While Chicago may be associated with political corruption and Al Capone, many families continue to make the Windy City their home because of the vast number of positives that can be found there. The third most populous city in the U.S., Chicago is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
Art and culture in Chicago is paramount to the vibrancy of the city. Some of the tallest buildings in the world are found here, including the Willis Tower, John Hancock Building and Trump Tower. In addition to the impressive architecture, other arts help make Chicago a bohemian's dream. The Art Institute of Chicago keeps some of the most valuable paintings ever created and continues to teach young artists how to nurture their creative spirits. Music in Chicago is diverse, with thriving scenes in blues, jazz, indie rock and punk keeping the city on the musical map. Many actors get their start in Chicago's improv and dramatic theater scene.
Many historic events and people are associated with Chicago. Some of the most positive examples include multiple progressive moments for African-Americans such as the first black mayor of Chicago, Harold Washington, and the first black American president, Barack Obama. Chicago was home to the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893, perhaps the greatest world's fair ever. It boasted the first ferris wheel. Renowned architects Daniel Burnham and Frank Lloyd Wright lived and worked in Chicago, establishing the city as the national standard for urban development and architectural aesthetics. A beacon of intellectual pride is the University of Chicago, which has produced dozens of Nobel Prize winners, as well as Pulitzer prizes and MacArthur grants.
For visitors and residents of all ages, Chicago is an all-around fun city. All four major American sports are represented professionally in the Windy City, with two teams for baseball. Chicago is also one of the greenest cities in America, with miles of open park space throughout the city and a picturesque lake shore trail with beaches on one side and a breathtaking skyline on the other. Also made famous by Chicago are a few styles of food. Deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs are just two examples of the unique and diverse foods available in Chicagoland. Adults enjoy Chicago's nightlife scene, which is fast-paced and exciting.
