I never would have imagined that I would like IL but Chicago trully is a nice city. And with Lake Michigan across the street you cant go wrong.
I grew up in Ontario (yeah I'm one of them) so I found the climate, flora and fauna VERY familiar to what I grew up with. I really liked it when I visited last. I haven't been to Chicago yet, but I think I will swing by on my next trip.
I'm Canadian, and ignorant, so you'll need to fill me in on what the "Bay Area" is like unless you can drawa comparison to a Canadian location ;-)
In Canada the "Bay Area" would be like an area by a bay. I'm guessing I'm not Canadian so I only know a little about your world. Michael J Fox and and Pamela Anderson.
Well I live on an Island on the west coast.. ironically, about 40 minutes from where Pam Anderson was born/raised!