CHICAGO — Should you stay or should you go?
When asked if you would leave Chicago — based on a DNAinfo story that ran Monday — dozens of Neighborhood Square users provided intriguing feedback.
Many defended their city, its amazing food, diversity, neighborhoods and culture. Others said they were glad they left Chicago — or couldn't wait to get out — because of its crime, taxes, weather, politicians and schools.
RELATED: Ever Think Of Leaving Chicago? Yelp Post Wants To Know
Neighborhood Square user "whiteleatherv" wrote: "Yes-I have plans to move within the next 5 years. I realize at the age of 42 that this city is a place that I cannot grow old in comfortably, the taxes and cost of living are way out of proportion with the quality of city services that you get in return--which are the things that old people rely on! Not to mention safety and horrible snow removal in the winter by the city makes it prohibitive for retirement."
User "Mozart" added: "I agree, after moving out of Chicago after college, and living all over the world, I was glad to come back, but now..I'm tired of the politics, I used to laugh and make fun of it, My answer was always the same.."That"s Chicago", but now with the constant crime, high taxes.. the suburbs look a lot better."
"ChuckyT" concurred: "Chicago is an amazing city......to visit. Living here is starting to look foolish, unless you are young and single or have no other choice because of your job situation. There is crime and problems everywhere, but Chicago is head and big shoulders above all other cities when you look at the negatives."
Former resident "pat-crew" said: "I left Chicago years ago and now live in western Oregon. Each time I go back to visit, I notice more of what I remember and loved about Chicago is gone. The city of my youth no longer exists. Those who've stayed have been duped by gradual change, and not change for the better. I don't think I'll ever go back again, even just to visit. I don't recognize the old girl anymore."
User "tvelicia" is a fan of the city, chiming in with: "Despite all the problems here, I do love living in Chicago. I love Grant Park, the ethnic festivals, the ethnic food, the fine restaurants, going to ballet performances, museums, and Shakespeare plays here, and taking ballet classes. I could do all those things somewhere else, but it just wouldn't be the same. The only place I love more is Paris, where I visit and rent an apartment for a few weeks every three years or so and pretend I live there."
NSQ-er "Karmee" is torn: "I love this City - this is home! There is no other city like it. I love each and every season: the hot and muggy summers, the icy cold winters, the breezy crisp springs and the rainy, colorful autumns. But, Chicago does not love its senior citizens. Our fixed incomes do not get equitable raises at the end of each year - the cost for our services continues to rise - our taxes are astronomical - and we live in fear of the unknown menace lurking at every bus stop - every alley - every street - every corner of this wonderful City. For these reasons, I have to leave Chicago - I cannot afford to live here anymore. Ciao!"
"Newfocusstaff" has faith: "There have been times that I wanted to leave Chicago, however I love Chicago It's great city with some things to improve like any other city."
"18th-n-Blueisland" won't be going anywhere: "🎶My kind of town🎶 I love it here, I've invested in Chicago and the payoff has been outstanding! Of course I get out of town as much as possible in Jan, Feb and March.....This city is fantastic...love it love it love it."
And user "Rehabber1" had a legit excuse for staying: I have wanted for years to leave this (messed)-up city and state, but my wife won't agree (I'm comfortable here), and unfortunately we can't afford to live separately."
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: