Oh where do I begin.... 1) we don't need a car because we can walk, bike, or take the bus/train anywhere we need to go. So we don't deal with traffic. 2) speaking of walking, within a FIVE minute walk of our apartment we can get tacos/burritos, Mexican seafood, Italian, sushi, BBQ, burgers, ramen, cajun etc. And it's all really good. We can take a bus or train and get world class food in other neighborhoods. 3) Live theater is everywhere. We have two places within five minute walk of our apartment. 4) I'd wager I have one of the more beautiful commutes in the country - and I don't use lake Shore Drive which might be the most beautiful commute in country. 5) world class improv every night of the week. People I used to watch in tiny 50 person theaters are now on TV shows and commercials 6) I haven't had a connecting flight since I moved here. 7) Incredible museums 8) easy access to Chicago sports radio after the Bears lose