Chicago has quite a few advantages over other major cities.
- Very fire resistant. - We learned our lesson when over 1/3 of our city burnt to the ground. Our building codes were among the most stringent in the nation and open spaces (to act as fire breaks) were almost never shortchanged.
- A water system which has both plentiful supply and is relatively EMP resistant (by virtue of its age).
- Relatively close to large areas of farmland.
- Major and Minor military installations
- Access to the Great lakes and major river systems.
- Of the 50 most populous cities in the world in 1997 it was the least dense population wise. With the greatest amount of open space (if we are going to try improvised farming).
- Lakefront is 90% undeveloped with parks covering most of the area.
- Well equipped Police who are not timid about use of force and actually live in the city. (in LA 81% don't live in the city)
There are of course negatives.
- Cold Temperatures - While fires my not spread as far, they might be more frequent especially during that first winter.
- Well armed street gangs. - Their organization peaking during the early 90s