Chicago, Illinois is home to the white sox, the tallest building in the US (Sears Tower) and probably the most green, eco-conscious citizenry in the world. Oh, and it also happens to be the largest city in the Midwest with approximately 3 million people. This puts it in 3rd place behind LA and New York. The larger Chicago metro area has a population of over 9.5 million people and spans parts of Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana. The city was founded on the banks of Lake Michigan in 1833 at the site of a confluence between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. Because of its excellent waterway access, it rapidly became a transportation hub serving the Midwest states. Then in 1893 a pivotal world's fair put Chicago on the proverbial world map and it has ever since been considered a preeminent cosmopolitan city. Whether it's taking in the Calder sculptures downtown, the world-class architecture (ever see the corn cobb high-rises?) or riding the L to the outer suburbs this city has it all. Now if it just didn't snow everything would be perfect. Popular neighborhoods include: Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Square, Uptown, Armour Square, Back of the Yards, Bridgeport, Little Village, Pullman, Jackson Park Highlands, Hyde Park, Mount Greenwood, Morgan Park, Beverly, Austin, Lawndale, Garfield Park, West Town, and Humboldt Park.