Comparing Chicago to New York City

Submission: xoxo j, I love your blog but I am a bit concerned. Is it safe to live in New York City? I am thinking of moving there, but I have heard a lot about safety concerns. I know from following you that you are from chicago. Can you do a post comparing safety, food, and general quality of life in these two cities? xoxo, your biggest fan!

As a girl who has now spent time in both cities, I think I can give you a good insight. Let me preface by saying that I’ve experienced significantly more of Chicago, growing up nearby and currently going to school there. However, I’m confident I can still provide a holistic understanding and comparison for you!

Let’s break it down: Safety, food, quality of life, and walkability (I’m going to add this).

Safety

As a girl, I think this becomes tricky. One thing you should know is that New York City has very tricky self defense laws. You cannot purchase pepper spray outside of the state of NY, and it must be 0.75 ounces or less. Also, NY has a specific pepper spray formula, which may only be purchased at licensed pharmacies or firearm dealers. Chicago does not have any of these restrictions, only that you must be 18+ to carry.

I will say, perhaps it's because I walk around and know where I’m going in Chicago, but I’ve never felt unsafe or objectified. My first few days walking around in NYC destroyed me. Why was I getting catcalled and verbally harassed now, when I wouldn't be back in Chicago? I’m not sure what it is. Maybe it’s the greater size of NYC, or perhaps just that NYC holds itself to a culture of freedom, but I’ve just started dressing more modestly. That said, it doesn’t do much. And also, I think that covering up because of some random man is really degrading. I’ve mastered having a cute outfit under some sweats – I feel safer and more comfortable. And also, I think Manhattan is definitely the borough with a heavy experimental style, so you’ll see everyone wearing everything. I’ve found great self-expression through my time here in that sense.

When walking home at night, be aware. That goes for any place you are. Don’t listen to music or play on your phone unless you’d feel better calling someone while you walk home. Sometimes I like to talk to myself to scare people LMAOOO. 

One thing to note, Lyft is way cheaper in Chicago. I could get from downtown to Hyde Park for under 30, but here, you can expect their prices to start 2-3x more. Oftentimes, that leaves me forced to take the subway, so be cautious and always try to sit in a seat with the train crew. You can find it, but standing under the “Zebra” when the train arrives (it’s a black and white strip that's hanging on the top of the platform, usually somewhere in the middle).

Food

Tough. Honestly, I just think it’s expensive in NYC. However, all the trendy places that you often will see on social media or places with happy hour deals will typically be in NYC. That said, New York carries great chains that are only limited to the East Coast like Pop Up Bagels or Matchaful, but Chicago carries great culture with it. I will say, since New York is bigger, you will have more opportunities to try unique cultures. Also, I recently realized that since Chicago is in the midwest, we lack seafood and the ability to have things very freshly available. That said, perhaps some “fresh cod” or something traditionally east or west coast may be hard to come by in quality. A few weeks ago, I went to the Queens Night Market, where I got to try shark meat…it was really weird, but definitely something you won’t see often in Chicago! Take advantage of the diversity and the size, and you can find anything you’re craving in either city.

Quality of Life

Chicago. Duh. 100%. One thing about NYC is that it’s very restless. Going out culture is everynight, there’s always things happening, there’s not much of an escape from the industrialness of the city, and there’s people EVERYWHERE. The tourists walk very slowly and will often stop in front of you, causing you to bump into them or nearly trip. You don’t get this in Chicago. It’s funny because all the people who take photos in front of “the bean” are usually just locals or people from nearby suburbs. Also, rent is insanely cheaper in Chicago.

In Chicago, you have much more peace available to you if you so desire. That’s one reason I get soooo frustrated when people say, “Oh, Chicago is an East Coast city in the Midwest.” Say you’ve never been to the midwest without saying so. Chicago is the epitome of the Midwestern. It’s spread out, historical, filled with greenery, and has the holy grail of the Midwest: Lake Michigan. It’s got your favorite mom and pop hot dog shops and wide sidewalks. I think Chicago is attainable for anyone craving the city experience without feeling overwhelmed. 

Walkability

Technically, New York ranks higher in terms of calculated walkability. However, New York totally lacks nature. Blah, blah, it has central park, so what? A big, mazy, concentrated field of grass and condensed bikers? No thanks. Try the Chicago lakefront. Fresh, clear air, swimmable beaches less than a mile apart sometimes, skateparks, and real sand. You can’t beat that. Run all the way down from Hyde Park to Lincoln Park. Enjoy it! An entirely car free, bike free area to walk. Also, Chicago is very people-focused in its walking. The sidewalks are massive, and a lot of roads are one-way (which I find wonderful when crossing the street). 

Additionally, the greenspace available to Chicagoans is “woven in,” whereas greenspace in NYC is often fenced in or crunched into buildings. You don’t see forced greenery. It has some of the most unique boardwalks. 

And sure, NYC is definitely walkable, but the density of the city – whether it’s trash, people, or legal smoking of marijuana – gets you sick of it pretty quickly. You won’t find that in Chicago ;)

Best of luck in your travels, and I hope this helps you a little bit, from a girl-to-girl perspective.

XOXO, J 💗