The Burning Question (Besides Deep Dish or Italian Beef): How Big is a Chicago Block, Really?
Ah, Chicago. City of wind, brutal winters, and some of the most iconic architecture this side of the Mississippi. But there's one question that's plagued tourists and residents alike for generations: just how big are those darn city blocks?
You might think this is a simple question, but fear not, intrepid explorer! The answer, like a Chicago deep dish pizza, is a bit more nuanced than a quick Google search might suggest.
The Not-So-Secret Society of Standard Block Sizes (Spoiler Alert: Chicago Isn't In It)
Now, there's a common misconception that all city blocks are created equal. In some fantastical world, perhaps, every block is a neat and tidy rectangle, measuring exactly the same. But Chicago, bless its maverick heart, decided to forge its own path.
Unveiling the Windy City's Blocky Mystery: The 660 by 330 Foot Face-Off
Here's the deal: most Chicago blocks are rectangles, rocking a respectable 660 feet by 330 feet (or, for our metric friends, 200 meters by 100 meters). This handy design means that 8 north-south blocks or 16 east-west blocks will equal a cool one mile. Easy peasy, right?
But wait! There's more!
The Loophole Clause: When Chicago Throws You a Curveball (Literally)
Like a true Chicagoan with a hidden stash of deep-fried Twinkies, the city throws us a curveball. The Loop, Chicago's bustling downtown area, has blocks that are a tad on the smaller side, clocking in at around 400 feet by 400 feet.
Now, these little guys might be easier to navigate on foot, but they also mean you might have to fold your extra slice of Giordano's in half (gasp!).
So, How Many Feet Are We Talking About? It Depends!
So, the truth is, there's no single answer to this burning question. It depends on where you're standing in the Windy City. But hey, that's part of the charm, right? A city with a little bit of mystery, a whole lotta personality, and blocks that come in all shapes and sizes, just like its legendary pizzas.
