I live in Atlanta(hate it) and will be graduating soon. I want to move to either St. Louis or Chicago. I lived in St.Louis when i was younger and parents still live there. Ive been to Chicago once for a day and i liked it. Its hard to get a feel for the city simply by reading about it online and from my one day visit. Whats it like? The type of city it is? Is it dog friendly? Much to do? Too big too small? The people nice, rude, happy? Activites: what type of person does the city cater too?
Can anyone help me make my decision?
2006-08-19 09:46:11 · 14 answers · asked by Im just me 2 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Chicago
I lived in Chicago for three years. I live in San Diego now and like it much better.
It depends on what you like, here is what I think of Chicago:
1) Very busy, but not like NYC
2) Really cramped, everything is squished together. Narrow streets, tall buildings.
3) Great public transportation. Actually, it is fantastic.
4) No parking in most areas. Hard to have a car in the city. Garages are expensive and parking is a nightmare.
5) Fairly dog-friendly, you can go to dog parks scattered around the city.
6) There is a lot to do. A lot more art and culture than I could ever want to see. Shows, movies, opera, museums. But after a few months you get bored with it.
A LOT of bars and clubs if you are into that scene. Plenty of places to drink and the bars are open late (some even until 4 on Fri, 5 on Sat.)
Not a very "exercise-friendly" city if you are active because the parks and stuff can be crowded. The beach is crowded. Hard to jog or bike on streets. Most active people have to go to gyms.
A lot of used bookstores and coffeeshop kind of stuff.
7) The people are rude for the most part. Everyone is going somewhere in a hurry. I didn't meet very many happy people in Chicago. Tough, gritty people like New York.
8) Hard to do outdoor activities, need to drive for over an hour to do any camping or fishing. The Urban Sprawl surrounds Chicago.
I like Chicago, but I would never live there again. Too cramped and angry for me. It is a great place to spend the weekend. I would not live on the South Side because it has a very high crime rate. If you can afford it, and really want to go, live in Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville, or Wicker Park.
If you like Midwest i suggest Minneapolis or Madison Or Milawaukee. You get the "Big CIty" vibe, but a lot nicer and cheaper.
2006-08-19 10:01:45 · answer #1 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Chicago is a great city like New York, however you don't have the whole trash factor. It isn't as busy. I'm not sure why one of the people said it was so "cramped." I don't think it is cramped at all. The city has one of the best public transportation systems in the country. The lakefront is one of the most unique points of Chicago ... it is great for laying on the beach and jogging with a great scenic view all year. Being a midwest city Chicago is a much more 'green' city than New York or L.A. -- it isn't a concrete pit like NYC. The people are midwestern ... if you lived in St. Louis you probably know the Midwest attitude. The attitude is laid back and friendly. For the most part people in Chicago have this attitude, besides the gritty city people. I'd say move to Chicago if you want a hip, fun, big city yet still midwestern feel.
2006-08-20 03:30:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Why dont you try it for a year and see how you find it?I love Chicago. My 2 nieces love Chicago. It caters to the young well to do on the way up in life individual. It moves fast. It is beautiful. It is not dog friendly for a renter. Need to look for a place that will take them easier to find if the dog is a Maltese than a great Dane. I like most of the people but it takes time to get to know them. In general strangers do not talk. just nod or keep moving. I made friends at work, clubs and classes after work. It is good for making money good pay and benefits. Every kind of recreation and many places for singles to go like dances and health clubs and fancy upscale bars and restaurants
Much food to go and many places deliver. Excellent music and theater of all types in available. Ice skiing in the winter and the beaches in the summer. Free events and concerts in the Park. Great Museums..
2006-08-20 13:25:10 · answer #3 · answered by nora7142@verizon.net 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Chicago is great!
All different cultures together in one huge happy mess. It's economically vibrant but cherishes its long and rich history.
I don't know what you're used to, as far as dog-friendliness goes.
There are a million things to do: every kind of music, museums, pro sports, theatre, art, outdoor venues, ethnic and civic festivals, terrific clubs and restaurants.
I don't know what you'd call too big; it's about twice the population of Atlanta.
All kinds of people are there. Most seem friendly and happy enough. Some more so, some less. They seem to have a sense of community.
I don't quite understand what you mean by asking what type of person Chicago caters to. Live ones, I guess.
Good luck in your decision!
2006-08-19 17:26:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Before moving to Chicago, or anywhere else, you might want to make another visit and do some more exploring, especially regarding employment in your field. Whereever you live, you will need a job to support yourself. Perhaps you could try to set up interviews with companies before your graduation and combine business with checking out the city. By the way, Chicago has something for everyone.
2006-08-20 00:18:58 · answer #5 · answered by expatturk 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I would say come back to Chicago for yourself to see how it is. I've lived here all my life and I'm forty-five. Wherever you chose to go, you will have the crime(unfortunately), you'll have the elements(it does get very cold here and at times we have scorching summers. But all in all, I believe you'll get use to the big city lights and tall buildings. Good Luck in your search.
2006-08-20 09:13:15 · answer #6 · answered by chalantj 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, nice people, many things to do, and a great transportation system. Anyone can live in Chicago.
2006-08-19 21:58:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I used to live there and loved it. I like it better than NYC in many ways. Its cleaner, theres a great lakeshore if you like running, and the different neighborhoods, especially on the north side, offer great places to go out, live, eat, etc... plus, the midwest is just a fun place. If I didn't have my career here, I would move there.
2006-08-19 16:53:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
if you live in downtown, northside, beverly, hegewisch.. then you'll be fine. yes chicago has crime but every city does.
just avoid the high-crime neighborhoods & you'll be okay.
chicago is a great city to live in.
2006-08-20 19:31:27 · answer #9 · answered by jacobswilson 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you like da blues den ya got ta go to chicago baby
2006-08-20 09:58:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋