Possibly moving from Sweden to the Chicago area. (Orland Park, Orland Hills: apartments, for rent)

[EmilN]

Hi!
I've been offered a job in University Park, and so I'm currently looking for a nice neighborhood to live in. Having lived my entire life in Sweden I don't know much about the Chicago area nor the US in general, but from what I can tell from other threads here, there are certain suburbs that you'd definitely want to avoid.

I would try getting a car as soon as possible after moving (my employer, who is also a good friend, has offered to help me find a car so I can get around), so living reasonably far from University Park wouldn't be a problem (and preferable from what I've heard!).

I'd like to avoid bad neighborhoods as much as possible. And as close to the Chicago city as possible.

Is there any neighborhood that would fulfill these requirements or am I asking too much?

Thank you very much in advance.

[chet everett]

As far as south suburbs with a majority of racial minorities go, University Park is one of the nicer one. http://www.city-data.com/city/Univer...-Illinois.html
Village of University Park - About Us

I actually worked with a guy that was active in local politics down that way and it seems like they try hard to keep the town nice.

You should know that this a suburban area that is a longish 30 mile drive SW of Chicago, and although there is some public transportation it is highly unlikely to work well for all employment situations. If you are not used to driving in the US you should verify the arrangements as this is kind of a far off place for the traditional areas that would attract expats to Chicago, but there is a link to the local GSU and the much more cosmopolitan University of Chicago so that may be a channel to mine for ideas of where to live.

from: S State St & E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, Cook, Illinois 60604 to: University Park, IL - Google Maps

http://slategroup.uchicago.edu/slatemembers.html

[knat_2]

I actually have thought about doing the reversal here, moving from the US to sweden. I would be interested to hear your thoughts about the transition when you make it.

Any special reason your moving to Chicago for a job? Is Sweden pretty hard up for a job?

Is Sweden citizenship hard to obtain?

Nate

[EmilN]

Originally Posted by chet everett

As far as south suburbs with a majority of racial minorities go, University Park is one of the nicer one. http://www.city-data.com/city/Univer...-Illinois.html
Village of University Park - About Us

I actually worked with a guy that was active in local politics down that way and it seems like they try hard to keep the town nice.

You should know that this a suburban area that is a longish 30 mile drive SW of Chicago, and although there is some public transportation it is highly unlikely to work well for all employment situations. If you are not used to driving in the US you should verify the arrangements as this is kind of a far off place for the traditional areas that would attract expats to Chicago, but there is a link to the local GSU and the much more cosmopolitan University of Chicago so that may be a channel to mine for ideas of where to live.

from: S State St & E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, Cook, Illinois 60604 to: University Park, IL - Google Maps

SLATE Community

Thanks for your reply! So University Park isn't all that bad, thats good to hear.
I have also been looking at Orland Park lately...some 30 minute drive to University Park, and 42 minute drive to chicago downtown, not too bad.
I should have phrased my first post slightly different...it would be more of a bonus the closer I'd end up to downtown, but its not really a requirement.

Originally Posted by ChiLubeck

Don't do it. Stay home ans help save your own country from multi-cult garbage, the US is too far gone. Please, I beg you, support Jimmie Akesson. Please.

Well....You and me seem to have different views on that so that suggestion is out, unfortunately.
Besides, I wouldn't in my wildest dreams support someone as Jimmie Åkesson.

Originally Posted by knat_2

I actually have thought about doing the reversal here, moving from the US to sweden. I would be interested to hear your thoughts about the transition when you make it.

Any special reason your moving to Chicago for a job? Is Sweden pretty hard up for a job?

Is Sweden citizenship hard to obtain?

Nate

Hey Nate!
The reason I'm moving is because I've been promised a job. I'm in college right now, but I'll graduate in 9 months. I'm sure there are plenty of work here in Sweden too, but I just cant turn down an opportunity to work abroad... it would be like a dream come true!

Other than that, Sweden ain't too bad when it comes to work. Not worse than anywhere else I suppose. Sure we've had some industries and companies laying off workers now with the economic problems and all, but if you've got an education I don't think you'll have many problems finding something.

What kind of work would you be looking for? And when would you move?

About the Swedish citizenship, good question! I really have no idea... I would read here.

If you've got any other questions I'd be happy to help you out.

[knat_2]

Originally Posted by EmilN

Thanks for your reply! So University Park isn't all that bad, thats good to hear.
I have also been looking at Orland Park lately...some 30 minute drive to University Park, and 42 minute drive to chicago downtown, not too bad.
I should have phrased my first post slightly different...it would be more of a bonus the closer I'd end up to downtown, but its not really a requirement.

Actually I live in Orland Hills (the neighbor of Orland Park with half the taxes but twice the water bill). I looked around a lot of places and really liked Orland Hills... its cheap, close to everything and still has a neat community feel. Yet its a quick train ride downtown if I want to go downtown.

The biggest problem with this area (Orland/Tinley) is there really isn't much in the way of apartments. You would have more rent renting a house then an apartment.

Originally Posted by EmilN

Hey Nate!
The reason I'm moving is because I've been promised a job. I'm in college right now, but I'll graduate in 9 months. I'm sure there are plenty of work here in Sweden too, but I just cant turn down an opportunity to work abroad... it would be like a dream come true!

Other than that, Sweden ain't too bad when it comes to work. Not worse than anywhere else I suppose. Sure we've had some industries and companies laying off workers now with the economic problems and all, but if you've got an education I don't think you'll have many problems finding something.

What kind of work would you be looking for? And when would you move?

About the Swedish citizenship, good question! I really have no idea... I would read here.

If you've got any other questions I'd be happy to help you out.

Hmmm... interesting. I may look more into that? Have you ever been to this area? Any thoughts as to how Sweden is different then America? I am well educated (Doctorate) in the computer engineering field. And my wife is a Vet Technician and a Teacher. What is your degree in?

Is the tech job market good? What does an average house or apartment cost there?

Nate

[EmilN]

Originally Posted by knat_2

Actually I live in Orland Hills (the neighbor of Orland Park with half the taxes but twice the water bill). I looked around a lot of places and really liked Orland Hills... its cheap, close to everything and still has a neat community feel. Yet its a quick train ride downtown if I want to go downtown.

The biggest problem with this area (Orland/Tinley) is there really isn't much in the way of apartments. You would have more rent renting a house then an apartment.



Hmmm... interesting. I may look more into that? Have you ever been to this area? Any thoughts as to how Sweden is different then America? I am well educated (Doctorate) in the computer engineering field. And my wife is a Vet Technician and a Teacher. What is your degree in?

Is the tech job market good? What does an average house or apartment cost there?

Nate

Thanks for the info! I'll look into Orland Hills, it sounds good!
Too bad about the apartments though... renting a house sounds fun, but I take it that its also alot more expensive.
I've never been to the US so it'll be a new experience for me. About the differences between Sweden and America, I wouldn't know for sure since I've never been to the US. I'm not sure if you're looking for any specific differences but I'll give you a few!
1. There are likely higher taxes in Sweden than in the US. However we do get free healthcare, free university/college education, among other things.
2. We have a "Freedom to roam" law, that is pretty nice, if you like to spend time in the nature.
3. Now I'm not sure about this one, but I think you'll find that Sweden isn't a very religious country as compared to the US.
4. There are very little guns in Sweden, as it is not allowed to own a gun other than hunting rifles, and you'll need a license for that.
5. I believe swedes are less...social. I cant generalize all swedes but this is the feeling I get when I compare swedes to other people.

Dang, I thought I could make a huge list but I'm all out of ideas!

About the average cost for an apartment or house, thats another good question. I am currently living in my first own apartment and its painfully expensive, but then again it is a student apartment situated just next to the college so I guess they can be really expensive and still attract students
It also depends on where you'd want to live, should you choose to live in a small town on the countryside you'll get away much cheaper than if you want to live in any of the bigger cities. The bigger cities have also had a real shortage of apartments lately...I'm not sure on the current situation though.
Any specific city or location you've been looking at?

I dont think you'll have problems getting a tech job actually. My degree is a bachelors degree, computer science with a major in informatics, and I'm pretty sure (or rather, positive) that I can find a job here in Sweden, so I think you can too! The same goes for your wife, I don't think that would be a problem either!

[knat_2]

Originally Posted by EmilN

Thanks for the info! I'll look into Orland Hills, it sounds good!
Too bad about the apartments though... renting a house sounds fun, but I take it that its also alot more expensive.

Actually in this area renting a house is similar to renting an apartment... in initial monthly cost anyway. Generally houses include less "stuff" like utilities.

I actually know a lot of people who rent townhomes and apartments just north of there if your interested.

If you don't mind me asking, what company do you plan to work for here in the US?

Originally Posted by EmilN

I've never been to the US so it'll be a new experience for me. About the differences between Sweden and America, I wouldn't know for sure since I've never been to the US. I'm not sure if you're looking for any specific differences but I'll give you a few!
1. There are likely higher taxes in Sweden than in the US. However we do get free healthcare, free university/college education, among other things.
2. We have a "Freedom to roam" law, that is pretty nice, if you like to spend time in the nature.
3. Now I'm not sure about this one, but I think you'll find that Sweden isn't a very religious country as compared to the US.
4. There are very little guns in Sweden, as it is not allowed to own a gun other than hunting rifles, and you'll need a license for that.
5. I believe swedes are less...social. I cant generalize all swedes but this is the feeling I get when I compare swedes to other people.

Dang, I thought I could make a huge list but I'm all out of ideas!

About the average cost for an apartment or house, thats another good question. I am currently living in my first own apartment and its painfully expensive, but then again it is a student apartment situated just next to the college so I guess they can be really expensive and still attract students
It also depends on where you'd want to live, should you choose to live in a small town on the countryside you'll get away much cheaper than if you want to live in any of the bigger cities. The bigger cities have also had a real shortage of apartments lately...I'm not sure on the current situation though.
Any specific city or location you've been looking at?

I dont think you'll have problems getting a tech job actually. My degree is a bachelors degree, computer science with a major in informatics, and I'm pretty sure (or rather, positive) that I can find a job here in Sweden, so I think you can too! The same goes for your wife, I don't think that would be a problem either!

So can you tell me what you would pay for rent in your apartment each month? I am just trying to get a sense if they are similar to US rents/houses or not. I am thinking of living in the southern region. Any recommendations?

Again this is all been a dream of mine, who knows if it will happen or not... just curious!

[EmilN]

Originally Posted by knat_2

Actually in this area renting a house is similar to renting an apartment... in initial monthly cost anyway. Generally houses include less "stuff" like utilities.

I actually know a lot of people who rent townhomes and apartments just north of there if your interested.

Oh cool! Yeah I'm defenitely interested.

Originally Posted by knat_2

If you don't mind me asking, what company do you plan to work for here in the US?

Sure..hold on!

Originally Posted by knat_2

So can you tell me what you would pay for rent in your apartment each month? I am just trying to get a sense if they are similar to US rents/houses or not. I am thinking of living in the southern region. Any recommendations?

Again this is all been a dream of mine, who knows if it will happen or not... just curious!

I pay about 3200 SEK per month, which includes everything...heat, water and electricity. Altough I share kitchen with 4-5 other guys. And not to forget its 20 square meters... so yeah its a way high price for what you get.

Southern region is nice, although the accent gets very...special...the further down you get, so if you ever intend to actually learn swedish (or perhaps you already know it?), you might have problems with the way they sound.
Gothenburg is nice, although I believe there are parts of the town you'd might want to avoid. There's alot of nice medium-sized towns around... Borås and Jönköping being two of them.

[knat_2]

Originally Posted by EmilN

Oh cool! Yeah I'm defenitely interested.


Sure..hold on!


I pay about 3200 SEK per month, which includes everything...heat, water and electricity. Altough I share kitchen with 4-5 other guys. And not to forget its 20 square meters... so yeah its a way high price for what you get.

Southern region is nice, although the accent gets very...special...the further down you get, so if you ever intend to actually learn swedish (or perhaps you already know it?), you might have problems with the way they sound.
Gothenburg is nice, although I believe there are parts of the town you'd might want to avoid. There's alot of nice medium-sized towns around... Borås and Jönköping being two of them.

Thanks for the information! It was a pleasant surprise to start thinking about this.

Thanks!