How long does it take to get used to Chicago? (West Chicago: building, distance)

[ladyfish]

We're not from a tiny city, but it is smaller than Chicago (Denver). How long does it generally take to get familiar with Chicago? My husband's job involves driving around, so that's a concern in a much bigger city. Is it totally impossible (like boston ) or is it fairly easy, like with numbered streets/avenues, or alphabetical? We're not set on Chicago, but it is a possibility and that's the only thing I'm worried about.

[via chicago]

Chicago's based on a grid, so its pretty tough to get lost if you understand the numbering system
Streets and highways of Chicago - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[CarolinaBredChicagoan]

Learn the grid. Love the grid. Once you do, it's really tough to get truly lost in the city of Chicago. The burbs (especially outer ring burbs) are another tale.

[ladyfish]

To me, that looks truly impossible. But I'm sure it's like advanced math just takes a little time.

[via chicago]

Originally Posted by ladyfish

To me, that looks truly impossible. But I'm sure it's like advanced math just takes a little time.

its totally logical. like using the metric system...takes a little adjusting, but so much easier in the long run.

if you're in the city and someone gives you an address, you can tell instantly what direction to travel, what side of the street the address is on, and the distance in miles to get there.

[supernerdgirl]

i have not yet once gotten lost in Chicago... in fact the first time i came to visit, i had it figured out in a snap. my friend on the other hand was SUPER confused.


it's like heaven compared to the south where every road has at least three names. for instance, in Knoxville, a road is called Broadway, then changes to Henley Street JUST long enough so the bridge can be named the "Henley Street Bridge" then immediately changes to Chapman Hwy right after the bridge -- this is only a 0.8 mile stretch.

and the numbering system here makes me happy too.

ETA: ladyfish, i agree that the wikipedia entry is a little confusing. i can see how it would be confusing if you've never been here.

[via chicago]

This is more clear, from the CTA website

"Chicago was built on a grid system with a "major" street every half mile - equal to four blocks. The starting point is at the intersection of State and Madison in the heart of the Loop. State Street runs north/south. All of the other north/south streets are numbered as so many blocks east or west of State, with the addresses increasing by 100 for each block (except downtown, where streets do not always correspond to a full block).

For example, Ashland Avenue runs north/south and is 16 blocks west of State and so its "address" is 1600 West. Since there are 8 blocks to a mile, we can also determine that Ashland is 2 miles west of State. Similarly all east/west streets are numbered as north or south of Madison, which runs east/west. The street that runs parallel to Madison eight blocks to the north (Chicago Avenue) is referred to as 800 North, and is one mile north of Madison. Using this system you can always figure out how far and in what direction you have strayed from downtown, and by knowing a cross street's address you can find any building in the city. A building with an address of 800 North Ashland Ave. will be 8 blocks north of Madison on Ashland which is 16 blocks west of State Street, at the intersection of Chicago Ave. and Ashland Ave. A building with an address of 1601 West Chicago Ave. will be on another corner of the same intersection."

[Manigault]

Lord love a duck. The streets are straight and on the south side they have numbers. All one has to do is memorize the few diagonal streets. I found the layout to be remarkably simple and understandable. Now, its not as arithmetical or instinctive as DC but is does have a basic regularity.

All this was lost on my wife, however. It takes all kinds.

[via chicago]

all you need to know is the lake is east.

[scottmi]

Originally Posted by CarolinaBredChicagoan

Learn the grid. Love the grid. Once you do, it's really tough to get truly lost in the city of Chicago. The burbs (especially outer ring burbs) are another tale.

Initially, Chicago is confusing as heck to navigate. Well, even after you've been around awhile north, west and south of the inner city gets confusing and is poorly laid out and marked road-sign-wise.

HOWEVER

The GRID system is amazing. Like many have said, it is almost impossible to get lost once you understand the grid. Also, because it is a grid you can figure out how long it will take you to et from point A to point B very easily.