Didn't realize you were from IL. DuPage County huh? Ouch, I heard the property taxes are insane. Cook is bad, but I heard we have it good compared to the rest of the state. But then again we have Stroger and his 10% sales tax (12.5% on unprepared foods). Its insane.
How about those meters downtown. I can't remember the last time I went downtown. The Chicago politicians have priced it out of most people's budgets. Chicago used to be a great city, I am afraid its moving toward Detroit's level with all the wealthy people leaving and all the businesses escaping to the burbs or other states.