I live in Chicago. The state has its problems and the city has its problems for sure. However, things are crime rates are definitely exaggerated by people who don’t live here. The amenities of the city in my opinion are through the roof, albeit very much limited right now due to COVID.
The one thing Chicago has that many other cities don’t is space. Chicago is surrounded by land so there’s no lack of supply. My opinion is that’s what keeps prices down.