I'm a 24-year-old military vet who's been in Chicago for 10 years. The airport connections are pretty good which matters if you travel.
I saw that rent in Ravenswood is now /mo which is expected. Home prices averaging is {home_feel}.
Nightlife is decent if you know where to go. The airport connections are pretty good which matters if you travel.
What would you do?
43 upvotes
11 Replies
Cora Mitchell
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Ravenswood from Miami about 7 years ago. Initially I loved it immediately. But after settling in, Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Ravenswood and Old Town for housing
- Get a car if you don't have one - transit is limited
- Try the farmers market on Saturday mornings
The biggest adjustment was job market. The parks system here is underrated.. Overall I'd give Chicago a 7/10 for retirees.
50 upvotes
Aiden Watson
Been here 9 years, can vouch for this.
48 upvotes
Peyton King
Bridgeport local here. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. If you need specific recommendations feel free to ask.
44 upvotes
real_emma90
Nah.
44 upvotes
Peyton P.
I'd highly recommend checking out Lincoln Park. Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.. Plus the food options around there are decent.
38 upvotes
Carson Miller
It's gotten worse recently.
33 upvotes
born_sophie77
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Hyde Park from Portland about 2 years ago. Initially I questioned my decision. But after settling in, The {industry} scene here is really picking up..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Hyde Park and Lakeview for housing
- Don't judge the whole city by downtown
- Explore beyond the popular neighborhoods
The biggest adjustment was job market. The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. Overall I'd give Chicago a 7/10 for singles.
29 upvotes
Ethan Phillips
+1
29 upvotes
Quinn King
Great question. Here's my honest take after 6 years:
The good:
- Good parks and trails
- Good healthcare options
- Safe neighborhoods
The not-so-good:
- Not very walkable
- Homelessness visible downtown
The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. I'd say for students, Chicago is excellent. Feel free to ask specifics.
27 upvotes
boston_eva
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. The city has changed a lot.
9 upvotes
Leonardo Ortiz
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Old Town vs Bucktown: completely different vibes. Old Town is more improving with trendy restaurants and coffee shops. Bucktown is affordable and better for families.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Old Town. In Bucktown you can find stuff for /mo.
Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.
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