so how is Chicago overall (thinking of moving) (Lincoln: renting, job market)

[blue04]

I live in San Diego right now but grew up in San Francisco.
Kinda getting tried of CA and wanted to see how Chicago is for a single Asian
guy. I have been in the IT industry for over 10yr but looking for a change as well.
Any input and advance would be helpful.. Thanks

[soulful]

Chicago is a great city overall and excellent for single men and women. Lots of Asian folks. We have more than our share of IT jobs, however, since the economy is such a mess nationally, I wouldn't come here without lining up your job first. We have great walkable neighborhoods in the city and an incredible lakefront and park system. Excellent public transportation.

Please check out the first posting under "Chicago" titled "Read this first" as it has excellent info. that may be useful.

[blue04]

hows is the cost of living compare to where I am at? Yeah tell me about the job market. its the same no matter where you go really.

[coldwine]

I give it an "ehh", two "I guess it's ok"'s and a full shrug.

[soulful]

The cost of living in Chicago is very neighborhood specific for housing (whether that be purchasing or renting). Check out the main City-Data.Com section (not the forums) and you can find cost of living info. for almost any city or town. It's hard to give you a comparison since I don't know your neighborhood in San Diego.

Also, you might want to check out realtor.com to compare prices. My favorite neighborhood in Chicago is zipcode 60657 (Lakeview) so you could use that when searching (since simply using "Chicago" will result in far too much data). Lakeview is an urban, hip area by the lake where lots of professionals live and that will give you an idea.

[blue04]

thanks dsimicata for your input and help. I will for sure check out the info you provided.

[Steve-o]

If you can handle the winter, and wind up in a desireable neighborhood with a good job, you'll fall head over heels for Chicago.

[advocatusdiavoli]

Just don't

Seriously now, check out Chicago in the winter and not in the summer. Winter Chicago is a totally different city than summer Chicago.

[Mister Mappy]

Originally Posted by advocatusdiavoli

Just don't

Seriously now, check out Chicago in the winter and not in the summer. Winter Chicago is a totally different city than summer Chicago.

Just don't.....listen to this guy. He's a bitter ex-New Yorker with a chip on his shoulder about Chicago.

As others have said the cost of housing, it is neighborhood specific. The more desirable the area, the more expensive. Some neighborhoods you might like include Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Andersonville, and Lincoln Square. Those are just a few of the interesting areas of Chicago. There's always plenty to do whether winter or summer. The winter can be a drag, and this one has been the worst one in a while, but summer is great here (As is most of spring & autumn.)

[advocatusdiavoli]

Originally Posted by Mister Mappy

Just don't.....listen to this guy. He's a bitter ex-New Yorker with a chip on his shoulder about Chicago.

Why, don't you think it is a good idea to visit Chicago in the winter just to make sure you can stand the weather?