1. Traffic
This one is the worst in Chicago, obviously, but it's bad everywhere. Long commutes, car accidents, and insane drivers all make driving not so fun. Public transportation, which is often crowded and unreliable, doesn't make life much easier.
2. Construction
Guys, what are we constructing? All the time, this state is in the midst of improvements. Yet, each winter, at least one person I know gets a flat from potholes. What gives?
3. Weather
The weather in Illinois is not so nice. Winter is cold, windy, and can sometimes result in a Snowpocalypse. Weather can change from moment to moment, where you're in a winter jacket and two hours later you're in a t-shirt. It's crazy.
4. Sports Curses
We shouldn't complain too much, as we've had some of the best teams in sports history....the Chicago Bulls of the 1990s and the 1985 Bears. Also, the Blackhawks just won and the Cubs are getting significantly better. BUT we hate how close we get without closing the deal. The Cubs this year. The year the Bears went to the NFC Title game and lost to the Packers. Derrick Rose. Sheesh.
5. Springfield
I don't care what side of the aisle you're on, we can all agree that Springfield is maddening. There's always some kind of corruption scandal or inability to get things done. They won't even pay out lotto winnings. What the heck is going on down there?!
6. Crime
The crime rates in Illinois are unbelievable. Chicago and Rockford are horrible, but other Illinois cities are dangerous as well. We are sick of it.
7. Parking
Street parking in Chicago is ridiculous. Parking prices at meters are SO ridiculous that people actually go into debt now to pay for parking! That's crazy. It's often better to not even have a car, especially if you are in the city.
8. Lack of jobs
This is one of the big reasons people cited for wanting to move out of the state. Unemployment stinks. Illinois' recovery is 2.5 years behind the nation's.
9. People who call Chicago Chi-Town.
If you don't live in Illinois or you're Kanye West, you might call Chicago Chi-Town. Try living here and hearing that. It's annoying.
What things do you hate about Illinois? And alternatively, what are some positives you can find in these negatives? Let us know in the comments.
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