32, Single, Conservative, Straight White Male - Is Chicago for Me? (Pittsburg: air pollution, area)

[NUman]

The City of Chicago has only a few conservative neighborhoods like Bridgeport. Which is mostly white and irish catholic. It is getting expensive and there is plenty to do there and nearby. Many of the suburbs are conservative in fact some of the most conservative communities in the country. They tend to be the wealthy north shore communities. I am a conservative african american man. I live in Glencoe, a North Shore community, with my family. The most conservative suburbs are Kenilworth, Winnetka, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Western Springs, Glenview, Northbrook, Golf, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Lincolnwood, Wood Dale, and others. A diverse mix of political views about 50/50 would be Glencoe, Wilmette, Northfield, Naperville, Buffalo Grove, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, Brookfield, Riverside, and a few others. The more liberal suburbs would be Evanston (yout view iwll be respected and admired though, the town is named after the founder of the il republican party), Skokie, Oak Park, River Forest, and a few others. If you are looking for a good dating scene and nightlife in the city. I would look at Wicker Park, Humboldt Park, Bucktown, Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville, River North, South Loop, or West Loop. In the suburbs Evanston would be great. It would be a more laidback, educated dating scene. Highland Park also is very nice, longer commute than Evanston, but a nicer downtown than Evanston's. Highland Park is home to the snooty type of women though and there will be many liberal Jewish people who will hate you! Oak Park would also be nice except I also don't know how you would fit in. Schaumburg would also be great. It has the most to do of any suburb. It is a decent commute, excellent nightlife/dating scene, many young proffesionals, and it is home to one of the nations largest malls. Homes are very cheap there also.

[Drover]

Anyone who thinks Bridgeport is still "mostly white and Irish Catholic" hasn't been there in over a decade. It's long past time to bury that tired old stereotype of Bridgeport.

As for being "conservative," Bridgeport is the honorary home of the Democratic Party Patronage Machine. Granted it's not exactly granola-and-tie-dye liberal down there, but don't think that you're gonna be warmly received if you put "McCain '08" signs in your lawn either.

Finally, much of the North Shore is more "limousine liberal" than conservative.

[soulful]

Conservative can take so many different forms: social, economic, etc.

Some conservatives go "all the way" and are anti-abortion, anti-gay, pro-weapon..

Perhaps you can clarify what sort of conservative you are so the forum can be of more assistance. You put it in your subject line and this may mean it is of importance in defining who you are.

[Avengerfire]

I think Daley has many conservative views. He is a member of the Democratic party, but he has more in common with the Elephants actually.

[Drover]

The only sense I can think of that Daley is conservative is he understands the value of attracting business to the city and he usually refrains from spouting populist garbage about "corporations bad people good." But then he'll turn around and bleed them for as much tax revenue as he can without chasing them right back out of the city.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by Drover

The only sense I can think of that Daley is conservative is he understands the value of attracting business to the city and he usually refrains from spouting populist garbage about "corporations bad people good." But then he'll turn around and bleed them for as much tax revenue as he can without chasing them right back out of the city.

As a moderate Democrat, I tend to favor the members of the two parties that are most attacked by the far left and far right. Richard M. Daley fits this bill (though I am wary of his machine politics). He'll never be accepted by the far left because he is the son and legacy of Richard J., and the 1968 Democratic Convention in many ways symbolizes the death of 1960's liberal idealism as a mainstream movement. However, the Republicans also seem to be emerging from the grip of the far right nutjobs to some degree with the McCain candidacy, so perhaps we'll finally have some reasonable candidates running for national office.

Chicago's "leftism" is largely split three ways: (1) Well-educated professionals and gay men, (2) Old white union members and working class Democrats, and (3) Minorities, including most of the African-Americans and a lesser percentage of Hispanics and other minorities. As a 30-something conservative guy moving to Chicago, the first group will give you the most trouble about your beliefs!

[SCJ236]

TJ- You'll have a good time if you move to Chicago. I moved from Chicago to Pittsburgh about a year ago and I am considering moving back. While Pittsburgh is cheaper (and maybe less corrupt, LOL), Chicago is so much fun! Plus, if you live in the city you probably won't need a car. As you know, Pittsburgh is such a "driving city." I'm personally a fan of Lincoln Park; I have a lot of friends who call the neighborhood home. The weather isn't so bad; I think it snows more on a daily basis in Pittsburgh. Although Northern Illinois usually gets hit pretty hard at least once each winter. Good luck on your move!

[Drover]

Yeah, Pittsburgh is a 'driving city' if you like the sensation of driving through a maze that has no exit.

People do manage in Pittsburgh without cars, but I don't know how they do it. Plus the transit authority keeps cutting back service. Can't blame them since decreasing population density is making it harder and harder to operate mass transit efficiently.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by Drover

Yeah, Pittsburgh is a 'driving city' if you like the sensation of driving through a maze that has no exit.

People do manage in Pittsburgh without cars, but I don't know how they do it. Plus the transit authority keeps cutting back service. Can't blame them since decreasing population density is making it harder and harder to operate mass transit efficiently.

The population loss in Pittsburgh is really too bad, because that city could be really really cool if it densified a bit. The old choking air pollution is now almost gone, and the city actually feels really clean, even though it's old. I love the old bridges, tunnels, and the convergence of rivers. This city is an infrastructure geek's dream!

[CarolinaBredChicagoan]

I like how hilly Pittsburgh is. I miss the mountains.