Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Can't speak for Philly, but in Chicago primarily because land is cheap and there is plenty to build on. Unlike places like NYC, SF, DC, etc where land is at premium and available land is very hard to get, in Chicago it's significantly easier. There are other factors of course, but that is one of the main reasons.
Can't speak for Philly, but in Chicago primarily because land is cheap and there is plenty to build on. Unlike places like NYC, SF, DC, etc where land is at premium and available land is very hard to get, in Chicago it's significantly easier. There are other factors of course, but that is one of the main reasons.
so the question is why does chicago have more available, cheaper land then?
The weather is so undesirable, that's why. Look at places like San Diego, LA, Miami. They all have good weather and cost a lot. Somewhere like NYC doesn't have nice weather, but it's NYC, so it's still expensive, and of course, it does have slightly milder weather than Chicago.
IDK about Philly, maybe the high crime rate and also bad weather?
The weather is so undesirable, that's why. Look at places like San Diego, LA, Miami. They all have good weather and cost a lot. Somewhere like NYC doesn't have nice weather, but it's NYC, so it's still expensive, and of course, it does have slightly milder weather than Chicago.
IDK about Philly, maybe the high crime rate and also bad weather?
I don't think that's the determinative factor. I also really don't think Chicago is much cheaper that Miami. Then again I don't think Miami's weather is all that much better than Chicago's. And weather also doesn't really explain DC or Boston. They are more expensive than Chicago but I don't see how they offer more than Chicago or have such better weather to explain the COL difference.
Weather IS a factor, but there are others too. Location for example. NYC is close to a lot of other attractions like most expensive cities on the coasts. Chicago is a bit isolated. Also, I do not think Chicago has as many restrictions on development as many coastal cities, which can drive up demand.
DC and Boston are closer to the coast. Also the weather is better. Boston and DC have warmer winters (but not warm by any means). I also believe that summers are (going by actual temperature) not as hot. DC IS more muggy than Chicago, so maybe it is more unpleasant, but Chicago seems to have more of those heat waves. I've heard Boston is less humid and hot (but still hot and humid) than most eastern cities.
I also do think Chicago is cheaper than Miami. More people want to move to Miami than Chicago, to escape the cold weather up north. So the real estate probably goes up. And there's not really a big middle ground in Miami between poor and rich, regarding neighborhoods.
Not much warmer, but many people do prefer Boston's slightly warmer winters to Chicago. Also, Boston is by some beautiful beaches. Living by the coast tends to attract more people. Chicago does have the Great Lakes, but the ocean is just something else...
Not much warmer, but many people do prefer Boston's slightly warmer winters to Chicago. Also, Boston is by some beautiful beaches. Living by the coast tends to attract more people. Chicago does have the Great Lakes, but the ocean is just something else...
Philly is known for having a lot of crime, so maybe that's why? I'm not really sure about that one.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.