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If Illinois didn't have Chicago would the state have anything going for it?
Yes, it would still have several small cities and about 4 million people and a ton of agriculture, several pretty areas and a national forest, and it would probably be more fiscally balanced. But Chicagoland is a HUGE part of Illinois, just like the Twin Cities in MN, or Detroit in MI or Atlanta in GA, or Seatle in WA, or Phoenix in AZ, or...
Last edited by Maintainschaos; 03-19-2015 at 08:53 PM..
Yes, it would still have several small cities and about 4 million people and a ton of agriculture, several pretty areas and a national forest, and it would probably be more fiscally balanced. But Chicagoland is a HUGE part of Illinois, just like the Twin Cities in MN, or Detroit in MI or Atlanta in GA, or Seatle in WA, or Phoenix in AZ, or...
Hate to be picky, but Illinois is almost 13 million now, and the Chicagoland population inside the Illinois state lines is roughly 7ish million, so Illinois would be closer to 6 million without the city.
But yes, Chicago defines Illinois, it is the principal city. But outside of the city I don't think Illinois offers as much as Wisconsin or Michigan do in the scenery and nature department. Wisconsin and Michigan's highlights aren't Detroit and Milwaukee, they have a lot of other areas making up for it.
Hate to be picky, but Illinois is almost 13 million now, and the Chicagoland population inside the Illinois state lines is roughly 7ish million, so Illinois would be closer to 6 million without the city.
But yes, Chicago defines Illinois, it is the principal city. But outside of the city I don't think Illinois offers as much as Wisconsin or Michigan do in the scenery and nature department. Wisconsin and Michigan's highlights aren't Detroit and Milwaukee, they have a lot of other areas making up for it.
Sure, I agree: I don't think there are any states in the Midwest that offer the consistent amount of beauty and nature that Wisconsin and Michigan do. Illinois has some pretty areas, but it rightfully should be grouped with Indiana and Iowa in terms of natural beauty. However, Chicago offers a lot to people, and not everyone is into nature and hiking, so that's a huge draw. The most beautiful states in the Midwest don't have a city like Chicago, so I think it's natural for many people to say Illinois, since Chicago is a huge part of Illinois.
Hate to be picky, but Illinois is almost 13 million now, and the Chicagoland population inside the Illinois state lines is roughly 7ish million, so Illinois would be closer to 6 million without the city.
But yes, Chicago defines Illinois, it is the principal city. But outside of the city I don't think Illinois offers as much as Wisconsin or Michigan do in the scenery and nature department. Wisconsin and Michigan's highlights aren't Detroit and Milwaukee, they have a lot of other areas making up for it.
I enjoy driving through the Illinois farmland. But that's just me.
Yes. That's just you.
I've been over a lot of the country, including the desolate route from Reno to Salt Lake City...and the most boring drive is from Chicago to St. Louis.
I've been over a lot of the country, including the desolate route from Reno to Salt Lake City...and the most boring drive is from Chicago to St. Louis.
Everybody has their own opinions. For me personally: either I-80 from Des Moines to Cheyenne or I-35 Mpls to Des Moines.
Oh and I forgot I-75 from about Valdosta, GA to Orlando, FL.
I've been over a lot of the country, including the desolate route from Reno to Salt Lake City...and the most boring drive is from Chicago to St. Louis.
Now...that's a stretch. At least there are people and towns between Chicago and St. Louis.
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