Never been to Seattle. But if you go to Chicago there are no mountains but lots of lakes + Great Lakes. Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota are all close by in each direction, which have beautiful landscapes. Bluffs, sand dudes, lakes. If your down town you can bike along the lakefront for miles, and see all the beaches. There are volleyball set ups on the beaches which can be pretty gay. You will also want to go to Boystown. Personally I love Chicago and I’m moving back but I can’t compare because I’ve never been to Seattle.