Recently a colleague from West Virginia visited Chicago for the first time. His first impression of our fair city? "Chicago smells like all kinds of food cooking at once!" It may have been because we were touring the Southside of town – just about lunchtime.

My visitor from West Virginia will probably always identify Chicago with the various smells he experienced. Nevertheless, he did in fact make a telling statement. Because, Chicago is a city of many smells, tastes and visuals. You could say it is like a big colorful fiesta salad; sweet, bitter, smooth, salty and tart all at the same time! These are our diverse communities and that is what makes up Chicago.

Anyone who has the opportunity to learn the different parts of the city easily recognizes its differences. If you were raised here, relocated to another part of the country, and then returned, you too may have become aware how much the city is divided into different communities – like no other city in the country. Chicago has 77 communities that vary not only by name but personality. In fact, Chicago's residents are often judged based on the community in which they live.

One thing is for sure – no matter what – Chicagoans become attached to their own little community within the city. In some cases, it is like entering a totally different town. For example, I have a friend who is originally from New York. He lives on an obscure block in the Kenwood community. He likes that community because the houses on the block remind him of the New York brownstones that he grew up. In fact, this block actually looks like a scene from "Sesame Street."

Chicagoans usually have strong opinions about the neighborhood they live in. If someone asked you about your community, what would you say? University of Illinois Extension has a program called Community Swap. By participating in this, program communities have the opportunity to evaluate the positives, negatives and potentials of their own community. Here are some questions that you can ask to evaluate your community and its own uniqueness.

First Impressions

• How does your community look when you enter? Is there a lot of traffic; how does it compare to other communities?
• Are there people standing around? Are women busily walking down the street with baby and stroller?
• Do you feel comfortable living in your community? Is safety an issue?

Demographics

• Is your community considered a high, medium or low-income area?
• What is the career status of its residents? Are most people professionals, are there many stay-at-home mothers?
• How many residents have completed college or formal training?
• What is the cultural make-up of the community racially, politically; is there a strong religious preference?
• How do you fit in? Do you match the norm; do you feel comfortable or restricted based on your cultural or other preferences?

Housing Quality

• What type of housing style is prevalent? Do you have many bungalows or ranch style homes? What are the ages of the houses; are old mixed with new? Are there many apartment buildings?
• Are the homes on traditional sized city lots? Are there many vacant lots?
• Are lawns finely manicured, rustic looking? Are some homes well kept and others not?

Youth and Schools

• Are the neighborhood schools a social, educational and cultural hub for the children?
• Do you feel that the neighborhood is threatening because young people are involved with drugs and gangs?
• Have you ever had the opportunity to visit a school for an evening program?

Businesses

• Is there a central business district? What is the condition of the buildings, streets, sidewalks and parking?
• Is there trash or other debris on the streets and in front of businesses?
• Do you frequently shop in your community? Are there businesses and services lacking?
• Who are the restaurants? Which restaurant is your favorite? Which would you recommend to visitors?

Recreation

• What do people do for recreation? Do you and neighbors visit on front porches; cookout in the backyard?
• Do your neighbors walk for exercise or go to the local health club?
• Do you see children playing organized sports like baseball and football; do they gather around local parks or play basketball at a popular spot?
• Do you attend local activities such as summer fairs?

Marketing

• Are brochures, maps and other materials available that describe your community?
• What are the positive qualities about your community or block that many people outside of your community do not know about?
• Would you consider your community a suitable location for a young family, a senior citizen or young single person? Why or why not?
• What would you like to see happen in your community?

Sense of Community

Your personal history with your community may not consider bricks and mortar or business development. Many of us stay in a community because it is our home. We know it inside and out; our families and friends are still there. We may stay long enough to see our community deteriorate and then revitalize because many communities go through a transformation over time. Each community continues to respond to the current needs and trends but still manage to retain a strong sense of pride.

Community Swap: Finding a Fresh Perspective

University of Illinois Extension has a program called "Community Swap: Finding a fresh Perspective on Your Community." This program is an excellent tool for practitioners a chance to hear an objective assessment of their community's strengths and challenges. By collaborating with other communities, this program allows both communities to exchange perspectives. For more details about this program go to www.communitydevelopment.uiuc.edu/swap or contact the University of Illinois Extension office in your area.