Should I relocate away from Chicago for a job? (Evanston: middle-class, home)

[STLCardsBlues1989]

All I'm saying is that I love St. Louis, I know people who live in St. Louis, and my Dad grew up in St. Louis.

St. Louis is a fine town. I don't know the OP. I don't know where he'll be happier, but St. Louis isn't the Black Plague like some of you seem to think it is.

[Chicago-Eman]

Hey all- Thanks for all the replies, I really appreciate it. I don't want this thread to be a city vs. city, but more of what all your thoughts are about moving from the great city of Chicago to St. Louis and would YOU do it??

Like it has been said to me by some really nice posters here is: give St. Louis a try and you can always move back if you don't like it. Do I really want to leave right before the best time of year here, the summer?

This is a great opportunity career wise and again money wise. I have never been driven by the $$ factor, so that is not what I am taking into consideration. This job would open doors in the future and with this economy and all...

But I also have a good gig going now and again my support is here and I do love it here.

[UICJohn]

I cannot really say I am an expert on St. Louis seeing as I have only been there 4 times, but I just thought I would throw in my two cents. Personally, I have only visited St. Louis for a Bears games and the rest for Cubs games. It's an okay town to visit, but would I go if it wasn't for a Chicago sporting event in town? Probably not. I enjoyed a day or two here and there but feel like I did everything that there was to do in that day or two. Everytime people tell me to do something or go somewhere there, it's usually the same places - people my age tell me to go to "The Landing". It's great. Bars and restaurants and everything. I have to say, I was a little disappointed. There were bars and restaurants, a few, but not that many and none were really good. Then people tell me to visit the stadiums, which was kind of pointless because that's why I go there.

The feel I got from the city was not necessarilly what I would call dead but definitely very slow. I was in the middle of downtown during "rush hour" and it was empty. It was a little twilight zone-ish, but not that bad, but still somewhat eery. I personally have nothing really against the place - it's a nice little town that I don't mind a day or two in but I personally couldn't do it long term. However, I don't really have the money factor playing for me so I can't speak for the OP.

[aragx6]

St. Louis is NOT as good a city as Chicago is. That's a simple fact. It's clear that STLCB has never been to Chicago or she'd get that. They're not in the same league -- Chicago is nearly 10 times the size of St. Louis, it's hardly a fair comparison, though they have lots in common given their similar histories.

This shouldn't be a city vs. city thread, that's hardly the point. I believe there are people for whom St. Louis legitimately makes more sense -- ESPECIALLY for families, but that's not the OP or what he's looking for.

The only thing I have to say is that St. Louis does not have only a handful of safe, livable neighborhoods. There are dozens, truly. I could list, but let's be honest, most of you don't care. There are less than a dozen truly cool, urban, vibrant neighborhoods, but there at least 10 gentrifying, up and coming relatively safe neighborhoods and easily 20+ safe, low density family neighborhoods much in the vein of Chicago's northwest side.

Pitt, if you think St. Louis is dead, you must really hate Pittsburgh because they have quite a bit in common.

Also, I'd like to point out that it's literally a 4 1/2 hour drive or a 45 minute plane ride-- I go home to St. Louis on average once every 2-3 months. We're not talking about moving across the country.

Oh and, yes, the Lincoln Park zoo is very nice and I love that it's free, but it's not considered a top U.S. zoo. St. Louis' is.

[aragx6]

Originally Posted by UICJohn

I cannot really say I am an expert on St. Louis seeing as I have only been there 4 times, but I just thought I would throw in my two cents. Personally, I have only visited St. Louis for a Bears games and the rest for Cubs games. It's an okay town to visit, but would I go if it wasn't for a Chicago sporting event in town? Probably not. I enjoyed a day or two here and there but feel like I did everything that there was to do in that day or two. Everytime people tell me to do something or go somewhere there, it's usually the same places - people my age tell me to go to "The Landing". It's great. Bars and restaurants and everything. I have to say, I was a little disappointed. There were bars and restaurants, a few, but not that many and none were really good. Then people tell me to visit the stadiums, which was kind of pointless because that's why I go there.

The feel I got from the city was not necessarilly what I would call dead but definitely very slow. I was in the middle of downtown during "rush hour" and it was empty. It was a little twilight zone-ish, but not that bad, but still somewhat eery. I personally have nothing really against the place - it's a nice little town that I don't mind a day or two in but I personally couldn't do it long term. However, I don't really have the money factor playing for me so I can't speak for the OP.

The landing is like Navy Pier -- made for suburbanites and tourists. Anyone who told you to go there, doesn't know the city well. Next time you go, ask me for some suggestions for what to see and I promise you'll have a better time.

[STLCardsBlues1989]

Thanks Aragx. I realize Chicago is much bigger, and they're hard to compare. My point was that St. Louis is not a bad place. If the OP's heart is in Chicago, and he really wants to stay, then maybe he should stay. If he wants to try St. Louis, then he could try it and move back if he is not happy. You don't have to stay in one place forever.

OP - If you are interested in St. Louis (or just have some time to kill looking at pictures), here's some Downtown pics you may enjoy. Lofts and Condos Downtown.
St. Louis Loft Living - a set on Flickr
Downtown pics last summer (Let it load)
[ST. LOUIS] Summer Downtown Streets - SkyscraperPage Forum
Urban St. Louis - View topic - Washington Avenue Streetscape Update Gallery 12/29/2004
Gravois Avenue Urban St. Louis - View topic - Gravois Ave. - A slice of South St. Louis
1 picture: Painted Ladies Lafayette square painted ladies on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Lafayette Square in Winter Urban St. Louis - View topic - Winter in Lafayette Square
Urban St. Louis - View topic - STL visit Part Seven :: Lafayette Square
One of my favorite galleries, Downtown at Sunrise
Urban St. Louis - View topic - My visit to STL in April: Part One :: downtown at sunrise
South Side Urban St. Louis - View topic - STL visit Part Six :: Is it the South Side?
Central West End Urban St. Louis - View topic - Saint Louis in August :: 40 photos of the Central West End
All over the city

Most of these galleries are from forums, so if a mod feels it necessary to remove the links, I understand. If not, enjoy.

[linicx]

The one thing the OP needs to know that when he crosses the Mississippi, a lot of things change besides scenery and size. He is talking about building new territory in two impoverished states right now and unless he is selling widgets that everyone wants and can afford, the OP is going to have a rough time. Both are Red states. Some of the towns are heavily influenced by the church.

The little towns don't particularly like new ideas or new products. Liberals and most residents from Illinois are suspect. The farther you get from St. Louis the more your find illegals that are not good drivers nor familia with fog, snow or ice.

Kansas and Missouri are barren states. There is little between St.Lou and KC except small towns. Kansans are some of the unfriendliest people I ever met; and as stubborn as a rock. Don't ever discount MO politiics. Some of those good ol' boys can teach the Chicago machine a few tricks. The OP wants to think long and hard before he steps back into attitudes that are ingrained and 100 years old. And no I am not joking.. These are both right to work states.

I lived in Chicago. I lived in Missorui and a few other places.. In the current economy, if I had a job that was secure I would not leave Chicago, I would move farther out - maybe around Sandwich. When I was there it was a nice area and not far from the Eisenhower. St. Louis summers are as hot or hotter than Chicago winters are cold and those heat waves are far worse than in Chicago. IMHO, Ok and TX would be better territory than KS or MO.

Stay home until the econmy improves. Your heart is not in it, and you will no be happy. Been there, done that. I couldn't come home fast enough.

[Drover]

1) You couldn't pay me enough money to live in Kansas City.

2) It would suck to uproot to another city only to end up losing your job shortly thereafter. Maybe you're less risk-averse than I am, but that's something to consider in this economy.

[aragx6]

Originally Posted by linicx

The one thing the OP needs to know that when he crosses the Mississippi, a lot of things change besides scenery and size. He is talking about building new territory in two impoverished states right now and unless he is selling widgets that everyone wants and can afford, the OP is going to have a rough time. Both are Red states. Some of the towns are heavily influenced by the church.

The little towns don't particularly like new ideas or new products. Liberals and most residents from Illinois are suspect. The farther you get from St. Louis the more your find illegals that are not good drivers nor familia with fog, snow or ice.

Kansas and Missouri are barren states. There is little between St.Lou and KC except small towns. Kansans are some of the unfriendliest people I ever met; and as stubborn as a rock. Don't ever discount MO politiics. Some of those good ol' boys can teach the Chicago machine a few tricks. The OP wants to think long and hard before he steps back into attitudes that are ingrained and 100 years old. And no I am not joking.. These are both right to work states.

I lived in Chicago. I lived in Missorui and a few other places.. In the current economy, if I had a job that was secure I would not leave Chicago, I would move farther out - maybe around Sandwich. When I was there it was a nice area and not far from the Eisenhower. St. Louis summers are as hot or hotter than Chicago winters are cold and those heat waves are far worse than in Chicago. IMHO, Ok and TX would be better territory than KS or MO.

Stay home until the econmy improves. Your heart is not in it, and you will no be happy. Been there, done that. I couldn't come home fast enough.

Anyone suggesting the OP move to Sandwich, IL is clearly out of his mind. Yikes.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by aragx6

Oh and, yes, the Lincoln Park zoo is very nice and I love that it's free, but it's not considered a top U.S. zoo. St. Louis' is.

The Brookfield Zoo is nicer than Lincoln Park, but sure, the St. Louis Zoo is a bigger deal. Chalk up another St. Louis benefit.

1. More affordable
2. Less traffic
3. Better zoo

I think that about sums up St. Louis's advantages. I don't agree with the "better for families" comment, though. I'd just say it's more affordable. But as far as city living is concerned, Chicago has the best infrastructure for families of any city other than New York. It just costs a lot of money.