Like The Simpsons and Springfield, The Boondocks derives plenty of satirical fodder from its location — a fictional suburb called Woodcrest. Also like Springfield, it's not entirely clear just where exactly Woodcrest is, in terms of state. It's a significant source of fan speculation and debate, and adherents to each of the major theories have proof to back up their opinion.
Some think Woodcrest is a suburb of Baltimore, because that's where the comic strip was set. In a March 2000 installment, Huey reveals his area code is 443, a Maryland prefix. Also, the show's entire premise mirrors that of creator Aaron McGruder's childhood experience of moving from Chicago to Columbia, Maryland. And in the episode "Pretty Boy Flizzy," there's a mention of the concert venue Woodcrest Post Pavilion, a play on Columbia's real-life Merriweather Post Pavilion.
Admittedly, it would be tough for the Freemans to live in Chicago because they fly back to the Windy City, their former home, to attend a funeral in the episode "Wingmen." Still, many Boondocks viewers believe the show is set in Chicago. In an episode about the criminal trial of notable Chicago resident R. Kelly, Riley asks Granddad if he'll take him "into the city" to watch it. Granddad tells him to walk, and Riley protests, saying, "It's 40 miles!"
