Know of Any 'Suburbs in Name Only'?

No cities are entirely urban, or even similar from one neighborhood to the next. The Corner Side Yard has some fun thinking about which Chicago neighborhoods we "Chicago in Name Only" and which of its suburbs are "Suburbs in Name Only."

1 minute read

February 6, 2017, 10:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Evanston, Illinois

Radoslaw Lecyk / Shutterstock

Pete Saunders opens a discussion about how sometimes neighborhoods in cities feel and act more suburban than the suburbs located outside the city.

The discussion began with an earlier article about the neighborhood of Mount Greenwood, located in the city of Chicago. Mount Greenwood is defined by physical characteristics that create a different kind of city neighborhood, according to Saunders, which limits the investment potential of the neighborhood and leaves the neighborhood relatively unaffected by the winds of market change.

Where the discussion branches off, is in a response to the article from a reader named John Carlisle. In a message shared by Saunders, Carlisle posits the idea of "CHI-NOs" (Chicago in Name Only) and "SINOs" (Suburb in Name Only). Carlisle has ideas about which neighborhoods in Chicago fit each description, and lists them accordingly.

While Saunders admits there isn't any serious scientific analysis involved in creating the CHI-NO or SINO taxonomy, they do effectively "point out that the city-suburb chasm in terms of lifestyle is a lot more fluid than many would like to believe."

Friday, January 27, 2017 in The Corner Side Yard

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog