Chicago
The Chicago metropolitan area has the third largest population in the United States, estimated as 9.4 million in 2015. It also means a significant number of job opportunities. On the Fortune 500's 2016 list of top companies, 11 corporations are listed that are based inside the city of Chicago.
Walgreens Boots Alliance is the largest pharmacy and health- and lifestyle-related company in more than 25 companies in the U.S. and Europe, with more than 400,000 employees.
2. Boeing
Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, defense, space and security systems, and service provider of aftermarket support.
One of the world’s largest agricultural processors and food ingredient providers, with approximately 31,000 employees serving customers in more than 170 countries.
4. United Continental Holdings
for many, known as United Air Lines, which includes the former Continental Airlines. United operates more than 4,500 flights a day to and from 339 airports all over the world, with hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington.
5. Allstate
This is an insurance giant, says it is its mission to do good for communities and protect its customers and that that mission drives its business decisions and company culture.
The future of snacking around the world by offering the right snack, for the right moment, made the right way. Produces snacks e.g. Barnum's Animal Crackers, Cadbury Dairy Milk, Chiclets, Nabisco, Newtons and Oreos.
7. Exelon
Exelon is the biggest provider of energy in the United States and is a presence in 48 states and Washington, D.C., and also in Canada. About 34,000 people work for Exelon.
8. McDonald's
Legendary fast food company, founded in 1955. In just three years McDonald's had sold 100 million burgers. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Sears Holdings, founded in 1886, made its name as a mail-order catalog giant and was at the top of the retailer list in the U.S. until 1989. Strongly identified with Chicago.
10. US Foods
US Foods® is one of America’s great food companies and a leading foodservice distributor, partnering with approximately 250,000 restaurants and foodservice operators. With nearly 25,000 employees and more than 60 locations, they provide customers a broad and innovative food offering and a comprehensive suite of e-commerce, technology and business solutions.
Economical issues
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries Chicago was one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. The rapid development halted with the Great Depression, which led to a modern time issue - the city is losing its population. Cold weather deters some from moving or staying there, as it has for most places in the Northeast and the Midwest. Moreover, it is a high-tax-city.
Chicago today is a mature metropolitan area with an island in its center, moderate number of suburban districts, declining swath and high level racial and social inequality.