The Great Midwestern Landmass vs. The Sprawling Texan Oasis: How Big is the Beef (Literally)?
Ah, Chicago and Houston. Two titans of American industry, culture, and...well, barbecue (though in vastly different styles). But today, we're not here to discuss deep dish versus brisket (although, deep dish for the win, obviously). We're here to settle a different kind of smoke pit showdown: landmass.
Chicago: The Not-So-Windy City (When it Comes to Square Mileage)
Coming in at a respectable 591 square kilometers (that's 228 square miles for all you fancy folks who haven't memorized the metric system), Chicago packs a punch. Think you can walk everywhere? Not quite. But those long stretches of lakeshore and the iconic architecture make every square kilometer feel full of life.
However, here's the kicker: Chicago is all about efficiency. It's a city built up, not out. Skyscrapers pierce the clouds, and public transportation lets you navigate without needing a personal land yacht (unlike a certain Texan city we'll discuss momentarily).
Houston: The Everything-Is-Bigger-In-Texas Champion (Except Maybe Manners in Rush Hour)
Hold onto your Stetsons, because Houston boasts a whopping 1,659 square kilometers (a cool 640 square miles). That's almost three Chicagos smooshed together! You could fit the entire state of Rhode Island inside Houston's borders, with room left over for a rodeo or two.
But with great sprawl comes great responsibility (mostly the responsibility to never run out of gas). Houston's vastness means a car is practically mandatory. The upside? No pesky neighbors peering into your windows – unless you live next door to a friendly oil tycoon, that is.
So, Who Wins the Landmass Lapdance?
Drumroll please...Chicago! It may be the smaller sibling, but within its confines lies a vibrant, concentrated energy that Houston, with all its sprawl, can't quite match (although, Houston definitely wins on square footage for your pet alligator to roam free...just sayin').
But hey, this isn't a competition (except for maybe who has the best tacos). Both Chicago and Houston offer unique experiences, and the size of the city is just one factor to consider. So, whether you crave a walkable metropolis or a sprawling Texan adventure, there's a city out there with your name on it (just don't forget the sunscreen in Houston, and the winter coat in Chicago).
