Where would you rather live Chicago or Los Angeles (best city, schools)

[skreem2]

I've never been to Chicago. I never had any reason to go there, but I get a little tired of people praising the weather in LA. Most of these people seem to be from the Westside where ocean breezes keep things moderate - try venturing over to the other side of the 405 freeway during the months of August and September. It's hellish, and the pollution only makes matters worse.

Personally, I'd like to live in San Francisco, but it's too expensive for me to move there. SF has a much better climate, more public transportation, and friendlier people. It's pleasant on the eyes and healthier. Restaurant choices? - oh yes. I just need to have a rich relative check out and leave me something.

[CESpeed]

It come down to one thing: the weather. LA, hands down.

[calidude]

Ya Chicago is nice but LOS angeles is ten times better. I have a buddy who lives in oak park il right near downtown chitown its nice and all but man march at night there is pretty cold i couldnt stand that cold crap.

[mommabear2]

I'm an L.A. native but I used to live in and near Chicago for 6 years (and most of my family live back there). I love Chicago AND L.A. they both have there good and bad points. Chicago - IMO - is far more beautiful and pedestrian friendly... the people are awesome, great sports town (anyone ever been to Wrigley field?), the jazz/blues roots... it's a great city (the weather is the best in the fall). I could go on forever.

L.A. though, is the only place that's ever really felt like "home" to me. Even with all it's issues, it has so much to offer. I love the people - quirky, crazy, conservative, moderate, liberal, Mexican, white, black, Vietnamese, Iranian, Armenian - it adds another dimension (but of course, I'm not talking about the dumb a$$es of L.A. - gangbangers and such).

Just my two cents.

[GLS]

First, the generality: I grew up in one and lived in the other, and didn't like either. Nothing against either city in particular. I just don't like the crowds in any big city.

Second, the question is much too general. Areas within each city are radically different, and would shape your opinion. For example, in "Chicago", I lived in Darien, and shot pool in South Chicago. In "LA", I grew up in the projects in Wilmington, but years later lived in Palisades Highlands. Trust me, it's WHERE you live in each city.

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by Charles

They are both expensive and they both have jobs and they both have traffic and they both have all the negatives and positives of huge cities. LA has some of the best weather in the world and the diverse landscapes.

LA by a mile. Not even close. Not sure why this poll was created.

As you stated.

Now; in defense of Chi-town, if the weather were Climate Zone 8 or higher, factoring into better water supplies, etc.------it would be a toss up between it and LA

[Californiaguy2007]

L.A has a greater Variety/Diversity in practically everything and better weather too.

I do like Chicago much more than NYC though

[dereistic01]

this seems like a really random, pointless poll.

but i choose la.

[Fleet]

Originally Posted by dlblackman

LA is like bran cereal. Once you get past the nuts and flakes, all you have left is a crusty bowl...

Chicago over LA hands-down. I lived in both for over twenty-years. La for first 24 and Chicago for the balance. Like the person says above, Chicago is on the upswing. Besides, you can always buy another layer of clothing for those few days of -0 Chicago gets every year and you know weather is coming in advance. Whereas there is no clothing to prepare you for "Earthquake Season...".

Technically, there is no "Earthquake Season," so one would not know what to wear for it.

And instead of bundling up on those -0 degree days, I would rather ride my bike wearing a T-shirt on the many 70 degree (or higher) days L.A. has during the winter.

[Cze]

Hey I'm from Chi-town and one thing I miss is downtown Chicago. It is and must be the best downtown in any city in the U.S. The architecture is really inspiring as well as the culture and arts. In Chicago you get everything from super reliable transportation (no need to spend money on gas for your car) to a true-to-the-heart city life.

L.A. is cool for what it offers (beaches, mountains, weather), but since I am a Chicago native, and serious the cold weather, snow and all doesn't bother -- it's CHICAGO 100%.