Texas boy moving the Chicago! (Naperville: rent, how much, homes)

[JsTx0521]

I’m a 24 year old cook in Austin and I will be moving to Chicago in late August. I have minimal attachments, kitchen supplies, furniture if I want it, and a car. I understand I may not need a car so that’s a plus. I have a place to live for $300 a month. Its with some old friends. My question is what’s the best way to approach this move. U-Haul it? Fly and ship my stuff? Not sell my car and drive, POD? What’s the cost of gas? Price has a huge influence over my method of moving. Any suggestions over different ways to get my belongings and myself there would be very helpful.

[SmartGXL]

You say that you are going to be staying with friends; do they have their own furniture? if so, I would say skip bringing your furniture. Are your friends living in the city itself? If so, what neighborhood? if they are living in they city, then most likely you will not need a car. i would simply ship your clothes there via UPS to their place, pack a bookbag with your toothbrush etc, and fly here. From there, your rent will be minimal and because you wont have much "stuff" to contend with (cars, furniture etc) you can very easily start saving money while working, and then get your own place when you are established.

[CityJerk]

You're in Austin? And you want to come to Chicago? Are you crazy? The winters out here are hell. Ausin is paradise compared to the Chi, on almost all accounts. But anyway, I think U-hauling it would be best. And true, you don't need a car out here, but depending on what hood you move to, it is definitely a nice luxury (some hoods offer no parking, and owning a car would be a constant source of anxiety).

[SmartGXL]

I agree Austin has warmer weather and is generally a cheaper place to live, and overall it is a really cool place (my brother lives there), especially in South Austin, but Chicago has a vibe and energy that is hard to beat and is great for young people.

[slow_nerve_action]

What neighborhood are we talking about?

[Drover]

PODS won't drop off in the city limits, so that option's out. Which is just as well because they're incredibly expensive.

[dewthedru]

heh. i would echo the sentiments above regarding moving from austin to chicago but to each his own. i don't think the way the cold and wind in the winter affects how much people go out can be overstated. spring is great here because everyone is emerging from hibernation.

anyhoo...welcome. i recently moved here and love it. of course, i moved from michigan so i'm used to the cold and snow...but in michigan there was fun stuff to do with the snow. not so much here. you're moving at a good time. you'll have a summer full of activities a great vibrant city.

as far as your stuff, i'd sell as much of it as possible on craigslist and then buy what you need off CL when you get here. a $60 microwave turns into a $90 microwave when you ship it across the country.

jmho of course.

[latikeriii]

I moved from Chicago to Austin(now live in NYC) and it seems that most people are doing the opposite and moving to Austin. You'll get used to the brutal winters but the spring, summers, and falls are mostly good to great(besides the rain at times). I'd suggest you NOT bring furniture, and just bring your personal belongings and rent an Enterprise van. You should save money that way and fit all of your stuff. Wait to buy furniture when you move to Chicago.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by CityJerk

You're in Austin? And you want to come to Chicago? Are you crazy? The winters out here are hell. Ausin is paradise compared to the Chi, on almost all accounts.

If youre a puss, then yes, Austin is "paradise" if you cant deal with a little snow for a few months. All Austin is is a giant Naperville... frat boys with dragon shirts, overpriced homes, cheesy public transportation, live music venues (Austin's single redeeming quality), and not very cultural.

But here is where Chicago flat out mauls Austin, which Im sure the OP is looking forward to... architecture, nightlife (quantity), lakefront, better spring, summer, and fall weather, better dining and shopping, far better cultural experiences, more attractions, more sports options, far better public transportation, and cooler neighborhoods.

[Drover]

What the hell is a dragon shirt?

Interesting to see someone who defends Naperville to the end on these boards compare it disparagingly to Austin.