Social media is buzzing with the controversial question: What are the four major cities in the U.S.?
While most online users agree that Los Angeles and New York clearly steal the top two slots, the internet remains divided on the last two rankings.
Naturally, Illinois and Chicago natives have risen to defend the Windy City’s rightful place on the list, with its deep culture of food, music, entertainment and more.
Here’s what the internet has to say.
Social media users defend Chicago’s place as a ‘major city’
One TikTok user with the handle @bichael.discotango insisted that Chicago is an obvious choice for the ranking, saying, “Are we serious, guys? You guys are actually sitting here and leaving Chicago off these lists.”
In a now viral video with nearly 50,000 likes, the user outlined Chicago’s large population, beauty and geographically central position between LA and New York.
In another TikTok video with nearly 50,000 likes, content creator Eli Rallo similarly argued that the top three slots are already locked in, with New York, LA and Chicago.
“If you went anywhere in the world, and said, ‘What are three cities in the U.S?’: New York, Los Angeles and Chicago,” Rallo said.
She then said any fourth city below the top three would be in a completely different league, between San Francisco, D.C., Houston, Boston, Atlanta and Miami.
In an Instagram video with more than 2,000 likes, user kevin.p.white outlined Chicago’s food scene, walkable lifestyle, lakes, beaches and beautiful architecture.
“The average individual in America has no idea what Chicago actually looks like,” he argued, before calling out the negative misconceptions about the city. “All they know about Chicago is the crime. And at this point, you’re absolutely right – city filled with crime.”
At this point the user laughed and shook his head, referencing the peaceful streets around him.
“Chicago is the only city that is this big in the United States for regular people to thrive in,” he concluded.
What makes a ‘major’ city?
Many online users are divided on the criteria that makes a place a “major city,” with some arguing about the importance of population size and others insisting about cultural relevance.
When it comes to population, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston are the top four largest cities in the country, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. However, many have emphasized the importance of factors other than size.
Instagram user @adivunsolicited said, “Population is not the sole thing that matters when you’re talking about what a major city is. Cultural influence, economic influence, relevancy, transportation and how that city is a larger estuary for the area matters.”
One cultural impact to note, at least to some, is where to develop a career.
“Everyone goes to New York City or LA to follow their dreams, or industry there, there are just lots of opportunities,” user @reagans_ratings said in a TikTok.
International recognition has also played a factor in some rankings.
“As a Brit I’d always say New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Chicago. They’re the most populous and noteworthy for us across the pond,” one commenter said.
Vote for what you think the four major US cities are
Show your support for Chicago by voting for the top four major cities in USA TODAY’s survey below. This survey includes the 50 most populated cities in the U.S., according to the Census Bureau.
Melina Khan contributed to this article.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: What are the four ‘major’ US cities? Vote for Chicago here
