Turns out the Windy City is bringing the sunny vibes. Chicago just landed at No. 8 on our new ranking of the world’s happiest cities in 2025 , based on responses from more than 18,000 locals around the globe. The survey weighs what actually makes city life feel good day to day—think culture, nightlife, food, walkability, affordability and overall quality of life—then zeros in on happiness with statements about whether people feel joyful in their city, see that joy in others and find it growing.

This year’s global podium goes to Abu Dhabi, followed by Medellín and Cape Town. Chicago’s top-10 finish places it ahead of Seville, Melbourne and Brighton and just behind Shanghai, Mumbai and Beijing—all serious international company for a Midwestern heavyweight that too often gets reduc

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