The Economist gives Chicago top rating

[Inland]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-060315chicagoecon,1,4455382.story?coll=chi-news-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true
Chicago is about to pick up an important label and accolade from The Economist magazine: An American success story.

This week's issue of The Economist includes a special pull-out report that says Chicago's buzzing social life, its universities, its prosperity and its buffed up façade have combined to make a model for other American cities struggling with the challenges of shifting economies.

The report will be available at The Economist Web site on Thursday.

The city's natural assets and its re-creation as a center of entertainment and culture have played a big role in The Economist's assessment of the city and its status.

In the magazine's view, Chicago has come a long way since The Economist, in 1980, cited its creaking political machine, its severe race problems and its declining economy in charging Chicago was one of the most challenged cities in America.

A world class airport, an array of hospitals and research institutions that are among the world's best and a vibrant immigration scene have helped preserve the city's economic vibrancy, the magazine says in a special report by Johnny Grimond.
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[boobooday]

1. I love Chicago

It's a great American city. I go every chance I get, and always enjoy it.

[ovidsen]

2. I've thought this for a long time

Growing up and living in around Chicago in the 60s and 70s, and visiting parents, siblings and friends there all the time since then, I had a gut feeling that Chicago was more than making up for lost time, especially over the last decade or so.

Like NYC and LA, it's a great American city with a personality all it's own.

The only thing I don't miss are the winters. (I know.... whine, whine!)

[Inland]

4. Winters? What winters?

Whenever someone says, "i like chicago, but the winters", I respond with a blank look and just deny any bad weather.

[Rich Hunt]

3. I wouldn't live in any other big city

I'm just a short walk to the lake. It's one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, according to the U.N.

I have no gripes whatsoever about the livability here.

[sarahf]

5. have only visited

but you guys have a great city with a lot to do. Congrats on the good review. It seems the best of all worlds. Although, I do not do as well with snow and ice. Hope that's a short season.

[shrike]

6. Great place

I live outside of it (Indiana) and we love to go down there. Only problem is the parking, but there's parking problems in every major city.
I lived on the East Coast for a number of years, and Chicago does have its own personality, just like all great cities.