Out in the neighborhoods
Today I had to take my car in for an oil change and a general once-over. The dealership I take my car to is on the Northwest Side of town, an area I don't venture to much. Actually, I only really hit there when it's time to service my car.
And that's a shame, because to me, those are the parts of the city where you really see what Chicago is. I think Chicago is defined by its neighborhoods, and not the trendy ones. Don't get me wrong, I hang out in the trendy neighborhoods, I have friends who live in them, and I'm not slamming them. Few Chicago residents, however, actually live there. Most people live in non-destination neighborhoods. And they all have their feel, their atmosphere. It's a patchwork that makes Chicago what it is.
There is a beautiful park in that part of town that I'm sure most people in Chicago either don't know about or, if they are aware of it, would never go to it. I wish it was closer to where I live because if it were I would be there all the time. There are blocks and blocks of Chicago bungalows. I would love to have one, but they are becoming quite expensive. If people were to ask me what Chicago is like, I would be more likely to point to a place like this than to The Loop.
And that's a shame, because to me, those are the parts of the city where you really see what Chicago is. I think Chicago is defined by its neighborhoods, and not the trendy ones. Don't get me wrong, I hang out in the trendy neighborhoods, I have friends who live in them, and I'm not slamming them. Few Chicago residents, however, actually live there. Most people live in non-destination neighborhoods. And they all have their feel, their atmosphere. It's a patchwork that makes Chicago what it is.
There is a beautiful park in that part of town that I'm sure most people in Chicago either don't know about or, if they are aware of it, would never go to it. I wish it was closer to where I live because if it were I would be there all the time. There are blocks and blocks of Chicago bungalows. I would love to have one, but they are becoming quite expensive. If people were to ask me what Chicago is like, I would be more likely to point to a place like this than to The Loop.
posted by redhairedgirl at 11:39
2 Comments:
What neighborhoods were you near? I miss the changes and unique differences of all the neighborhoods around the city, and I miss you.
Laura
I was in Portage Park, at about Irving Park and Central. I miss you too! I wish you were still here *hugs*
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