Randolph, and one reason why I’ll never truly want to leave.
Although, Orlando or San Diego would be nice….
Comment by Concerned Observer Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 12:13 pm
I live here ’cause the real estate market crapped out before I could sell my place and move somewhere colder.
Comment by Reality Check Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 12:17 pm
Central location (a long days drive to some great places to vacation); safe from some of the nastiest natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes); the nasty cold kills most of the snakes and the really big, disgusting bugs (think palmetto bugs); great political theater. I’ve always lived somewhere in Illinois, it’s a great state and has (mostly) good people.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 12:19 pm
Because I enjoy having all four seasons each and every year. All of my family is still around here. I love watching the Cubs, Bears, Bulls, & Notre Dame. If need be, I just go to Florida to enjoy the warm weather. But seriously, just man up people!!…it’s only cold for awhile!
Golf is just around the corner.
Comment by scoot Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 12:20 pm
Washington park in the fall and the Governors.
Comment by You Go Boy Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 12:20 pm
I like weather.
Sweat on your forehead weather while you’re reading weather, great tall thunderheads in the sky weather, the river’s gettin’ mighty close weather, even stretch the skin on your cheeks cold weather.
The coldest night of last winter, my girlfriend and I took a 1-mile walk around the neighborhood to test our new coats. Answer: it was our thighs that got cold, but there are ways …
We might have to do another test of the coats tonight. Down won’t fluff forever.
Comment by earnest Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 12:21 pm
I have been all over the world. There is no city like Chicago. The people, the neighborhoods, the food, the sports, the music, the lakefront, the buildings, and even the weather. And our politics is never boring.
Comment by Boone Logan Square Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 12:23 pm
Retired and stay inside on days like this. Running my own business now via computers - the cost of living has been so low here that it allows me to travel warm climates monthly. Raise my taxes & I’ll relocate…
Comment by North of I-80 Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 12:24 pm
Great job, affordable housing, close proximity to 2 international airports to escape the summer/winter extremes..
And Hugo’s Frog Bar. Couldn’t live without sampling their “Dockside Dailies” a couple times a year.
Comment by Anonymous Coward Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 12:30 pm
Because it is where Capitol Fax is published.
Comment by Union Guy Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 12:49 pm
Because salt water is destructive.
I’m a recreational sailor and the Great Lakes are the largest repositry of fresh water on the planet. Chicago is the windward side of that half-year paradise.
Comment by countryboy Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 12:51 pm
You know it’s been said, for many years, that if it wern’t for the weather everyone would want to live in Chicago. Thank God they don’t. I do the next best thing I spend a great deal of time in my Florida Condo during these brief visits from hell.
Comment by downhereforyears Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 1:08 pm
I grew up on the South Side, went to college in WI, and got a job here that specializes in IL regulation so here I am. Plus all my family is within 2 hours, the family place is in the woods Up North, and I live in a beautiful town. People who complain just like to complain. What would summer be without winter? Those first first days of each season are magnificent.
Comment by Lefty Lefty Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 1:08 pm
Why still in Springfield?
for the horseshoe sandwiches. And the wonderful treats at the State Fair.
Because pate philip did not move the capitol to DuPage.
I’m pathetic.
Comment by Capitol View Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 1:11 pm
2 years until retirement and as soon as it is financially possible, I am history. My child hopes to work for MLB, so wherever that may take us, we shall be. No family here, etc., just tied to a job for a little while longer…and her school. I came on an internship 40 years ago…39.5 years too long. I’ve had the best friends and associations, but so many of them have died all too young from various causes. The ties that bind are growing weaker.
Comment by anon36 Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 1:11 pm
Because this is where all of my stuff is.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 1:14 pm
Chicago is the greatest and most beautiful city in the world. So the weather isn’t perfect - most cities have imperfect weather. Besides, if we didn’t have this winter, we couldn’t appreciate spring and summer.
Comment by Mr. Know-it-All Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 1:19 pm
Easy, within a roughly hour drive, I can find all types of authentic food found worldwide, great sports venues, great schools, great cultures (Hoosier included), great parks, zoos, fishing, recreation, etc… etc… I can take a drive through the Illinois Valley in late August/early September and watch the fully bloomed corn tassles toss in the wind like an amber wave… Tough to find a place in the world where you can find so much in such little distance travel time.
Besides… little frostbite in the winter and heat stroke in the summer just makes ya tougher…
Comment by HoBoSkillet Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 1:27 pm
I grew up here. The events of the past month–politically and meteorologically–show that there’s rarely a dull moment in this state. And Chicago is still my favorite city.
Comment by Tim Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 1:34 pm
My parents dragged me to this state against my will when I was in high school because it was their “home state”. I Wasn’t born here, wasn’t raised here, hate it here. Always have, always will. Now I only stay for the benefit of my parents. Someday they will be gone and so will I.
Comment by Pawn Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 1:37 pm
I’ve lived in every area code in the state (until they started multiplying like rabbits) and now live in 618 near a city wtih a baseball team I grew up hating. My state reps live in East St. Louis, although only 10 miles away still a different world away and they care nothing for us. The county I now live in is also corrupt (they still think Midamerica Airport is a great idea) and political hacks drive around in county trucks. Our IDOT district is home to probably the most campaign staffers per capita, and we must cross the worlds’ longest river to get cheaper gas and cigarettes. Why do I live here? As Frank O. Pinion says, I guess I’m just stupid! Or, I married a change-averse Illinois farm girl who doesn’t see what I see…
Comment by Vote Quimby! Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 1:43 pm
Don’t know why. Been trying to figure that one out for 30 years.
Comment by clj Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 1:45 pm
Kids, spouse & I have been on some really great vacations through the years. We’ve been north, south, east and west and I’ve never ever once regretted pulling back into the home driveway.
I used to work with a guy from Alabama who talked about the mosquitoes, gnats, flies, red clay, rocky farm fields, dust covering cars so thick he could write readable sentences on top of one another, hot sultry summers that were so humid he could hardly get his breath and I asked why he lived there. He said it all with two words - “It’s home”. Same for me and Illinois.
Comment by Little Egypt Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 1:47 pm
Best state in the Union. Best people, and we have a little of everything.
Rural, urban, small town, big city, big river, great lake, corn, soy beans, coal, nuclear, food (from every corner of the earth - and our own creations), beer, wine, four seasons, south, north, gambling, sports, shopping, etc.
Illinois events, politics and citizens have played a huge role in this country’s history. Lincoln and Reagan two of the biggest. And I think a BIG new chapter is about to get started.
Comment by Left Leaner Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 1:50 pm
It’s way above the bug line–no big spiders, poisonous snakes or other nasty bugs. I moved north from Kansas, the land of no corruption, so I hate the corruption and mediocre government/judges but I love the people and city. Just think, a hard winter means fewer mosquitos in the summer!
Comment by 32nd Ward Chicago Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 1:52 pm
Sheesh..glad I moved out of state
there is life outside the boundaries of Illinois and its good….
Comment by alrtee Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 1:56 pm
Cold climates give you an excuse to cuddle!
Comment by Say WHAT? Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 2:01 pm
I can’t get Italian Beef anywhere else.
Comment by Bill Baar Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 2:11 pm
Insufferable frigidity > Insufferable humidity.
You can always add layers.
Comment by Jake from Elwood Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 2:12 pm
ahhh Rich … I was trying to be snarky and original (and in fact it was true)
was it dropped cause it was rabid? or was it a gratuitous insult of my former hoosier neighbors?
in any event… sorry for crossing the line
Comment by The Horse Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 2:15 pm
It’s home, number one. And because trying to live on the coasts or down south were “everyone else” wants to live means you have to put up with urban sprawl, crowds, crime, rising prices and all the things you were trying to get away from.
Five or 10 days a year of subzero weather (maybe not even that many) are outweighed by 350+ days a years of beautiful, so-so, or crappy but tolerable weather, which seems like a pretty good trade off to me.
I’ll take blizzards and tornadoes over hurricanes and earthquakes any day as well. Tornadoes are over pretty quickly and only hit a narrow area, while hurricanes last for hours and flatten huge swaths of land.
Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 2:17 pm
It’s home until I have a good reason to move. Such as lower standard of living, better weather, school, or a good job.
Comment by Levois Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 2:23 pm
Springfield is a nice town. Housing costs are low. Big city life is only a few hours drive away.
Decent job, good family, and the Chatham School district gives Dupage and it’s money a run for quality.
Not to mention we don’t have the traffic of Chicago.
Comment by How Ironic Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 2:24 pm
Because CA is too full of people, it rains too much in the Pacific northwest, AZ and NV will run out of water someday, CO has too many transplants, the Great Plains are boring, the south is full of rednecks, and the eastern seaboard is full of east coast blueblood snobs.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 2:25 pm
because when we get thru this “cold snap” and snow-it’ll be time for Bluesfest, Millinieum Park concerts, Summerdance, White Sox games, hitting 63rd Street beach with an ice cold adult malted beverage and complaining about how hot it is…there ain’t no place better
Comment by mark Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 2:41 pm
Also, Illinois prairie sunsets (and sunrises) are unique. When my husband was in the Navy 20 years ago, serving in the Caribbean, the Med, the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, he said it was our sunsets he missed most.
Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 3:18 pm
I like fast women and beautiful cars and Illinois has it’s fair share. The folks are great, the weather always changing and challenging, and everywhere is close by.
Comment by Justice Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 3:46 pm
Loved the cold weather as a kid and still do. The sweaty summers are great. Have lived around the country and have no regrets of coming back. Family, friends, good job, reasonable cost of living, within 3 hr drive of Chi or SL with interesting places in between.
Comment by zatoichi Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 4:37 pm
It’s the most corrupt state. I like to be number 1!
Comment by Belle Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 4:38 pm
Even though I’m only 21, I want to live in Illinois more than anywhere else. I’m in the military and have visited quite a few states and several foreign countries, but nothing feels quite as homey as Illinois. There doesn’t seem to be another place that mixes urban and rural, sprawling buildings and sprawling plains as well as Illinois.
Comment by Rebw Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 5:13 pm
Originally from SE WI, came to Spfld. as a new bride. My husband was born & raised here. Hated it at first but after several decades have come to appreciate what it has to offer. Cost of living is good, people are friendly, no traffic, plus it was a great place to raise kids. My daughter now lives in the ‘burbs so I get to go up north & enjoy Chicago without having to deal with it on a daily basis. I’ve done a lot of traveling but I couldn’t live anywhere else.
Comment by Cheesehead Girl Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 5:29 pm
as no doubt most people know, i hail from florida. i “retired” here. yeah, tell me about it (my wife comes from here). i guess i’m a little different…
Comment by bored now Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 8:05 pm
Because it’s great! if the weather were perfect, everybody would want to live here. Days like this keep the California riffraff from overwhelming us.
Comment by soccermom Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 9:19 pm
There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.
Comment by 32nd Ward Roscoe Village Thursday, Jan 15, 09 @ 10:50 pm
I live in Central Illinois. I love the change of seasons. I love the leaves in the fall and spring bloom. I love the thunderstorms and the BIG snow storms. I am proud that I walk where Lincoln walked. I am proud that I worked with and where soon to be President Barack Obama worked as a State Senator. I love the fact that if I wanted to enjoy the big city life I am a short drive or a shorter flight away from the major metro areas of CHI and STL. I enjoy the passion, the work ethic the kindness of Illinoisans. Most of all I live near most of my family. Home is where the heart is…
Comment by Larry Mullholland Friday, Jan 16, 09 @ 10:31 am