Whereabouts? My dad grew up in Arlington Heights (but we're talking the 50's and 60's, he describes his neighborhood as having been Rough/poor)...my mom grew up outside of Crystal Lake (now considered posh, but just beginning to be that in her day). I grew up in WI.
Have no desire to ever visit New York, but have enjoyed a few visits to Chicago, just for a weekend of walking around, I liked the vibe - but then again, I only visited the nice parts.
Currently in Phoenix, where it's no humidity and approximately 70 degrees for seven
consecutive months out of the year--an overall scenario that beats any place I have lived (WI, MO, KS, CA, OK) by a long shot.........Except it doesn't beat San Diego, but that's just not fair