Alright, need some real talk here. I travel for work but Chicago is home base. Unemployment at 5.3% is {unemp_feel}. The food scene in Pilsen is honestly incredible. Roast me or validate me, I can take it.
109 upvotes
10 Replies
Joseph C.
I've been in Old Town for 12 years and The parks system here is underrated.. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.
42 upvotes
Jayden Phillips
Noted.
36 upvotes
Sophia Gutierrez
Weekend warrior here - Chicago is excellent for climbing. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.
33 upvotes
Liam D.
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Chicago.
Background: 54, single guy, moved from Salt Lake City 2 years ago for a fresh start. Currently in Bucktown.
**Housing:**
The market is underrated right now. We went with Bucktown because great school district. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Rogers Park - it's up-and-coming and the value is better.
**Work:**
hospitality jobs are growing here. I was worried coming from Salt Lake City but the market is better than expected. Salary-wise, expect competitive for the cost of living.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 2 months were tough. Then I found my people through a dog park crew. Now I have a solid group. Chicago people are warm once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: reasonable
- Traffic: manageable if you avoid rush hour
- Dining out: amazing variety
- Entertainment: you make your own fun here
**Would I move here again?**
The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. For couples, I'd give it a 8/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
25 upvotes
Logan H.
We pay /mo in Lakeview for a 1-bed and I could find cheaper but love the neighborhood. The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.
20 upvotes
Nicholas W.
Saving this thread.
17 upvotes
Eleanor Cox
Seconding this.
13 upvotes
Noah James
Homeowner in Rogers Park since 2016. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. Property values have been flat which is great for equity.
11 upvotes
Ruby Wood
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Logan Square from Indianapolis about 2 years ago. Initially I missed home a lot. But after settling in, The {industry} scene here is really picking up..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Logan Square and Pilsen for housing
- Join local Facebook/Reddit groups for your neighborhood
- Don't judge the whole city by downtown
The biggest adjustment was traffic. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. Overall I'd give Chicago a 7/10 for couples.
5 upvotes
Samuel Hall
Food industry person here. The restaurant scene in Chicago is decent. The suburbs vs city debate here is real..
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