6 days ago
Chicago's identity crisis: Who's leaving and who's staying
A new global report suggests Chicago is in the midst of an identity crisis.
The big picture: When asked what they love about the city, people's answers were split by how long they've lived here, according to City Pulse 2025: The Magnetic City from Gensler Research Institute, an arm of the design firm that has built several projects in Chicago.
Some say they would grow old here while others were making moving truck reservations.
Methodology: Gensler surveyed 33,000 anonymous urban residents in 65 global cities in 2024, including over 500 people in Chicago.
By the numbers: Residents who have been here fewer than 10 years show a 13% likelihood of leaving compared with those living in other major cities.
They are 16% more likely to leave than someone who's been here for more than a decade.
Older adults surveyed were more concerned about the city's future.
Zoom out: Chicagoans were above the national average in saying their city is a strong place to socialize and find connections. They also said walkability was a huge positive, higher than in most cities.
The biggest factors in staying in a city are cost of living, level of crime, healthcare costs, job opportunities and taxes.
Respondents said the city is a good place to grow old, showing confidence in affordability, aging and safety.
Yes, but: Some were concerned that the city's reputation and identity is getting worse.
Zoom in: The report comes days after U.S. News & World Report ranked Illinois toward the bottom of its latest best states ranking.
Also, the newly passed state budget calls for more taxes, while Cook County residents are seeing increases to their property taxes and utility bills.
The other side: Chicago has been named "Best Big City in the U.S." by Condé Nast Traveler for eight straight years.
And our cost of living and tax burdens are less than in Los Angeles and New York City and other global cities.
What they're saying: Gensler Chicago's Brian Vitale sees the results as a chance to keep Chicagoans interested in the city. "Chicagoans clearly feel the magic of their city, and that's something to build on," Vitale tells Axios.
"We can turn these strengths into lasting experiences by continuing to create neighborhoods that are dynamic, inclusive and welcoming at every stage of life."
Tell us Chicagoans: Should you stay or should you go? We'll publish results later in the week.
