The big move, Tampa to Mt. Greenwood (Chicago: rent, condo)

[Jordanswhitecousin]

So, in February 2011 I will be making the big move from Tampa to Mt. Greenwood with my wife. She moved to Tampa roughly 4 years ago for her job and is ready to head back. I'm all for it. I have lived in this area all 31 years of my life and am ready for a change. Fortunately for her she can transfer back with her job and pick up at the company headquarters. I on the other hand will be jobless as soon as we move.

I've never made a city to city move before. That added to this crummy economy has me a tad bit freaked out. I've checked the typical job websites and there seem to be jobs here and there in my field (I.T.) but not enough to make me giddy. Realistically I would love to land something before the trip up so I am sending my resume and cover letter to any job I am qualified for. No responses yet; I think the Florida address may sway them to pass my resume up entirely. Anyone have any pointers for an I.T. guy who will be looking for work?

Oh yea, you may ask why Mt Greenwood. Her parents live there and we are literally taking over their house. They have a condo in south Florida and plan to take off on one of there multi-month getaways so we aren't all on top of each other.

[linicx]

Welcome!

I think the most plausible answer is Illinois generally speaking a has high unemployment rate and a soft job market. It is not impossible to find a job, but it might not be very convenient to your location. The Chicago MSA is pushing 11M residents - you will ave a lot of competition. Population aside, Chicagoland is an interesting and educational place to live to explore from the forest preserves and lake views to the favorite little neighborhood you fall in love with. Cook County (includes Chicago) is nearly 1500 sqare miles and houses 5.5M people.

If the sheer size of the land mass doesn't scare you a little bit, the bitterly cold -40 wind chill lake affect will probably be an eye-opener. In the past, the snow has been deep enough to ground airplanes at O'Hare (ORD) - the world's busiest airport.

As you are from Florida you will probably recognize names like Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and Costco, Apple, Starbuck's and a host of other familiar businesses that include Internet, Cell phone, Satellite, cable, phone, pharmacy, big box retail and national food chains. If you can't find it, buy it, eat it, rent it, wear it, or order it in Chicago - then you probably can't have it. . .

[Jordanswhitecousin]

Thanks for the response linicx. Yea the unemployment rate is a killer. It's just as bad here; 11-12%. On the plus side we will have enough saved to last a good amount time with only one income. We are lucky enough to be able to live rent or mortage free as long as it takes thanks to family.

Thankfully, I am no stranger to the area thanks to the wifey and her family. We visit them a lot. (Will be there there at the end of the month and then two weeks for Christmas) I've learned the train system pretty well, been to Sox games(HUGE Rays fan but a baseball lover) shown what places NOT to go, etc etc I get Portillo's beef sandwiches delivered every now and then. Thank god they ship nation wide!