Boston Vs. Chicago - Describe the city personality (neighborhoods, luxury)

[rv224]

I've lived in NYC on and off for about 9 years and DC for about 2 years. I'm looking to get out of NYC - need a change. Wouldn't mind going back to DC but would also love going somewhere new entirely, like Boston or Chicago.

I'm interested more in what the people are like in these cities and the general attitudes moreso than things you can do. Any descriptions of these personalities?

[Truthfully19]

Drunk idiot acting Cubs fans or tough loving Sox fans but all are super insane Bears supporters

[grapico]

They both have equally crappy winters.
Chicago is definitely midwest vibe, Boston is definitely New England vibe.
I think there is a considerable amount more to do if you like urban stuff in Chicago. Chicago is also cheaper for what you get.
Boston is in a better more beautiful area of the country in my opinion.
Boston has a little upper class elite feel in its populous as well as classic east coast liberal, Chicago more middle of the road, but definitely liberal also, slightly more social conservative. Both great sports towns if you like that stuff. Both strong Irish vibes. Chicago is more cosmopolitan.
I'd give the edge to Chicago in nightlife and food scene though.

That being said, if you need a change, I'd go with Chicago. Boston will be less of a change.

[Gtownoe]

I'd agree with the above poster.

People in Chicago seem to be more laid back than on the east coast. Chicagoans don't seem quite as abrasive as East Coasters.

Chicago's a huge city, and has many neighborhoods with varying types of people. So its kinda hard to categorize the whole city. You really can live a ton of different lifestyles while still being in the city. You'll get a totally different vibe depending on if your in the West Loop or Uptown, Lakeview or Wicker Park, Downtown or Rogers Park, Hyde Park or Logan Square.

For a change of pace I'd definately pick Chicago. Boston would seem much more like what your used tio.

[grapico]

Originally Posted by Gtownoe

I'd agree with the above poster.

People in Chicago seem to be more laid back than on the east coast. Chicagoans don't seem quite as abrasive as East Coasters.

Chicago's a huge city, and has many neighborhoods with varying types of people. So its kinda hard to categorize the whole city. You really can live a ton of different lifestyles while still being in the city. You'll get a totally different vibe depending on if your in the West Loop or Uptown, Lakeview or Wicker Park, Downtown or Rogers Park, Hyde Park or Logan Square.

For a change of pace I'd definately pick Chicago. Boston would seem much more like what your used tio.

Brings up something else, I think there is a lot more choice in nice areas of Chicago for urban living than Boston as well. Whether you want high rise living near the loop or gold coast/streeterville/southloop/west loop or neighborhood living...
Actually I could be wrong but I think Chicago has substantially more of those hi rise/doorman/all amenities buildings than Boston. I don't think Boston is going to offer than Manhattanesque feel that Chicago can with the aforementioned style living.

[Truthfully19]

Well if you are looking for a change you're going to have to get off the east coast....im not saying which city is better but chicago would be a different vibe

[Mr. Joshua]

If you want city living then Chicago has more options. It's just so much bigger. That being said, New England is a far superior surrounding area than the area that surrounds Chicago.
BTW, Boston and NYC are very different places.

[tmac9wr]

Originally Posted by grapico

Brings up something else, I think there is a lot more choice in nice areas of Chicago for urban living than Boston as well. Whether you want high rise living near the loop or gold coast/streeterville/southloop/west loop or neighborhood living...
Actually I could be wrong but I think Chicago has substantially more of those hi rise/doorman/all amenities buildings than Boston. I don't think Boston is going to offer than Manhattanesque feel that Chicago can with the aforementioned style living.

I guess if you consider hi-rises to be the only form of luxury living, then yes, Chicago offers a higher style of living. There are incredible neighborhoods like Beacon Hill (you won't find anything in Chicago or NYC like Beacon Hill), the North End (even further away from anything you'll find in NYC or Chi), the South End, Back Bay, Brookline/Chestnut Hill, Cambridge, or Newton. If you want the doorman lifestyle, then you can find several options around the Common & Back Bay (Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Park Towers, etc).

I'm not sure where people are getting the idea that Boston & NYC are going to be the same city and that you'll get a more unique experience in Chicago...sure, the natives of Boston and Chicago are relatively similar to one another, but the cities themselves are completely different. I love Chicago, and think it's a great city...but in many ways it seems like they're constantly trying to compare themselves or somehow measure up to NYC.

That's not meant as a bash against Chicago, because there's nothing wrong with emulating a city as amazing as New York. I'm just saying it's not as if Chicago is on a different planet than NYC.

[thePR]

Originally Posted by tmac9wr

I love Chicago, and think it's a great city...but in many ways it seems like they're constantly trying to compare themselves or somehow measure up to NYC.

You've got that all wrong. It's more like the media pulls it out of nowhere and then New Yorkers say that Chicago doesn't have anything like New York so we have to defend ourselves. THAT'S what happens.

[Truthfully19]

Lol no no I have never heard anyone here in chicago talk about chicago in relation to ny..aside from city data people from chicago dont do that