Southerner moving to Chicago Suburbs. Muse with me on South/MidWest differences

[chicagomom2]

Grew up in New York City ( Manhattan), then lived in Coral Gables, FL for high school. Moved to Marietta, Georgia, and was there for nearly 20 years. Now in Wilmette for the past 9 years.

My perspective: ( mostly comparing Marietta to Chicagoland. New York City stands alone)
It is much more segregated in the Chicago suburbs, than it was in Georgia or NYC.
Climate differences go without saying.
Many villages in the Chicago area do have great walkable areas, and downtown areas, which to me is a real plus.
Greater funding of the public schools, thus better schools. But higher taxes, of course. Sales and property taxes are much higher.

Seemingly"Cliquish" attitudes caused by the simple fact that many, many of your neighbors are from here. Not only are they from here, but their parents are also from here! Often their grandparents, too. And, when people do leave here ( say for college or work)....they often return....( which means they like it here!)
so many people have long-term memories of this place, so it can be hard to feel at home, as a newcomer.
I imagine that in areas like Naperville, this might be less true ( many corporate transfers)also many newcomers in Chicago.
In Marietta, I had only two friends who were natives. Everyone else was from everywhere. There was a huge Newcomers group, with multiple subgroups. No such animal here....
I also think Deerfield would be your best bet.
Lots of good things about being here, and I know you will find lots to like.

[pvande55]

Another thing that may come as a shock is how many trains you can actually ride. I know Atlanta has Marta, but our trains go out up to 60 miles from the core. And many commute each day from the end.

[NcerfromNY]

I'm from NY - and lived in Raleigh (Wake Forest) for the last 7 years. The first bit of culture shock you'll experience - is that it's Ms [last name] and not Ms. [first name] that was a little abrupt, frankly, when the admin just about smacked my wrists with a ruler and said, No, it's not ms. [first name] it's ms. [last name] uh, ok, I'm an adult, and she was introduced to ME that way!

To me, I think people are much friendlier here. They'll give you a chance regardless of who you are. You will get the chance to either be friendly back or standoffish. My personality is pretty strong and in the south until people got to know me well, they weren't sure what to make of me. Here, I think people will read you and let you be yourself. The southern pleasantries are nice, but I'm happy some of them are in my rear-view.

Now to get sweet bay laurel and gardenia to grow and bloom here! I hate that I left my peach tree in full bloom and my rosemary hedge.

[sunnyandcloudydays]

Actually the name Heights came in when people settled the area it referred to an area that was not prone to flood- so i have been told.