Rankings from 2024 by U.S. News & World Report show that Chicago, Illinois, is the best big city in the United States. As of 2020, 2.7 million people were living in Chicago, making it the third-largest and most popular city in the United States. Chicago is known for its architecture, arts, cuisine, sports, innovation, and varied areas. It is the cultural and economic center of the Midwest and a global draw for millions of tourists and businesses every year.
Why is Chicago the Best Big City in the U.S.?
The U.S. News & World Report 2024 rankings put Chicago at the top for a number of strong reasons, such as its quality of life, job market, value, attractiveness, and net migration. Here are some of the most important accomplishments and awards that have helped Chicago become a world-class city:
The Best Places to Live and Retire are:
- Chicago has a good standard of living, a strong job market, and a low cost of living. It was ranked #1 among the Best Places to Live in the U.S.
- Chicago is also ranked #1 as one of the Best Places to Retire, which means that you can enjoy a comfortable and cheap retirement while still being close to healthcare, entertainment, and relaxation.
How Good Life is:
- With over 580 parks, 26 miles of water, and 200 miles of bike lanes, Chicago has a high quality of life for people who like being outside.
- The city’s 200 museums, theaters, and art galleries show off its cultural diversity by showcasing a wide range of art forms.
- Chicago has more than 7,300 restaurants serving everything from famous deep-dish pizza and hot dogs to fine eating with Michelin stars and food from around the world.
A Strong Job Market:
- Chicago has a great job market thanks to its 37 Fortune 500 companies, such as United Airlines, Boeing, McDonald’s, Walgreens, and McDonald’s.
- A lot of people live in the city, and 38.5% of them have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The city is a hub for banking, industry, technology, healthcare, and education.
Reasonable Prices:
- With a median home price of $255,600 and a median family income of $63,153, Chicago has a cheaper cost of living than other big U.S. cities.
- At 10.25%, the city’s sales tax rate is lower than those in New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
What People Want:
- Over 58 million people visit Chicago every year, making it the second most popular city in the U.S. after New York City.
- Positive net migration shows how appealing the city is, showing that both current residents and visitors are very happy with it and want to move there.
Conclusion
According to US News & World Report rankings, Chicago will remain the greatest major city in the United States in 2024. Chicago stands out as a top destination due to its good quality of life, dynamic employment market, fair costs, and cultural diversity. The city’s accomplishments include being named the #1 Best Place to Live and Retire, demonstrating its attraction to both residents and visitors, and cementing Chicago’s standing as a worldwide hub for culture, commerce, and lifestyle.