The Chicago Boom (Manhattan: house, school, upkeep)

[j33]

I fully agree via chicago. It is a tough situation, I may be a bit cynical about gentrification sometimes but lets not romanticize the past. I remember Chicago in the 80's and being that I had family who worked in the city and family friends who lived in the city in the 60's and 70's, I've heard more stories than I can possibly remember about those eras as well, I'd rather it be a place where all sorts of people, families, rich people, middle class people, and those not so well off all desire to live. I'm glad people are moving back. I just wish I could afford own property here (being that I am not one of those 'upper middle class people'). But at least I can still afford the rent ... for now.

[Lookout Kid]

How is developing the downtown pushing any poor out of the city? This is not gentrification. This is an area of the city where people did not live prior to the development.

I agree with Via Chicago's take on "gentrification" (though I hate the use of that word). Without this phenomenon, Chicago would be a dying city like Detroit. Detroit's problem is not enough urban investment for crying out loud! They actually need more upper and middle class residents to make Detroit a viable city once again.

[oakparkdude]

For lack of a better term, I probably best fit into the yuppie category, or at least the "upper middle class" professional. I work in the far western suburbs but chose to live in the inner suburb of Oak Park and spend a significant amount of time and money in Chicago. Would it be better if I spent my money and time in Naperville and St. Charles than in the city?

[via chicago]

Originally Posted by sukwoo

For lack of a better term, I probably best fit into the yuppie category, or at least the "upper middle class" professional. I work in the far western suburbs but chose to live in the inner suburb of Oak Park and spend a significant amount of time and money in Chicago. Would it be better if I spent my money and time in Naperville and St. Charles than in the city?

the thing is, virtually everyone falls into these silly catch-alls. if you're young, employed in an office, and living in the city, well you're automatically a yuppie. even suburbanites get thrown into the same category, even thought their living situation is hardly "urban". and if you have tastes moderately outside the mainstream and enjoy art and music and reading, well then you're a hipster. and then once you get married you get the distinction of being a DINK. and then you have kids and you move to the burbs and you're a crazed SUV driver or soccer mom. combined, those comprise 95% of the population. but they all carry derogatory undertones. and the ironic thing is "yuppie" is a carryover from the 80s which has lost virtually all meaning or significance.

[Lookout Kid]

I realized a long time ago that "yuppie" in Chicago means "white person who went to college". You don't necessarily need to be young or a professional to fit that category here. And you definitely don't have to own a Bimmer or belong to a tennis club. To me, "yuppie" is almost a racist term used by the anti-gentrification crowd to demonize the newer middle-class residents of Chicago.

[j33]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

I realized a long time ago that "yuppie" in Chicago means "white person who went to college". .

Well, I suppose that makes me one too ... even though I don't own a car, don't live in a condo, and came from a blue collar family.

[oakparkdude]

A lot of these urban pioneers are minorities/non-white. Although still very important, over time race is becoming less of an issue than class in America.

[eureka1]

I visited Chicago for the first time last year and was AMAZED! What a wonderful City! The growth and energy is wonderful to someone who has been in a no-growth environment for several years. Chicago Area is now on my shortlist of retirement places warranting more research. Congratulations on such a great city (and nice people too).

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by eureka1

I visited Chicago for the first time last year and was AMAZED! What a wonderful City! The growth and energy is wonderful to someone who has been in a no-growth environment for several years. Chicago Area is now on my shortlist of retirement places warranting more research. Congratulations on such a great city (and nice people too).

Glad you liked it, it truly is a great place in most areas. Not exactly what Id consider a retirement place, but hey!

[Lookout Kid]

Oh, why not? I'm going to retire in a Gold Coast condo tower. Live it up!