Wind is more than background weather chatter. It shapes daily life, affects comfort levels outdoors, and influences where people choose to live. Chicago’s nickname, the “Windy City,” has fostered the idea that it’s the windiest major metro in the U.S. However, measured wind patterns tell a different story.
Redfin’s ranking of the 10 windiest U.S. cities focuses on places with at least 100,000 residents and consistent wind, rather than isolated gusts from storms. This way, the list highlights cities where wind defines daily conditions and climate more reliably.
This list also flips expectations: Chicago doesn’t make the cut among the top 10. Despite the urban lore behind its nickname, measured wind speeds there are simply not high enough to crack Redfin’s ranking…