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I'm seriously considering moving to Chicago at the end of the year (with the understanding that winter is a terrible time to move anywhere) - my lease will be up, I've sworn to quit my job come November, and I need to get the hell out of Texas. Chicago seems a good fit for needs both practical (a large city, not too expensive, with a good public transit system) and sentimental (I was born in Aurora, IL).
So, anyone here from Chicago? And willing to let me pick your brain? I have questions and a lack of contacts in the area.
So, anyone here from Chicago? And willing to let me pick your brain? I have questions and a lack of contacts in the area.
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Date: 2011-05-31 05:58 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-05-31 09:45 pm (UTC)D'you mind if I ask you a question or two?
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Date: 2011-06-01 12:25 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-06-01 02:23 pm (UTC)1) I don't drive, so access to public transit is my biggest concern. With that in mind, which neighborhoods/areas would you recommend looking for an apartment in?
2) Do you know what the job market's like right now?
3) Finally (broad question is broad), What should a newcomer know about the city?
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Date: 2011-06-02 12:49 am (UTC)2.) It depends on what you're looking for and how much experience you have. I've known people who've been looking for over a year, but they're recent grads and are looking for entry-level. If you have specialized experience, it could go much quicker. I was only unemployed about two months when I got laid off last November.
3.) It's freakin' cold in the winter. If you don't like cold weather, do not come here. Ummmm. What else? Cost of living might be a little high, depending on what part of the country you're coming from. If you have a car, parking can be a bit of a hassle, and gas prices are the highest in the nation. Other than that, it's awesome. I love it here.
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Date: 2011-06-02 12:52 am (UTC)I don't drive, either, and I have absolutely no problem getting anywhere I want to go.
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Date: 2011-06-02 03:54 am (UTC)It does sound awesome! Thank you again :D
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Date: 2011-05-31 09:39 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-05-31 09:47 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-06-01 01:48 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-06-01 01:48 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-06-01 02:25 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-06-01 06:47 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-06-01 02:26 pm (UTC)1) I don't drive, so access to public transit is my biggest concern. With that in mind, which neighborhoods/areas would you recommend looking for an apartment in?
2) Do you know what the job market's like right now?
3) Finally (broad question is broad), What should a newcomer know about the city?
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Date: 2011-06-02 03:52 am (UTC)The Red and Blue L lines run 24/7 (and thus are often more crowded), so neighborhoods along them can be convenient. Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Andersonville, Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square. I don't spend much time on the south side, so all I really know is that most cab drivers won't go all the way out to Hyde Park.
2) Man, I don't know. I think if you've got experience, you should do okay. Lately I've had recruiters calling me, and I haven't been in the job market since 2008.
3) Chicago has all the seasons, sometimes in one day. Sometimes the winters are mild, and sometimes you get the snowpocalypse. Although its Windy City nickname came from politics, it is, actually, pretty fucking windy. It's a big city with a small town feel, and I run into people I know frequently. Um. Tourists. There are many of them. We have a great music scene and tons of great food. The recycling system is pretty terrible.
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Date: 2011-06-02 09:30 pm (UTC)I think I'll stay out of the suburbs, I'm a city girl anyway. Good to know there's a way into them, though. The north neighborhoods along the Red line have been consistently recommended, seems like my best bet.
Ooh, thanks for reminding me about recruiters - I'll have to poke around and see if Chicago has any reputable creative types.
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Date: 2011-06-03 11:42 pm (UTC)