Considering move to Chicago from Omaha--need help
 

I'm considering a job in Chicago (Warrenville) with the same company and I wanted to some ideas on what others have done to help make the decision to move. I'm looking for general advice, the decision "methodology" used, considerations I should include, etc. Any other thoughts on this would be helpful! Anyone else going through this or done it recently? Thanks

Having lived in Chicago (and suburbs) my whole life, there are a few things to consider. First is where do you want to live? The city, the 'burbs, the far-burbs. This of course depends upon how much money you have, and how big of a house you need. Working in Warrenville, the city might not be the best option unless you company has fairly fixed hours, and a good way to get to the train station. Is driving an option...sure, if you like to spend a good portion of your life in traffic.

Don't in any way think I'm putting a negative spin on Chicago. I love the city, and while having visited many others, haven't yet found one I'd rather live. It has the culture, the architecture, the nightlife, two big airports, it's close to "wilderness" if you need to get away, etc.

I went thru a few years back deciding if I should take a job elsewhere, and decided against it because of my situation in life. My wife and I had just gotten married, and bought a condo (which wasn't finished yet). Financially, the 50% paycut (it was in Germany, and she wouldn't be able to work) wasn't going to work.

Just think about the ties you have to Omaha (mortgage, family, wife/girlfriend, friends, comfort, etc.??) and figure out what you'll gain vs. what you'll give-up/lose.

If you need more info on Chicago, or anything else, just PM me, and I'll give you my number.

I recommend getting the Sunday editions of the Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times, give them a full read-through. Check the ads for clothes, furniture, food, read the real estate and metro sections. These will give you some idea of the cost of living here, what's going on in the city, and a sense of the culture.

I moved here from Kentucky nearly 20 years ago. Chicago is, imo, the best of the US large cities: cost of living isn't insane like LA, and it's not just-plain-insane New York. I personally can't see living in the 'burbs (just as well have stayed in Lexington), but friends say they're nice, especially if you've got kids. Taxes are lower, houses are cheaper.

I like the city, but most of it isn't car-friendly (I spent the morning in a back-alley wrenching on the 944, for instance - the garage space I rent to park in doesn't permit working on the cars there). I love my cars, but from 1987-2000 I did just fine walking, using CTA trains and yelling "Taxi!" to get around. Lots less trouble, lots cheaper.

Like Jay, I'm here if you want more info, and you might also try the regional board.

Emanuel

Yeah, Jon, don't forget about your friends in Omaha.

Seriously, though, it comes down to Chicago just being bigger than Omaha, which means more traffic, higher cost of living, etc. It also means better nightlife, culture, architecture, etc.

Tough call.

Good advice guys thanks--how's the local PCA club? local tracks easy/or difficult to get to? I haven't decided if I'll buy a house/condo or go rent somewhere. I'd kinda like to try downtown lifestyle but have no idea what rents are. I'm heading out there Thurs so I'll know more then. thanks again.

At least people in Chicago tend to have all their teeth. . .

:)

Sorry, had to. Seriously though - go visit. Some locations (particularly in the suburbs) are more. . . well. . . suburban than others. I personally think the north suburbs are kind of a "generica suburban hell" and would NEVER live there, but that's a gross generalization I know. I lived in one of the western suburbs for about two years (Westmont) and actually kind of liked it. The key is to find an area that isn't all "master planned communities" and actually has some semblance of an identity. The city certainly does, and certain suburban locations do also, but you have to look for them.

Jon, stop by www.pca-chicago.org and download the latest pdf version of Chicago Scene, the regional newsletter. Lists lots of upcoming events.

For rents, you can check out spacefinder at www.chicagoreader.com. It's northside-centric but that's where al we out-of-towners wind up anyway.

Emanuel

Jon,

If you don't mind the drive, live in the city. You can't even touch what it has to offer in the suburbs! Especially if you are single. If that is the case, don't even consider the suburbs.

However, the drive from the north side to Warrenville will be at least 1 1/2hr each way. On good days leaving work (5 min. west of Warrenville) at 3:45 is used to make it to a northside location just off of the expressway by 5:00. Leave any later and the traffic gets worse.

I am single so and would like to try the city--where should I look? I suppose i'll end up taking the train to work? correct? What does this cost approx/day? How expensive is it to life in the city for a decent place (I know its vague question)? Recommendations?

Jon,

The commute from 'the city' to warrenville could really vary, depending on where in the city you lived. Lots of young people tend to settle in the north side and then either leave for the burbs when its family time or pay the $ for a house in the city. (thats a gross generalization of course)

The train system that goes out to the burbs is the metra...

www.metrarail.com

The train system in the city is...

http://www.transitchicago.com

If you want some city 'feel' and be a little closer to work, you may want to look into Oak Park.

Good luck! Its a fun town (especially in the summer). Worst case, you can always tuck your tail between your legs and head back to omaha ;)

Most people that move to Chicago seem to end up with apartments on the North side (Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville, Lakeview...). If you're going to consider driving to the West burbs (Warrenville), don't even consider this. I know too many people that have done this and were/are miserable. Consider a city location further west (Wicker Park, Bucktown, Ukranian Village) I've lived in these neighborhoods and had to drive west every morning. They're closer to I-290 which goes directly west. The problem with the North side is that once you get off the expressway to the local streets, you're stuck sitting in traffic for another 1/2 hour just to go a mile or two. If you look in local papers at the three above mentioned neighborhoods, try to stay away from these if someone throws "West" in front of it (i.e. West Ukranian Village). They're typically not the best of neighborhoods.

If you head out here, hook up with a local Pelican. We'll help you out.

I haven't read all the posting on this thread, but...

Jon, were are in the same industry. I think I know which office you will be working in. The Warrenville area is very nice. Wheaton or Naperville are great adjacent towns. Housing would not be a problem. E-mail me if you want.

Jon,

We lived in the city for 10 years... I think it's great when you're under 28 and/or single... ...but why did we leave and move to the Naperville/Warrenville area?

If you want to have nice things (read cars) and don't make $200k plus per year, forget it. I could tell you plenty of p-car/Chicago horror stories.

There is plenty of nightlife in the Naperville area. Not like the city mind you, but you're a 30 minute train ride away from downtown too. Personally I was very much against moving out here. I was sure I'd hate it... ...never leave the city and go out to "The 'burbs" to die and all that.

However I know more p-car guys, go out more, and enjoy the place much more without worrying about some jagoff in an SUV ramming my car parked in a narrow spot with 200 witnesses that saw nothing at rush hour (true story)...

Plus I've met more p-car guys out here like Souk (good or bad has yet to be determined), Ray911s, KTL-Spider, Keith0, Ahmed, Ed, etc...

Commute from the city to Warrenville every morning (I bet I know where too!) NO WAY IN HELL.... 1.5 hours each way of bumper-to-bumper traffic....