Survey Responses
Here you will find all the responses I’ve received on my survey. It’s interesting to see how many people see Chicago the same way, and how these certain elements make our city what it is. Culture, food, architecture, and diversity. These are all responses to the question, “In your own words, what does Chicago mean to you? (This could be an experience, a location, a food even; what reminds you of the city?)
“The diverse options of food and entertainment. There is always something to do. When it’s always around you, it’s taken for granted. You don’t realize that until you move away.”
-Dennis Harrison
“Garrets popcorn and Michigan Avenue.”
-Alex Ottley
“Exciting, raw, people are happy to help you get around the city. Culture, architecture, walkability, great sports city. Live music, free events, Lake Michigan and the Chicago river.”
-Anonymous
“Chicago is the epicenter, being there feels like you’re a part of it all.”
-JD
“Chicago feels like home to me, even though it’s not technically where I’m from. I live about an hour from the city, but it’s a place that has great community and diversity and a lot of culture. I love living so close and visiting!”
-Anonymous
“Chicago is a really cool and amazing place. It seems like the heart of the Midwest and is a mix of a lot of cultures, people, food, music, etc. Much like LA and NY, Chicago has its own unique vibe that’s unlike any other city.”
-Corina
“The fabulous shoreline, the Art Institute, Steppenwolf Theater, Old Town School of Music – all this and our fabulous Midwestern friendliness.”
-Lucy Dallman
“Diversity in people, food, and pride in the city.”
-Anonymous
“Chicago means family to me. This city is full of experiences that everybody will have if they are from Chicago, creating a true family type community.”
-Anonymous
“Everyone and everything is real and not fake like it is in the suburbs.”
-Anonymous
“Family. My grandparents came to Chicago through the Great Migration and settled on the south side. My grandparents built a legacy and overcame segregation, contract leasing, and red lining.”
-Dominique
“Chicago is a nicer, cleaner New York. It’s the most special city on the planet with fans who will wait 108 years to win a World Series and can still do the super bowl shuffle at the drop of a hat. If you want to get a little slice of heaven, just run the marathon the second Sunday in October. You’ll see people from all the neighborhoods coming together to cheer you on and make you believe that the gold is still possible.
-Steve Carter
“Variety, (everything: people, styles, food, generations, backgrounds, perspectives, cultures, resources, businesses, neighborhoods, opportunities, etc.). And…the best damn pizza.”
-C. Ruckauf
“Lots of people, constant movement, creativity present in many forms, if you open your eyes to see it all. Humanities living and breathing, vibrancy, diversity, extremes personified in all the ways, food, music and art heaven.”
-Shellie
“Chicago is and always will be home. The Picasso always reminds me of the city and is my earliest memory going into the city.”
-John
“Chicago means exploration to me. Finding stores and restaurants in random corners of Chicago that would normally not be seen.”
-Anonymous
“Pizza, Portillo’s, Italian Beef, wind chill, Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls. Home.”
-Anonymous
“The L, the Sears Tower, Chicago style hot dog!”
-Anonymous
“I think that really, nothing beats the summer in the city. Walks on the river walk, days spent lounging on the beach, or nights wandering around the incredibly diverse neighborhoods.”
-Anonymous
