College Graduate leaving Chicago

[Brucemm]

Originally Posted by sargeant79

I grew up in Chicago and lived there most of my life until almost 5 years ago. I also decided enough was enough with the weather (and traffic, lack of parking, high cost of living, etc) and moved out west. Between the beautiful weather and the scenery out here, I haven't looked back. You asked about the weather affecting your mood and I can tell you it definitely does. The fact that you might go a month without seeing the sun during Chicago winters is just depressing. I'm much happier with the sun out all the time.

That all said, I'm going to echo what some other posters have said about making sure you understand what a great city you're in already. If I was still 22, I might have a different opinion about the importance of the weather relative to the ability to live in a vibrant, walkable neighborhood with plenty of nightlife. I've been to cities of all sizes all over the country, and very few have what Chicago does. Roosevelt Row in downtown Phoenix is probably a very junior version of what Wicker Park used to be 15-20 years ago, but smaller and with less nightlife. Aside from that, Tempe is probably the only other area that is somewhat close to anything you might find in Lincoln Park or Wicker Park, and even that is debatable.

One question about where you're from... Are you from the city or the suburbs? If you're from the suburbs and that is more along the lines of your comfort level, then you'd probably be fine here. Phoenix is very suburban, and Old Town Scottsdale might be right up your alley. But if you're from the city and/or looking for a true urban experience while you're in your 20's, I'd probably steer you more toward Austin.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

Thanks for the detailed response Sergeant, I really appreciate it.

First, I'm ecstatic that the weather has a positive impact on your mood. I'm much happier when the sun is out, and imagine myself doing some kind of activity outside, no matter how hot it may be.

I appreciate you echoing how great of a nightlife/overall environment Chicago offers for a 22 year old. I am willing to sacrifice that, however, as I don't want to deal with another Chicago winter if I don't have to. I will be disappointed in myself thoroughly if I am a married 28 year old sitting at home in the winter with nothing to do, regretting deeply never trying to move to a warmer climate. For that reason I am willing to leave the vibrant Chicago neighborhoods.

I've grown up in the suburbs my entire life. I am comfortable here but do desire at least a somewhat urban environment that offers fun nightlife for an independent person just out of college. I'm getting the vibe that Austin, Tampa, and the LA area might be a better fit for me than Phoenix.

Thanks again for your input.

[sargeant79]

Originally Posted by Brucemm

Thanks for the detailed response Sergeant, I really appreciate it.

First, I'm ecstatic that the weather has a positive impact on your mood. I'm much happier when the sun is out, and imagine myself doing some kind of activity outside, no matter how hot it may be.

I appreciate you echoing how great of a nightlife/overall environment Chicago offers for a 22 year old. I am willing to sacrifice that, however, as I don't want to deal with another Chicago winter if I don't have to. I will be disappointed in myself thoroughly if I am a married 28 year old sitting at home in the winter with nothing to do, regretting deeply never trying to move to a warmer climate. For that reason I am willing to leave the vibrant Chicago neighborhoods.

I've grown up in the suburbs my entire life. I am comfortable here but do desire at least a somewhat urban environment that offers fun nightlife for an independent person just out of college. I'm getting the vibe that Austin, Tampa, and the LA area might be a better fit for me than Phoenix.

Thanks again for your input.

Sure thing. It sounds like you thought this through, and if the weather truly is factor #1 than I would definitely urge you to get out of Dodge. Your 20's is the time to find your niche and try out new things/places, so go for it.

Tampa is pretty meh, but the weather will be great. LA has all the worst of Chicago but with much better weather. Personally, I loathe most parts of LA (I have to go there for work often), but I'll give you that there probably aren't many better cities for nightlife. The cost of living is ridiculous though...you'll be lucky to find a 1-br apartment that isn't in a dumpster fire of a neighborhood for less than $1,500-$1,800 a month. I'm sticking to Austin as my answer for you as it has the best combination of good weather, abundant nightlife, and affordability.

[DougStark]

Brucemm, I wrote a reply, but somehow it got erased.

I'd recommend San Diego for your circumstances. The climate is better than Phoenix and it has more to offer for a young, single person I believe. You'd likely have to share an apt. with roommates because it's so expensive, but that's not a bad thing for someone your age. The beach communities there are loaded with people your age.

[AZgarden]

Hmmm. I didn't see San Diego on his list.

[Brucemm]

Originally Posted by sargeant79

Sure thing. It sounds like you thought this through, and if the weather truly is factor #1 than I would definitely urge you to get out of Dodge. Your 20's is the time to find your niche and try out new things/places, so go for it.

Tampa is pretty meh, but the weather will be great. LA has all the worst of Chicago but with much better weather. Personally, I loathe most parts of LA (I have to go there for work often), but I'll give you that there probably aren't many better cities for nightlife. The cost of living is ridiculous though...you'll be lucky to find a 1-br apartment that isn't in a dumpster fire of a neighborhood for less than $1,500-$1,800 a month. I'm sticking to Austin as my answer for you as it has the best combination of good weather, abundant nightlife, and affordability.

I appreciate your advice, and it does seem like Austin offers the best variety of those options. I am not certain yet that there will be a spot in the Austin office for the company. But if there is, it will be hard to say no to that!

[Brucemm]

Originally Posted by DougStark

Brucemm, I wrote a reply, but somehow it got erased.

I'd recommend San Diego for your circumstances. The climate is better than Phoenix and it has more to offer for a young, single person I believe. You'd likely have to share an apt. with roommates because it's so expensive, but that's not a bad thing for someone your age. The beach communities there are loaded with people your age.

From what I know right now, San Diego isn't an option. That could change though as the process continues and I would definitely say SD is a tier 1 option over Phoenix. Even though the cost of living there would be tough initially as I'm not making much money.

Thanks for the input I appreciate it.

[DougStark]

Originally Posted by azdr0710

do you really have to move (for the job)?......all you mention above (except for #1) is right there in one of the world's great cities!

but I know what you mean....big decision....pros and cons to every place.....be warned that Phx is not remotely as neighborhood-ish as Chicago....lower density, less tall buildings, very spread out....there are a few walkable 'hoods in the central areas of Phx, but nothing like the legendary neighborhoods of Chicago....

wherever you go, join meetups and similar to meet people....there are many more people out here who are non-natives than in Chicago and I think there are many 20-somethings chasing the dream, too

That's one of the things I love about Phoenix- people here are from all over! It adds a lot to the diversity of a city, I believe.

[sargeant79]

Originally Posted by Brucemm

From what I know right now, San Diego isn't an option. That could change though as the process continues and I would definitely say SD is a tier 1 option over Phoenix. Even though the cost of living there would be tough initially as I'm not making much money.

Thanks for the input I appreciate it.

San Diego is an outstanding city. If it weren't so damn expensive, my wife and I would live there right now. Perfect weather, ocean, mountains close by, great nightlife, etc. If you can afford it, go for that one.