Chicago's identity crisis: Who's leaving and who's staying
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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.
- Rent for the average Chicago one-bedroom costs $1,954, a 3.7% increase over last year, according to Apartments.com.
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.