Just can't leave Chicago (Lexington: best neighborhoods, real estate, apartment)

[oddstray]

My mom wasn't born in Chicago, but she raised the family and had her career here. When she decided to go into an Independent Living facility, we offered to show her around down here in San Diego. She said no - she wanted the four seasons and wanted to stay close to where her life was. So she's one vote for staying.

I moved to San Diego 30-some years ago. I would and have visited Chicago in winter, but I would never move back because I never liked the extreme winter. Summers ... I *do* miss thunderstorms!!!

[It'sAutomatic]

It would be very hard for me to leave here, though I'd strongly consider St. Louis, Philly, or NYC. My goal right now is to get a job in Chicago or St. Louis for a few years and save up for a down payment in NYC, but there's a good chance I won't ever bother to move there.

[Chicago76]

Apart from you love of the city, I really think how tied you are depends upon where you are in live. I was lucky enough to have gone through my wanderlust phase before I got to Chicago. This probably gave me a better idea of just how good life was there when I got to the city.

That doesn't mean things don't change. We moved because we had a child and my wife and I's careers in Chicago, no matter where we were employed within our fields, weren't going to grant us the time to raise a kid the way we would want to. So we moved. It was pretty tough for me. Kind of like the end of your first really serious relationship with someone. In the end, it came down to what I needed to do (be in my kid's life more as she grew up) vs. what I wanted to do (stay). No contest. Outside of that, moving to help take care of a sick family member would be the only other reason I ever would have considered leaving.

[Drover]

I'd skip outta here to the right place for the right opportunity. Chicago is an appealing city in many regards but the political climate here and in Illinois generally is wearing on me.

[nikitakolata]

Originally Posted by Drover

I'd skip outta here to the right place for the right opportunity. Chicago is an appealing city in many regards but the political climate here and in Illinois generally is wearing on me.

I feel the same way. If I ever sell my house I am considering taking a few months to explore career options elsewhere. Both my and my husband's companies have offices in San Francisco. I love a lot of things about San Francisco, but California is just as screwed up as Illinois, which is what I want to get away from.

My entire family (immediate and extended) is in the Chicago area. It would be very hard to leave for that reason. However, I know my parents hate Illinois as well, so if I did manage to move to a less corrupt state, they would join us there once they retire.

[ChikidII]

Originally Posted by nikitakolata

I feel the same way. If I ever sell my house I am considering taking a few months to explore career options elsewhere. Both my and my husband's companies have offices in San Francisco. I love a lot of things about San Francisco, but California is just as screwed up as Illinois, which is what I want to get away from.

My entire family (immediate and extended) is in the Chicago area. It would be very hard to leave for that reason. However, I know my parents hate Illinois as well, so if I did manage to move to a less corrupt state, they would join us there once they retire.

I agree with a great opportunity. The opportunity was solid in NYC it was just what I was going to be paid and my standard of living in NYC.

Now if they offered me a job in Paris, Rio de Janiero, Buenos Aires, Rome, etc., I would be out of here in a heart beat!

[ForYourLungsOnly]

Originally Posted by nikitakolata

but California is just as screwed up as Illinois, which is what I want to get away from.

yep..and so are lots of states. be careful. PA is a joke too. balance is key. look at what Chicago offers and look where it falls short. it is all relevant and you may be just as fed up with another states gov't

[Vlajos]

Originally Posted by nikitakolata

I feel the same way. If I ever sell my house I am considering taking a few months to explore career options elsewhere. Both my and my husband's companies have offices in San Francisco. I love a lot of things about San Francisco, but California is just as screwed up as Illinois, which is what I want to get away from.

My entire family (immediate and extended) is in the Chicago area. It would be very hard to leave for that reason. However, I know my parents hate Illinois as well, so if I did manage to move to a less corrupt state, they would join us there once they retire.

Yep and you get the priveledge of a much higher COL for that in CA.

[Chicago76]

Originally Posted by Vlajos

Yep and you get the priveledge of a much higher COL for that in CA.

Not to mention that fact that California isn't just as screwed up as IL. It's more screwed up. Thanks prop 13.

[MassVt]

Originally Posted by Vlajos

Yep and you get the priveledge of a much higher COL for that in CA.

Unless you want to live in CA hotspots like Fresno, etc

In spite of all the complaints, you've still got a pretty good deal in Chicago, especially when compared to the COL of both coasts, and especially when you've got a virtual "ocean" in Lake Michigan on your doorstep...

Now if I was a young Chicagoan in his 20s ( which I'm not), and I'd spent my life in Chicagoland, I'd strongly consider living somewhere else..