January 10, 2011
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Chicago VS New York
As you probably know by now, recently I went to New York City. Being born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, I’m supposed to hate New York; it is supposed to be a natural rival of ours. This was my second time in New York and honestly, I loved every second of it. Turns out, New York is a great place.
I’ve got a very good friend of mine who was born and raised in Chicago. She is hardcore Chicago and insists that Chicago is way better than New York. She makes this proclamation in spite of the fact that she has never been to New York. Now I love Chicago as much as anybody; even more than I love New York. But, I am humble enough to admit that New York City is better than Chicago. My friend on the other hand considers such a belief blasphemy and pretty much treason to Chicago.
I used to have a strong hatred of New York and everything New York. Much of this had to do with the sports rivalry between the two cities. Being a rabid Chicago Cubs fan, it is my duty to hate the New York Mets more than life itself. And being a huge Chicago Bulls fan, we grew to hate the New York Knicks because of the team’s rivalry in the 1990s. Wait, rivalry is probably a strong word, after all, the Jordan led Bulls of the 90s routinely kicked the shit out of the Knicks, rendering the so called rivalry pretty one sided. Ahhh, it’s great to be from Chicago.
But, now that I have had a chance to experience New York for myself twice, even in a limited engagement, it is clear to see why NYC is better. That being said, not everything about New York is better than Chicago. I do believe Chicago has a better skyline; there is nothing quite like driving down Lake Shore Drive while gazing at the breathtaking skyline. New York does not have a road like Lake Shore that showcases the amazing city to one side and the active lake to the other side.
Also, from all accounts I have had, Chicago pizza is better than New York pizza, yes, even the thin crust. But, that too is in a limited sample size as my New York pizza experience consisted of two slices of Ray’s pizza in Times Square. I am certainly going to need to have more NYC pizza before I can render a final judgment.
New York, however, has it all. Oh sure, much of what you can get in New York you can get in Chicago. But, there is something about New York. The vastness of it all; the desire for people all over the world to be there. New York is the big time.
All that being said, you really can’t go wrong living or visiting either city as both are great. I’m just fortunate to be able to live in one and have been able to visit the other.
Comments (2)
I love both cities, but you’re right, there’s just something about NYC. I remember feeling like i was in a different country….so much diversity and just the feeling you get overall. I have to agree that Lakeshore Drive in Chicago is amazing. Ryan and i took a bike ride up and down part of it…so cool. I think one of the unique awesome things about NYC is central park. In the midst of all these skyscraper buildings, you have this green belt. So cool. I haven’t spent much time in Central Park, but someday i want to have a picnic there.
I’ve never been to NYC, but you totally make me want to go! I’ve been to Chicago a few times, and loved Lake Shore Drive (as well as all the museums and shopping), so I’d like to think that I’d like NYC as well. Glad you had a great time over NYE! Pictures??