The Big Apple vs. The Windy City: A Tale of Two Titans (and a Whole Lot of Extra Space)
Ever looked at a map of the United States and thought, "Hmm, those two giant blobs on the East and West coasts must be pretty close in size, right?" Well, buckle up, my friend, because we're about to dive into the hilarious world of geographical miscalculations and discover just how much bigger New York City (NYC) is compared to Chicago.
NYC: Where the Sidewalks Never End (Literally)
Imagine Chicago, that bustling metropolis known for deep dish pizza and architectural marvels. Now imagine... two Chicagos. Side-by-side. And guess what? That's still not quite enough space to encompass the entirety of NYC!
That's right, folks. NYC sprawls over a whopping 469 square miles, while Chicago clocks in at a respectable (but decidedly less whoppin') 234 square miles. You could practically hold a game of capture the flag across the entire length of NYC and still have room left over for a victory picnic (complete with enough hot dogs to feed a small army).
Chicago: Don't Fret, You've Got Your Charms Too
Now, before all you Chicagoans start sharpening your sporks (because, you know, deep dish), this isn't a diss on your fair city. Chicago's got its own unique brand of awesome, with a more manageable size and a lakefront that's, well, actually on a lake (unlike some unnamed city that might have a giant body of water labeled a "river").
The point is, size isn't everything. Chicago might be the little spoon to NYC's big spoon, but that doesn't mean it can't cuddle just as hard.
So, How Big is the Big Apple Really?
Here's how to think about it:
- You could fit two Chicagos inside NYC, with room leftover for a surprise visit from your in-laws (because let's face it, in NYC, everyone's your neighbor).
- The entire state of Rhode Island could comfortably nestle within NYC's borders, leaving plenty of space for them to share their amazing clam chowder with the locals.
- If you took all the buildings in Chicago and stacked them on top of each other, they might just reach the tippy-top of the Empire State Building (but that's not recommended. Safety first, people!)
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered (Probably)
How to move to NYC?
That's a question for a whole other article (and a very large bank account).
How to avoid getting lost in NYC?
Good luck. But hey, at least you'll have plenty of interesting scenery while you wander.
How to find the best pizza in NYC (or Chicago)?
This one's a matter of personal taste and a potential lifelong debate. Just remember, there's no accounting for taste (except maybe when it comes to deep-fried anything).
How to survive a Chicago winter?
Layers, my friend. Layers. And maybe a huggable parka.
How to enjoy both NYC and Chicago?
Simple! Visit both! Each city offers its own unique experiences, and there's no reason you can't appreciate them both (just maybe not at the same time. Traffic in NYC is a beast).
