long island dad and son, might move to burbs! help! (Chicago: how much, home)

[mike3512]

I'm pretty sure i'd like to go to college in chicago, and my dad has expressed to me many times how much he'd miss me. i have brought up the idiea of him maybe moving with me. he said it would be great, but he's a creature of habit, and he has his business here. money is not really a problem, because things over there are way cheaper. but, here are some of my concerns...

1. My dad is an immigration lawyer, mostly dealing with spanish and caribbean clients. will he find business there? and how can he get a law license in illinois? (not sure of the hispanic population in illinois, if some1 cud tell me about that , because most of his clients are spanish)

2. are there many health clubs in the burbs, specifically a world gym? we belong to one here, and my dad goes a lot.

3. a continuation of number one, is the illinois bar exam hard?

4. does any1 think it is possible my dad could adjust to the lifestyle? he grew up in nyc, but has lived in suburban long island for almost 15 years. he is a true suburban being, with his regular routine. im afraid that his regylar routine (gym, supermarket, diners, TGI Fridays, sushi) may not be the same, as im not totally sure how different the lifestyle is.


THABKS a lots everyone!!

[rgb123]

hey there. I know its hard to make the break for college, it really is, can't be underestimated. And this has nothing to do with city data or your question -- but I think you should do what is best for you, and your dad should give you some space to grow.

A good friend of mine is from Long Island. She told me often about how most people who live there never really want to venture away, and (sorry for the generalizations, but these are her words!) many people think long island and New York as the epicenter of the universe, know very little about geography outside of the Northeast, and think you would be crazy to move from New York. She left for school in Minnestota and everyone thought she was crazy! Minnesota!? Why on earth? She said most people she knew probably could not even pick it out on the map! Really!

She went from there to California (Where I met her) and then on to Texas, she is now back in Boston and says "she feels like it is her duty now to educate east coast friends about US geography" she says it jokingly but she really means it!

You are a young person and I think the best thing you can do now is get out and see what lies beyond New York....Chicago might be a good first step as its not radically different from your home.

As for your dad....I think he would be more comfortable at home where he is settled and familiar.

If you really hate school you can always go home and go to school there! But trust me, your parents will be fine without you even if they complain at first. We tend to worry too much about our parents (I did anyway).

[outsider1]

1. No shortage of clients here. Majority are from Mexico.
2. Don't know about that specific health club, but there are as many here as on LI.
3. On par with NY.
4. He won't need to adjust. Not whole lot of difference between LI suburbs and North(check out Evanston, Skokie, Morton Grove, Wilmette, Glencoe, Highland Park, Glenview, Northbrook, Deerfield) or Northwest suburbs(Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Palatine, Schaumburg, Arlington Heigts, Barrington, Niles, Des Plaines) of Chicago.

This move is very doable and will likely be much easier on him than you think.

[aragx6]

My understanding is that the suburbs here are pretty much the same as what I've heard and seen of the east coast. There are plenty of TGI Friday's to keep him happy!!
Good luck with school!

[rgb123]

they may be similiar....but when someone has been in one place for a long time, with a job and contacts and a routine they are used to, moving can actually be pretty traumatic. If a person does not want to move, uproot their life -- they should not be convinced into it.

[aragx6]

Well my advice would be to bring dad for a visit. He might find an area he falls in love with. If he does, that's wonderful, if not, at least he'll get a better idea of what life will be like for you in Chicago.

I hardly think the OP was suggesting convincing his dad to move, sometimes a big change is just what someone needs!

[chet everett]

An interesting situation. I'm guessing dad is not totally opposed to the idea, but you also have to realize it is hard for "old dogs to learn new tricks".

First the easy stuff. Assuming that dad has had the JD for at least 5 years (and has can demonstrate that he never failed the IL Bar exam) he should be able to get admitted on "reciprocity" - https://www.ibaby.org/infapp.php?key=7 (broken link) Plenty of hispanic customers, distributed in the city and suburbs. I'd say far fewer Caribbeans, but still some. Haiti has a consulate here... Haitian Consulate

Second many people equate the lifestyle of Chicago's north and west suburbs with that of Long Island. Of course there are some variations but as far as housing , shopping, health clubs, other people his age he should fit right in. Probably fewer "World Gyms" but X-Sport is bigger here and so is Lifetime. If wants to live in the city itself (which far more affordable than trying to find similar space in Mahattan) he'd fit right in at the East Bank Club -- East Bank Club

Lifestyle is all the things you mention, but also other family and outside commitments. I can't speculate on how important it for your dad to have friends/associates that he had for years be nearby. If he goes out for sushi with the same crowd he has for 15 years they'll be a timezone away. I think even he sells a place in Old Westbury it would be expensive to fly back to visit with pals every week...

[mike3512]

Originally Posted by rgb123

they may be similiar....but when someone has been in one place for a long time, with a job and contacts and a routine they are used to, moving can actually be pretty traumatic. If a person does not want to move, uproot their life -- they should not be convinced into it.

yes this is my one HUGE concern. I really don't want his life to be uprooted, but, he always tells me that he's going to miss me A LOT. he said if it was possible, he wud come with me. his main worry is not getting his life totally uprooted, but it's more finding business in immigration law and being able to practice law in the state of illinois. as long as this can happen, i think him moving is a possibility. thanks for your feeback, i appreciate it. this is definitely something i will take into account.

[mike3512]

Originally Posted by outsider1

1. No shortage of clients here. Majority are from Mexico.
2. Don't know about that specific health club, but there are as many here as on LI.
3. On par with NY.
4. He won't need to adjust. Not whole lot of difference between LI suburbs and North(check out Evanston, Skokie, Morton Grove, Wilmette, Glencoe, Highland Park, Glenview, Northbrook, Deerfield) or Northwest suburbs(Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Palatine, Schaumburg, Arlington Heigts, Barrington, Niles, Des Plaines) of Chicago.

This move is very doable and will likely be much easier on him than you think.

thanks, this was a very clear and to-the-point response. i appreciate that you answered ALL parts of my question. Can you possibbly tell me a little more about the hispanic pop. in chicagoland? (percentage, what countries, etc.) that will help my dad. thanks.

[rgb123]

Originally Posted by mike3512

yes this is my one HUGE concern. I really don't want his life to be uprooted, but, he always tells me that he's going to miss me A LOT. he said if it was possible, he wud come with me. his main worry is not getting his life totally uprooted, but it's more finding business in immigration law and being able to practice law in the state of illinois. as long as this can happen, i think him moving is a possibility. thanks for your feeback, i appreciate it. this is definitely something i will take into account.

Good luck....by the way, aren't you the one who visited recently, and stayed in Algonquin? How did to go!?