Living in Chicago
I moved here 6 years ago and bought a condo four years ago. I live in Oak Park, right across the street from Chicago proper. The weather here sucks 4 to 6 months out of the year, the public transportation that people rave about is dirty, old, and the majority of people who ride the train are not professionals. It’s expensive and property values just tanked. Racial integration here is a joke compared to Los Angeles (where I lived for 17 years before moving…I’m white). I grew up in WI and thought I wanted to be closer to my family. I need to move. Just an fyi to those considering a move to Chicago. The people are nice though.
Sent by Shirley from Chicago
October 7th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
So why do you stay? You sound miserable! There has to be more than just nice people keeping you in Chicago.
October 13th, 2008 at 10:30 am
I have been living in Chicago for the last 4 years as a journalism student. I am from Orange County/LA, and to say that racial integration there is above par with Chicago, that’s the real joke. I’m Filipino, look Mexican and my name is Hernandez; it’s far easier for me here than LA, where people assume I speak Spanish and immediately raise their speaking voice a decible or two to account for the presumed language barrier.
Try venturing out to Bucktown/Wicker Park, Pilsen, or Lincoln Square… Real city neighborhoods, as opposed to your suburb. Chicago is a world class city with world class problems… Sure, the CTA isn’t the greatest, but it’s better than LA’s one track Metra, or the buses that take an hour to turn a corner. We’ve got museums, a wonderful park program and more than enough culture.
“What’s the difference between yogurt and Los Angeles? Yogurt has a live and active culture.” If you don’t like it, leave.
November 6th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Born in illinois, lived abroad in 7 different countries, worked in 15 more, speak 4 langiages, etc.
I love Chicago - a true world class city.
I love the CTA despite its problems and I am a finance professional.
I am not completely white, and I find it easy to integrate there.
Hyde Park is another great neighborhood, besides the others previously mentioned. Heck, I even like Streeterville, South Loop, and parts of the Gold Coast/Near North Side.
Life is too short. Trust your intuition. If it says to leave Chicago - then by all means do it. Geographical happiness is more important than money. Find your urban niche first, rent for a while, and then settle down. Don’t buy unless you can make a relatively long-term commitment.
It took me a alot of time, but I found my city finally, and it was not Chicago, although Chicago made the short list.