Would you relocate to another midwestern city? (Chicago, Madison: neighborhoods, college)

[jman07]

I have been living in Chicago for 5 years and have grown to love it. Anytime I go to another Midwestern city I always compare it to Chicago and realize how great it is. I have my life and friends up here. The problem is I lost my job and am now having trouble finding something locally because I am entry level. I have an opportunity for an interview in Cincinnati but am hesitant to relocate and "start over again" in a inferior city alone. Should I just wait it out in Chicago or is the best thing to look everywhere?

[Jandur]

Absolutely not. I had a chance to go work for Microsoft in Minneapolis...but it's Minneapolis. It wasn't the best career decision I've ever made, but it just wasn't worth it. No way in hell am I moving to a place that's smaller and colder.

I lived in Michigan during college, doubt I would ever go back there either.

[marothisu]

Minneapolis and Milwaukee are good cities. Those are the only others I'd ever consider moving to. Otherwise no. Chicago is better than both of those places though.

[andrew61]

Don't automatically rule out smaller cities. "Inferior" is subjective. Smaller cities can offer certain quality-of-life advantages that bigger ones do not.

Such as: Better cost of living; less of a "rat race" mentality; less congestion and crowding; shorter commute times; a pace that's actually sane; kinder and gentler; not as "cold" and impersonal; less "attitude"; less aggressive and overall rude behavior. Some might consider these attributes good tradeoffs. There are plenty of people living in the so-called "lesser" cities who wouldn't live in places like Chicago if you paid them.

In the end, however, only you can make that decision. You have to decide what your biggest priorities are.

And if you relocate and don't like it, all is not lost. You can always move back.

[5Lakes]

Not many. Even though I'm originally from Ohio I'm not a big fan of the Midwest as a whole.

I could see myself living in:

Cleveland - I'm from that part of Ohio and it's far enough east to access the Northeast. Cleveland has enough big city amenities to keep me entertained.

Milwaukee - I like the city (cool neighborhoods & lakefront) and Wisconsin is nice, well-rounded state.


Obviously no Midwest city is going to compare to Chicago when it comes to city life and vibrancy.

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by andrew61

Don't automatically rule out smaller cities. "Inferior" is subjective. Smaller cities can offer certain quality-of-life advantages that bigger ones do not.

Such as: Better cost of living; less of a "rat race" mentality; less congestion and crowding; shorter commute times; a pace that's actually sane; kinder and gentler; not as "cold" and impersonal; less "attitude"; less aggressive and overall rude behavior. Some might consider these attributes good tradeoffs. There are plenty of people living in the so-called "lesser" cities who wouldn't live in places like Chicago if you paid them.

In the end, however, only you can make that decision. You have to decide what your biggest priorities are.

And if you relocate and don't like it, all is not lost. You can always move back.

What you list is debatable because it varies per person. Some people might think that the rate race mentality is better for them, and some people (such as myself) actually like a fast pace. I know, it's messed up to think that people actually like that stuff, but we do.

[MassVt]

Originally Posted by andrew61

Don't automatically rule out smaller cities. "Inferior" is subjective. Smaller cities can offer certain quality-of-life advantages that bigger ones do not.

Such as: Better cost of living; less of a "rat race" mentality; less congestion and crowding; shorter commute times; a pace that's actually sane; kinder and gentler; not as "cold" and impersonal; less "attitude"; less aggressive and overall rude behavior. Some might consider these attributes good tradeoffs. There are plenty of people living in the so-called "lesser" cities who wouldn't live in places like Chicago if you paid them.

In the end, however, only you can make that decision. You have to decide what your biggest priorities are.

And if you relocate and don't like it, all is not lost. You can always move back.

Good post. I wonder if the OP can hold on a bit longer in Chicago; something is bound to turn up..

Personally, I would only consider Chicago and points north, such as Milwaukee, Madison, or Minneapolis-St. Paul, as I'm not especially interested in the lower Midwest..

I think that you might also have to consider the age of the person asking the question. I get the impression that the OP is young, and enjoys big-city life, but there are those in their 50s who have had 20-30 years in the big city, and they want to get out while they still can...

[stephei2000]

Originally Posted by andrew61

Don't automatically rule out smaller cities. "Inferior" is subjective. Smaller cities can offer certain quality-of-life advantages that bigger ones do not.

Such as: Better cost of living; less of a "rat race" mentality; less congestion and crowding; shorter commute times; a pace that's actually sane; kinder and gentler; not as "cold" and impersonal; less "attitude"; less aggressive and overall rude behavior. Some might consider these attributes good tradeoffs. There are plenty of people living in the so-called "lesser" cities who wouldn't live in places like Chicago if you paid them.

In the end, however, only you can make that decision. You have to decide what your biggest priorities are.

And if you relocate and don't like it, all is not lost. You can always move back.

I agree, I hate the rat race, comparsion mentality here in Chicago. I like being around kinder friendly people.
As long as the weather, people, and there is some activity I am fine with another city

[stephei2000]

Originally Posted by marothisu

What you list is debatable because it varies per person. Some people might think that the rate race mentality is better for them, and some people (such as myself) actually like a fast pace. I know, it's messed up to think that people actually like that stuff, but we do.

The rat race mentality is not good for anyones psyche. I can understand liking a faster pace. Sometimes when things are too slow a person can become bored and restless.

[DataEast Reborn]

Indianapolis native here studying in Cincinnati. Cincy is an ugly unplanned ghetto craphole and I would never live here after college (unless a lucrative job opportunity comes along). But I don't think you can compare a world class city (3rd largest in the US) like Chicago to very many cities. But if you'd prefer a close city that doesn't have that depressing rust belt image like every other city in the Midwest then I suggest Indy. It has some of the lowest costs of living in the nation and is the fastest growing or something like that (most net gain?). It'll never be as great as Chicago but its livable for a little while until you find something else. I mean, its better than Detroit, the Nasty Nati, Leaveland, St. Louis, and Louisville.