HELP: Move to Chicago vs Newark/Jersey City (Manhattan: apartment, rental) - City-Data Forum

highguard · 08-09-2011, 08:11 PM

Hi. I have heard a lot about this forum so hopefully some people can help me make a informed decision. I currently live in Houston, Tx and looking to permanently relocate after May next year to either Chicago or Newark/Jersey City. I have visited Chicago couple of years ago for few hours, saw the lake-front, downtown so I have seen chicago somewhat and liked a lot what i saw but have never visited New Jersey. I have relatives living in New Jersey but not in Chicago anymore. I frankly just can't tolerate the heat, drought, and non-existent public transportation of Texas anymore.

A little about me. I am in my 30's and studying Accounting B.S at University of Houston and will be graduating in May. Than i will like to permanently relocate to either of these cites and find a Accounting job as a fresh college graduate and also work on my CPA.

So for both place; first will me as a graduate from UofH find a job in these cities or people look down at people with southern college degrees and will be hesitant to hire me.

Second, how is public transporation. I have a car but i am tired of driving and maintaining them and will want to mostly use public transportation and use car only on occasions not like houston where you cant sneeze without a car.

Third, how is rent. My budget is b/w $800-1000 until i find a job but i want to live in a decent part of town with access to public transportation, and not slums or crime-ridden part of town.

Last, I have heard about Chicago severs winters and snowy winters of New Jersey. Will a southern guy like me who has never seen snow survive or i will be woefully unprepared to handle the weather and most probably suffer really bad like frost bites etc. Is is nominal to expect to be able to dress in such a way to handle severe cold and ice while trying to use and wait for public transporation.

So based on all above question can some kind folks educate me as to which place will be a more ideal fit for me to live i.e Chicago (love the mega-city looks and status) or somewhere in New Jersey (primary aim is to access both job markets of NJ and NY city).

Thanks in advance for helping me.

sydbarrett · 08-09-2011, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by highguard

So for both place; first will me as a graduate from UofH find a job in these cities or people look down at people with southern college degrees and will be hesitant to hire me.

I know several people with degrees from southern schools and/or are from the south working here in Chicago. I would not worry too much about it.

highguard · 08-09-2011, 09:24 PM

Thank you very much for the reassuring comment.

Drover · 08-09-2011, 10:06 PM

Given your rental budget, Chicago is your only realistic option. Maybe you can find something in a craptastic part of Newark or Jersey City, but it buys you into a nice neighborhood in Chicago.

As for which has a suckier winter, well for someone who has never seen winter before, it's probably a distinction without a difference. Some people cope with the change in climate better than others. Keep an open mind and ask for advice from experienced winter veterans and you'll have a better chance of dealing with it.

highguard · 08-09-2011, 10:39 PM

Thanks for being candid. In Houston I live in a nice 1-bedroom apartment for about $700 but than its Houston and comes with all the heat, lack of transportation etc. As of now being a full-time student and working odd jobs have me constrained financially and I am hoping once I get employed things will change for better.

I personally like Chicago a lot for its looks at least though haven't lived here at all. If $1000 or so can get me a decent 1 bed apartment in a good neighborhood than I will be fine with it (really don't want to live in slums etc.) and start saving if my earning potential improves; I like to save money. Cold well I guess I will have to cross that bridge when it come to it as no escaping that though i like to see snow for a change hehe.

How is the job market by the way; does a entry level Accounting degree holder stands a good chance of getting a job in Chicago without too long of a job search.

ForYourLungsOnly · 08-10-2011, 05:22 AM

You don't want to live in Jersey City or Newark on a $1,000/month budget. Trust me.

FAReastcoast · 08-10-2011, 06:45 AM

As others have said, you will have a tough time with your budget in JC, you may be able to find something in Newark, but it won't be pretty. I would try a roomate and look in Hobokon.

Dallas101 · 08-10-2011, 07:24 AM

Chicago rents are generally cheaper than in Jersey, but keep in mind you get what you pay for.

In Chicago the economy is much worse, crime is higher, public transit is worse, and you aren't right next to Manhattan.

FAReastcoast · 08-10-2011, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dallas101

Chicago rents are generally cheaper than in Jersey, but keep in mind you get what you pay for.

In Chicago the economy is much worse, crime is higher, public transit is worse, and you aren't right next to Manhattan.

I guess it would depend on where one choose to live in each; Crime is high in Newark and I wouldn't want to take the PATH into the city everyday, but that is just me. I would honestly just live in the city and get a roomate or two. However, if I HAD to live in Jersey it would be Hobokon.

highguard · 08-10-2011, 07:08 PM

Thanks all for info.

So what I am getting is that if i can somehow afford it or manage it than head to NJ as Chicago economy is worse, crime rate is high and public transportation is not good (though i have heard all the time that CTA is second best to NYC system but that is what i have heard never personally experienced).

So a honest question will be is moving to Chicago viable. My main reasons are getting a decent Accounting job, being able to use a city-wide transportation system that is good and reliable and frankly move up from Houston without breaking my bank or going way over my budget. So is that Chicago or somewhere in NJ.