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Luke S.
housing
Rent just went up again in Chicago
Unemployment at 5.3% is {unemp_feel}. Cost of living is way cheaper compared to where I came from. Thanks in advance for any insight.
31 upvotes
10 Replies
Melanie Brooks
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Chicago.
Background: 36, young professional, moved from Houston 2 years ago for family. Currently in Ravenswood.
**Housing:**
The market is solid right now. We went with Ravenswood because great school district. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Uptown - it's affordable and the value is better.
**Work:**
nonprofit jobs are growing here. I was worried coming from Houston but the market is better than expected. Salary-wise, expect decent if you negotiate.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 2 months were tough. Then I found my people through my gym. Now I have a solid group. Chicago people are genuine once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: about average
- Traffic: manageable if you avoid rush hour
- Dining out: better than you'd expect
- Entertainment: could be better
**Would I move here again?**
Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.. For remote workers, I'd give it a 9/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
Background: 36, young professional, moved from Houston 2 years ago for family. Currently in Ravenswood.
**Housing:**
The market is solid right now. We went with Ravenswood because great school district. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Uptown - it's affordable and the value is better.
**Work:**
nonprofit jobs are growing here. I was worried coming from Houston but the market is better than expected. Salary-wise, expect decent if you negotiate.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 2 months were tough. Then I found my people through my gym. Now I have a solid group. Chicago people are genuine once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: about average
- Traffic: manageable if you avoid rush hour
- Dining out: better than you'd expect
- Entertainment: could be better
**Would I move here again?**
Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.. For remote workers, I'd give it a 9/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
40 upvotes
Nevaeh
Couldn't have said it better.
38 upvotes
Greyson T.
Worked in real estate here for 2 years. The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.. The market is underrated right now if you're in that field.
36 upvotes
Eva Jones
Interesting take.
28 upvotes
James O.
Great question. Here's my honest take after 1 years:
The good:
- Active community events
- Easy to meet people
- Strong local businesses
The not-so-good:
- Nightlife is lacking
- Limited diversity in some areas
The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. I'd say for young professionals, Chicago is pretty good.
The good:
- Active community events
- Easy to meet people
- Strong local businesses
The not-so-good:
- Nightlife is lacking
- Limited diversity in some areas
The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. I'd say for young professionals, Chicago is pretty good.
28 upvotes
Aaliyah B.
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Andersonville from St. Louis about 11 years ago. Initially it felt a bit lonely. But after settling in, Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Andersonville and Hyde Park for housing
- Download the local transit app even if you drive
- Check out the local brewery scene
The biggest adjustment was dating scene. I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. Overall I'd give Chicago a 9/10 for students.
I moved to Andersonville from St. Louis about 11 years ago. Initially it felt a bit lonely. But after settling in, Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Andersonville and Hyde Park for housing
- Download the local transit app even if you drive
- Check out the local brewery scene
The biggest adjustment was dating scene. I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. Overall I'd give Chicago a 9/10 for students.
19 upvotes
Kinsley Diaz
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Andersonville vs Hyde Park: completely different vibes. Andersonville is more decent with families and quiet streets. Hyde Park is lively and better for singles.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Andersonville. In Hyde Park you can find stuff for /mo.
The parks system here is underrated.. The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.
Andersonville vs Hyde Park: completely different vibes. Andersonville is more decent with families and quiet streets. Hyde Park is lively and better for singles.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Andersonville. In Hyde Park you can find stuff for /mo.
The parks system here is underrated.. The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.
16 upvotes
Rylee Gomez
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a college grad in Wicker Park. Been here since 2021. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night..
Neighborhood-wise, Wicker Park has really shifted in the past few years. Uptown is the up-and-coming spot right now. Andersonville is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for finance: underrated. For engineering: quiet.
Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.
Good luck!
I'm a college grad in Wicker Park. Been here since 2021. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night..
Neighborhood-wise, Wicker Park has really shifted in the past few years. Uptown is the up-and-coming spot right now. Andersonville is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for finance: underrated. For engineering: quiet.
Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.
Good luck!
11 upvotes
Ruth S.
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Logan Square vs Edgewater: completely different vibes. Logan Square is more improving with trendy restaurants and coffee shops. Edgewater is pricey and better for couples.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Logan Square. In Edgewater you can find stuff for /mo.
The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.
Logan Square vs Edgewater: completely different vibes. Logan Square is more improving with trendy restaurants and coffee shops. Edgewater is pricey and better for couples.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Logan Square. In Edgewater you can find stuff for /mo.
The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.
5 upvotes
Matthew J.
It's gotten better recently.
2 upvotes