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Two things are getting to me about DC: 1) the small size of the city and 2) the high COL.
Admittedly, NYC would be my ideal city, I love the energy. But NYC's COL is insane. I considered Bos/Philly. But, they are probably too small.
I'm thinking Chicago might be a good fit. It is more affordable than DC and has more of a "big city" vibe.
I am really into public policy/politics, so I would definitely miss that about DC.
I guess as I see it:
Chicago ADVANTAGES:
COL, vibrant, big city excitement
DC Advantages:
Weather, East Cost location, benefits of being in the Capital.
Has anyone lived in both cities or familiar enough with them to offer an opinion? Is my analysis off base? I haven't ruled out Philly/Bos, if anyone has an opinion on those feel free to comment.
If you want a change, I would definitley go to Chicago! Chicago is a great place. Of course it will be different from the east coast but that's one of the best things about it. It's nothing lihe NY, Boston or Philly. Plus it is relatively cheaper coming from the east coast where everything is expensive as fkcu! I think Boston will be like DC because it's small. Philly maybe a happy middle.
It seems to me that you have some choices to make, such as the lower cost of living and bigger city of Chicago versus the milder climate of Washington and D.C.'s status as the seat of national government.
Some points to consider:
You're not going to get the up-close look at public polciy and politics you get in D.C. anywhere else.
If COL is a problem in Washington, that may eliminate Boston as a possibility, as the COL overall is similar to Washington's. However, this might take some investigation to determine how much it would cost to support your personal way of life.
What are the features of D.C. that make it seem small to you? Of the cities you are considering, it would seem that only Chicago is a substantially larger city than D.C. The other two have metro area populations similar to D.C.'s. That gets tricky, though, because different people seem to have different perceptions of what makes a city "seem" large or small. Considering in some detail the features of Washington that make it seem small to you would give you some basis for judging whether the other two east-coast cities would feel to you as if they were of similar size.
Definately go to Chicago. Better cost of living. Lakefront. International culture and cuisine. Great architecture. Pro sports. The people are more 'real' than New York. And its a more central location. The only downside to chicago, compared to DC or NY, is its bad winters. Other than that, Chicago is 'da bomb.
Definately go to Chicago. Better cost of living. Lakefront. International culture and cuisine. Great architecture. Pro sports. The people are more 'real' than New York. And its a more central location. The only downside to chicago, compared to DC or NY, is its bad winters. Other than that, Chicago is 'da bomb.
What does this mean?
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