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“Why would you ever want to live in Iowa?”, you ask.
I’m from Chicago, arguably the greatest city in all of the Midwest. Doesn’t it make more sense for me to leave the big city and go to another big city, like LA, New York, Rome, or Paris?
I’m from Chicago, arguably the greatest city in all of the Midwest. Doesn’t it make more sense for me to leave the big city and go to another big city, like LA, New York, Rome, or Paris?
Why I Love Cedar Rapids
I really enjoy Iowa. There are dramatically fewer residents here than Chicago, and they're nice. I’ve lived here for two summers (and two school years) on campus, and worked downtown. I’ve contributed to the local CR economy by shopping at Moss and Daisy’s Garage, as well as taking the city bikes around town. When I walk down the street there aren’t millions of other people walking down the same street, nor cars honking their horns and running over people; although people here are noticeably reckless drivers so there is definitely a similarity. There’s a lot more to CR than Coe, and exploring it with my local friends has helped open my perspective to a different way of life.
It’s harder to get lost here, and people will help you get around. The downtown park is no Grant Park, and Lake Michigan is a national treasure, but Ellis park has its own perks. Being right on the water, with houses that float with the floods is unique to this city and there have been many other improvements after the Great Flood. For example, the NewBo district (with electric car charging stations) and more bike lanes.
Why I Love Chicago
My family is spread across the US, but my main branch (the HQ) is still there. Grandma still lives in the old neighborhood (for some reason), my aunt is the 'burbs. I grew up in the apartment my Granny owned, and my family was always together. I have such fond memories of a place that doesn't exist anymore. My preschool, grade school, and high schools (I transferred) are all there. Italian Fiesta pizza, Maravillas burritos, and sugar buns from China Town all hold strong memories. Even White Castles, since it doesn't exist in this entire state; I'm not salty... The rocking of the sky trains, or L if you care about "proper terms", the quiet of the Barnes & Noble down State Street, and the smell and feel of the lake effect are unforgettable. Quite frankly, there is not enough diversity here. I'm used to being surrounded by tons of different types of people: race, ethnicity, religion, accents, etc., but here, it's a culture shock. My childhood is there, as well as everything I'd grown accustomed to. But, I needed a change from the hustle and bustle, so here I am.
The Cons of CR
I do not like CR’s transportation system. It’s pretty terrible, especially when coming from a city where you could take a bus or train pretty much everywhere. I didn’t need to know how to drive or obtain a license, because I could take the CTA. Besides, city traffic in the windy city has made world records with how slow the travel time is, and parking is way too expensive. Here, you can’t get anywhere without a car. The public transportation system is not considered reliable for very good reasons. Grocery shopping, vet trips for your puppy, volunteer work at nonprofits, and your off-campus job, all require a car. Fortunately, Coe isn’t in the middle of nowhere, and if you’re willing to, you can walk downtown. But, for people like me who have worked multiple jobs downtown, walking 40 minutes there and back every day and/or night is not a task for the weak-willed.
Personally, the weather could be better. The past two winters have been awful. It’s so cold, and the snow doesn’t even stick around for very long. The lack of wind on hot days is bothersome, and the sun can beam down all it wants because there aren’t skyscrapers blocking it. Yikes, it's so humid in the summer my friends from Arizona complain about the heat. Oh, and you can't escape the bugs.
When I went back to Chicago, I realized just how tall our buildings are, compared to Iowa’s. The concept of a skyscraper doesn't really excite you when you've been surrounded by them your whole life. Those buildings are offices, that mall is a mall. Now that I've spent some time away, I can see what the hype is about. The Water Tower Place is massive. Everything is massive. It would be an immense shock to people who think CR is a big city. Chicago has the most amazing architecture, with newer and older structures right next to each other. Still, I'll take the CR library any day - though, Harold Washington will always have a place in my heart.
The Cons of Chi-Town
Illinois is known for corrupt politicians, and Chicago is no exception. Did you know the nickname of the windy city isn't because of the wind - since it's windier here (I can tell) - but because of all the hot air flowing from the politicians? (The more you know) The increase in certain types of taxes hurts some more than others, and the some definitely hit the poor more than the rich. I won't get too deep into this rabbit hole, but it's not fun to turn on the news and be reminded of the horrible actions of people you're supposed to trust. Sure, the salaries may be higher, but the cost of living is extremely high! It’s far less expensive here in CR. The cost of living is 27% higher in Chicago, for example, if you earn $60,000 (after taxes) in CR, you'll need to earn over $76,093 to maintain the same standard of living. If you wanted to own a home in Chicago, you'd pay around $517,613. However, in CR that house would've only cost $327, 616. That's a $16,000 difference in yearly earnings, and $190,000 difference in price! No, I will never pay that much for a property, just because it has a scenic view, but thank you for asking. As a young adult, I need to be able to live where I can afford to live. I take my finances very seriously, and don’t plan to live in the most expensive apartment in the most expensive part of the city, just because.
This may come as a shock, but I don't want to be around a lot of people at once, and that's all the big city is. I know, it's hard to be both small and extremely diverse, but as long as a city isn't in the far millions, I'll be fine. I’d like a place with better public transportation than CR, but similar in population size. We’ll see how it turns out.
This may come as a shock, but I don't want to be around a lot of people at once, and that's all the big city is. I know, it's hard to be both small and extremely diverse, but as long as a city isn't in the far millions, I'll be fine. I’d like a place with better public transportation than CR, but similar in population size. We’ll see how it turns out.
It's Different, Not Worse
To people from smaller towns, CR is a big city. To me, it’s a town, right? I know, typical city girl response, but honestly, this city is tiny, and I love it. I can walk around and not bump into anyone, unless it’s the lunch rush. The amount of interaction you must have with strangers goes down immensely, and it’s refreshing for my introverted mind. I can be more open, more expressive and comfortable being myself. It’s darker at night and streetlights aren't bursting through my windows. There are times when there is total darkness in my dorm and I don’t even need special curtains; it’s fantastic. I don’t know if it's a small town/city mentality, but people here are so nice. They smile at you when you walk past, ask how your day is, compliment your sneakers, the whole shebang. Downtown there are small shops where you can walk in and not be surrounded by grumpy people who are groggy even after five cups of coffee. I always recommend walking around to get the full experience while you're here. The Czec Village, the African American Museum of Iowa, and the downtown public library are only a handful of places you should visit.
A Change of Scenery Can Only Do Good
I have always wanted to leave Chicago and explore the world. I want to see the stars and even live somewhere where my children can see them every day. I want a backyard vegetable garden, and a tiny home for stray cats to keep out of the rain. There is still a lot of time to plan for that change, but for now I want to continue to explore. Working at Jimmy John’s and Greyhound Deli has allowed me to meet real people who live here and see how they live their lives. There’s so much more than just what I can walk to. I volunteered at Dogs Forever and saw the Kernels Stadium. The White Sox will always be the best, but hearing children sing the pledge of allegiance brings a smile to my face. The differences between the many different Hy-Vees, and the wonder that is Cassie’s pizza all have their charm, just like Chicago. The tourist destinations will always be there for me to visit. I'll see my family during the holidays. It's good to leave your bubble, so you can see how small it is. You learn more about yourself and the world around you. The limited options for Mexican food saddens me, but Pancheros is pretty decent. I needed space from all I was used to, and being in Iowa has allowed me to do this. In conclusion, would I live in LA, New York, Rome, or Paris? The answer is no.
Author's Note:
There are pros and cons to every situation you find yourself in. It's important to make the best decisions for yourself, especially you're the one that will have to live with your decisions.
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