Behind The Headlines: Chicago's Unfriendly Reputation Unraveled

MapQuest Travel thinks this Illinois city is the fifteenth most unfriendly city in the U.S. and the coldest shoulder in all of Illinois. As someone who’s spent decades just a stone’s throw from there, let me tell you—this ranking deserves a big ol’ eye roll.

Let me just preface this by saying I don’t live in Chicago—because apparently, that's a dealbreaker for having an opinion—but I’ve lived an hour away for the last 30 years. That’s three decades of Cubs games, concerts, and traffic-induced meltdowns, so yeah, I think I’m qualified to call out just how hilariously wrong this study is.

Chicago: The Unfriendliest City? Please, We’re Just Busy Being Fabulous

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According to MapQuest Travel, Chicago is the fifteenth most unfriendly city in the U.S. and the most unfriendly in Illinois. Now, before we all clutch our deep-dish pizzas in despair, let’s unpack this.

Here's a quote from the MapQuest Travel study:

Chicago is full of museums, great restaurants and a spectacular view, but that doesn’t mean the people are friendly towards outsiders. What visitors here will find are people walking with their heads towards the ground, rushing from one thing to the next and an overall vibe of unfriendliness. Perhaps it is due to the high amount of crime that happens, or maybe people are just too busy to start up a conversation. Whatever the reason is, don’t bank on making any new friends in this city, and make sure you buy a map so you don’t have to ask for directions. For a friendlier Chicago head to the neighborhood of Old Town for a root beer float spiked with Stoli and hang out with the locals or get your laughs on at some stand up comedy at Second City.

Head Down, Power Walking" Isn’t Unfriendly; It’s Efficient

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MapQuest says Chicagoans are too busy to talk to strangers. Guilty as charged. Have you ever tried walking down Michigan Avenue during rush hour? It’s not unfriendliness; it’s survival. And those people with their heads down? They’re just reading the latest text from their mom about when they’ll finally settle down or checking to see if the Cubs are winning.

Crime Stats Don’t Equal Personality Traits

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Ah, yes, the old "high crime rate" argument. Sure, Chicago’s no Mayberry, but equating that with unfriendliness is like saying a messy desk means you’re bad at your job. (Spoiler: It doesn’t.)

Chicagoans are tough, resourceful, and fiercely proud of their city. Plus, we don’t make friends by handing out free hugs; we do it by sharing our favorite pizza joints and pointing you to the closest L station—if you ask nicely.

Old Town for a Root Beer Float? Now, That’s Friendly!

Even MapQuest admits there’s friendliness to be found in Old Town. Spiked root beer floats and comedy at Second City? Sounds like a warm Chicago welcome to me. If MapQuest’s writers had ventured a little further, they might’ve discovered even more friendly gems—like the neighbor who holds the elevator door for you or the server who remembers your hotdog order (no ketchup, obviously).

So, to MapQuest and anyone else doubting Chicago’s charm: Maybe take a closer look. Chicagoans are not unfriendly; they’re just not going to smile at you while dodging a rogue taxi. Priorities, people.

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