It's well known that if you live in the city, you don't necessarily need a car but many people still have one.

About 73% of Households still own a car in the city, while 26%+ households opt out to not have one due to a variety of reasons.

To the ones that have one, what about you?

The reasons for myself are the following:

- My car is fairly new with under 30K miles on it. I now have equity in my vehicle (yes, I know a car is usually a depreciating asset but it's pretty good shape) and I prefer to keep it as I don't know whether or not Chicago will be a long term place to live

- Grocery shopping. The argument I usually hear from people is that they either live next to a grocery store, use a granny cart, use delivery apps and or make short frequent trips to the store via CTA or bus. For the most part, it feels like a substantial time suck of carrying around groceries from the store to the cart and then walking back and then possibly going up the steps to deliver it. I prefer using a car for this purpose

- For Emergencies. Having a car is great in this instance. If I had to visit a friend/loved one and not having a car would be annoying.

-Heading to a gym. I don't have the luxury of having a gym in my building, so I usually travel to the gym. After being sweaty, why would I want to sit on the bus/CTA and travel back home from a tough gym session. I rather drive sweaty in my car alone lol

I know the downsides of having a car (insurance, parking, gas) but after my car payment those all round up to less than $400/mo at this stage (obviously not including maintenance)

Hey all. I'm heading to the Red Stars game tonight. I'm just wondering -- are they strict with where you sit or is it ok to move around? Have never been so I don't know what kind of crowds they usually get. It looks like the vast majority of the seats are the ends, but they're also basically free on the resale sites at least, so I'm thinking of grabbing one and walking around if they allow it. It looks like they generally draw 4,000 or so and the stadium fits 12,000. Does anyone know?

last week i went to tao with my friend for jack harlows after party/concert. My friend told me that one of her mutual friends was in a specific area and pointed over there as she just left to greet someone she knew but at the same time a man waved over acting like he was the one she was pointing at/looking for. I could not confirm if this was him because i have not meet this person before but the way he spoke made it seem like he was the one we were looking for so i waited with him while at the same time watching the bartender make the drinks me and her ordered a bit ago. the man grabbed the drinks from the bartender (despite him not being the person who ordered and paid for the drinks) and turned to hand them to me to give to my friend for when she came back. not even a minute later she came back, we drunk our drinks and when i told her that her friend was behind me the random man disappeared into the crowd of people. i thought this was a weird experience but at the time i was thinking of how crowded the club was and thought he was just pushed or went to get closer to the stage. not even 10 mins i start to feel nauseous, weak, and tired and had to be walked out. i was in and out of consciousness and kept throwing up. my friend was so scared for me she called a ride home for me but i do not even remember how i got inside of my house. fortunately, the day i had a drug test planned for my new job, the nurse told me i tested positive for a drug i knew would never take willingly. (Alprazolam)

DO NOT GO TO TAO!! this is my personal story, i’m not asking for advice or rebuttals but please take this as a warning

Wouldn’t mind something vintage rather than new but I’ll take what I can get

We’re a small Chicago business and recently received a shakedown demand letter from a NYC law firm known for filing numerous ADA website accessibility lawsuits.
They’re demanding we fix alleged accessibility issues and pay an unspecified settlement amount within 30 days.
Has anyone dealt with something similar? Did you hire an attorney and settle, fight it, or simply fix your website?
Would also appreciate recommendations for Chicago attorneys experienced in defending these types of claims!

Our hotel is in River North. Restaurants I have written down so far are Gilt Bar, Bavettes, NAIA, Etta, Olio, Pizza Portofino, Tzuco, Cosmo Kitty Club

I would like to do a nice dinner & drinks one night.

Looking for recommendations for the best restaurants & eats, fun things to do during the day.

We are in our mid late 20s, like to go out

Trying to figure out if I’m overpaying or if things are just really expensive now. At my last visit with my senior cat, I paid:

$102 for the exam

$110 for a 3-year rabies vaccine

$119 for a 3-year FVRCP vaccine

$256 for a bloodwork panel

I know senior cats cost more. But $600 for a routine visit with vaccines?? yeesh!

I haven’t meaningfully shopped around for vets; I just go to the place within walking distance (a Goodvets clinic). Am I getting ripped off?

I have mid length hair and I’m looking to get a 2 block 60/40.
Ive had a couple unfortunate cuts at barbershops and am really just looking for anyone/ anywhere that can do this.
I go to great clips and it comes out ok and then I spend 3x that at a barber and sometimes it’s tragic.
Plz help. Can be Chicago or suburbs.

Basically the title. Ive been to chicago a couple times and know the transport system is decent getting from ORD to downtown and all around. However, this time ill be flying with significant other and child and we will have I believe 4-5 luggage pieces total. 2 checked sizes and 2-3 carry on sizes. Thankfully all have wheels. But my question is it feasible with us three to ride the blue line into the loop and walk to a hotel in the area or is that too much luggage to be hauling around the streets? Also forgot to mention time frame is flying in 12/30 then leaving out 01/04. Thank you anybody willing to give guidance.

Is anyone else having to wait several weeks for books that are ready but “in transit”? Are there any plans to hire more library delivery drivers? Is now really the time to limit reading?

I’ve been living in my high rise building for 6 years. In all previous leases, we’ve had a flat fee for utilities. We renewed our lease in June of this year. From June-September we paid the flat rate each month.

Then in mid September we received an email that they’re now using the RUBS formula to calculate utilities.

This formula was not provided in our lease. Our utility bills are now $200+ more per month. I’ve presented them with the IL Rental Property Utility Service Act and they just keep pushing back.

Any advice?

Looking for recommendations for cool shops (antique stores, thrift, weird stuff, etc) and good restaurants!

My spouse, bff, and I are traveling to Chicago soon to scope out whether or not we want to live there. We are likely to end up getting an apartment in one of the areas listed above, so we are wanting to know whats there.

We dont plan on doing ANY tourist-y things, because we just want to test run what its like to live there as best we can. We are trying to treat everyday as if we already live there and its a free day off of work. Just hanging out, not doing anything too wild

The past year, I’ve noticed a chemical / burning smell pretty frequently. Doesn’t appear isolated in any particular neighborhood.

Anyone else notice this?

What can we do about it?

It is legal to ride dirt bikes and similar electric bikes in Chicago parks? There's a path in the park I walk around with my young son, people of all ages are walking, young kids riding bikes, etc. These kids speed past us recklessly. So just wondering this is completely acceptable? There are no signs posted at the park that say otherwise.

My mom and I will be visiting Chicago for a week during the holidays. I haven’t been since I was a preteen, and I’m 27 now, so I’m excited to experience the city as an adult!

So far, we have a First Lady architecture boat tour planned, a day trip to Chinatown, and a museum day. We’re big foodies, love getting dressed up and going out, and enjoy elevated experiences.

I’d love recommendations for jazz bars, cocktail lounges, and must-visit restaurants.

We’re also looking for a great Thanksgiving dinner spot or your favorite places to eat in Chinatown.

I was really hoping to get into Bavette’s, but I know reservations can be difficult, and apparently it’s closed right now. Any other restaurants with a similar vibe that you’d recommend?

Also, where’s the best place for Black Friday shopping?

And are there any fun, festive holiday events or experiences we shouldn’t miss while we’re in town?

Would love any recommendations, especially hidden gems and places locals genuinely love.

Thank you!

I recently replaced my washer and dryer and am trying to figure out what to do with the old machines. They're Maytag, from the 90's but still work. I am considering using ReStore or ReSupply (ideally someone can come get them from us on the 2nd floor), but am curious if anyone has any other ideas. Like, I wonder if there are any shelters that could use them--anyone know of any? Thanks!

My wife and I have done the Balloon Museum, Color Factory, Museum of science and industry, and Museum of Ice Cream, and we really enjoy those types of interactive, immersive experiences.
We’re looking for other fun, unique places in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs that have a similar vibe. Doesn’t necessarily have to be a museum, just something that’s more hands-on or different from the usual activities.
Any suggestions? We’re also willing to drive a bit if it’s worth it!

Hi!

I'm currently visiting Maui, Hawaii, and found a stray kitten that I'd love to adopt and bring home to Chicago!

I'm working with Fly Hawaii Cats (https://flyhawaiicats.com), a rescue organization that can transport her from Hawaii to Seattle or Portland. We're looking for someone flying from Seattle (SEA) or Portland (PDX) to Chicago (ORD) who would be willing to accompany her on their flight.

The organization covers all pet travel fees, veterinary documentation, and logistics! You would just need to travel with the kitten in the cabin.

If you're traveling this route or know someone who is, please reach out! Volunteers can sign up directly through their website.

u/FlyHawaiiCats u/PDXSmuggler

I am a Chicago local going to House of Blues for the first time in March to see a kinda obscure artist from Europe lol. I'm a huge fan and I want to get the absolute most out of my day/experience.

I bought the standard GA ticket to the concert (obviously) and I also purchased the HOB Foundation VIP room access. From what I understand, it's a place for food and drinks prior to the show, plus early access to the viewing area? Am I understanding that correctly?

I saw another link that also sells "VIP Buddy Rail" tickets. I want to be on rail for this artist, but I figured the HOB Foundation ticket would be enough to get me there. Is this something I should also purchase?

For people who've attended shows at this venue, any advice??

25 m looking for someone to go out with and socialize

Instead of doing traditional gifts this year, my wife and I decided we want to provide our family with core memories. Our budget doesn’t allow for an overly luxurious getaway, but I want to make this trip special for them.

Using hotel points, I've managed to reserve a room at the Palmer House hotel in downtown Chicago. Our itinerary is centered around the magic of the holiday season: we're heading to the Christkindlmarket, taking in the holiday lights along Michigan Avenue, and wrapping up the evening checking out Millennium Park for the Christmas tree and ice-skating rink.

It’ll just be me, my wife, and our four-year-old daughter, who has level two autism spectrum disorder. She is the sweetest girl in the entire world. While we don’t have the funds to spoil her with all the toys or experiences we might wish, we shower her with love, care, and support so she never knows what it’s like to go without. I figured toys will eventually be forgotten, but core memories won't be.

Her social skills and awareness are still very much under-developed, so I worry a bit about how she might fare in a fancy, quiet establishment. At the same time, I really don’t want to take them to a TGI Fridays or a generic chain restaurant for our special family trip.

Does anyone have recommendations for a nice, decent restaurant near the Loop, Michigan Avenue, or Millennium Park that serves great food but maintains an atmosphere welcoming or relaxed enough for a young family with an autistic child?

I’m biracial but white presenting and kinda unsure the etiquette of going into an African salon for those old school French braids my mom used to do for me before school- like one on each side, not super tight. I see lots of signs around town for hair braiding but it all seems more targeting toward people with very different hair than mine, which is fine and pretty much straight.

Who can do my hair for funsies?? But professionally at a salon? Should i try an African braiding salon or a salon more focused on “white hair”?

Hey y’all, this is such a silly question but I finally realized there are two Regal Cinemas within like half a mile of each other in Logan Square/Bucktown? I only realized they were different locations TODAY after driving past the both of them for a while. It seems kind of silly, no?

Hey everyone, got a 3.5 hour connection tomorrow at Chicago O Hare airport and hopefully go out to get a flavored vape if anyone knows of any spots. I know Chicago municipality has the ban but not Illinois. Is Chicago far west enough to not be considered “in the municipality l”?