Chicago is friendly?

Travel Info
I have been wanting to move out of the east coast. Are people in Chicago known to be friendlier than those on the east coast? Also, is it easy to make friends there if you're new to that area?

Travel Tips

I was born and raised in Chicago. I hate to agree with anyone bearing the name, "antichrist," but he gave a fairly accurate view of some of the problems. Chicago is very racially divided, but there are mixed communities like Hyde Park (on the south side) East Rogers Park, Lakeview and Edgewater (on the north.) Lincoln Park is economically divided! Affluent yuppies mostly live in that high crime community (criminals think they are easy marks!)

Chicagoans are not very friendly in general. People have a creed: Mind your own business. They are not generally outgoing or helpful as a rule.

Your best bet is to find a network of people via employment or education. That too can be difficult, because people are very cliquish.

To sum it up, if you are independent and looking for a place to live that offers a lot to do, Chicago might be the place for you. If you are looking for a "howdy do, pleased to meet you let's be friends" kind of place, Chicago is not for you. Winters are brutal too. One translation for the word Chicago is "place where strong things grow." Some say that was related to the wild and stinky onions, but I think it is a fairly accurated description of the fortitude you need to survive there too.
Others

I moved from Columbia, MO to Chicago, IL a few years back and I have to tell you, I think people in Missouri are much nicer. Maybe b/c it was a small town. But, then again, I lived in St. Louis too, and they were nicer there as well. I don't know.. I think I just like MO better. As for the east coast, I'm not sure how nice they are there, so I couldn't give you an answer. All I know is that as soon as high school is over, I'm outta IL for sure!! No offense to the others who luv IL, but that's just my opinion. Hope I helped!!
no. chicago is not friendly at all. most of the people are mean, rude and racist. mostly everybody lives in segregated communities. not to mention the politicians. they never give the people a break. they only take, take, take. chicago has the highest gas prices in the nation. at one point, all other states lowered their prices, but chicago refused. there is a high crime rate and the police don't come when you call in certain areas, especially minority areas. there are few jobs. the jobs situation is impossible.

decent people are trying to move from chicago, not to chicago. the choice is yours. good luck
I totally disagree with what ANTI-CHRIST is saying. I have lived in CA,MO (St. Louis) and I have stayed put in Chicago for the past 10 years. All big cities in US have their own charms and problems too. If you are coming from a big city on the East Coast, you will find a diffirent culture here. It is not as fast paced as New York and at the same time it is not laid back like a small town. I like the pace of life here. Plenty of activities around the lake and in downtown. The suburbs are decent places for families. Good schooling for kids. Gas prices may be higher but the drivers are courteous. I have not regretted moving here and maybe you won't either. In a nutshell i would say it is "My Kind of Town".

Good luck!!
In Chicago for over 10 years.
I have been to chicago and I think its rude selfish and full of idiot drivers. the cops are rude also.
Chicago is like any other city. Being much older city it should probably be similar to cities like NY, Boston etc. It has its own problems and advantages. The people are definitely not as friendly as in the South or the West. It is more similar to east coast you are trying to move away from.