Moving to Chicago in a Month....

[ekulio]

Uptown (where I grew up) has everything you're asking for. It's diverse (when I was little I was shocked to find out America was more than 50% white, I thought everywhere was like Uptown), very built up like New York, good nightlife, and the only hint of snobbery is on the west edge in Andersonville.

Times may have changed though. It's definitely gentrifying.

[Alacran]

Originally Posted by ekulio

Uptown (where I grew up) has everything you're asking for. It's diverse (when I was little I was shocked to find out America was more than 50% white, I thought everywhere was like Uptown), very built up like New York, good nightlife, and the only hint of snobbery is on the west edge in Andersonville.

Times may have changed though. It's definitely gentrifying.

Agreed. Along with Albany Park
Except not the built up part

[Hibou]

I assume you might have already moved, but if you haven't, I have a little tip.

If you are ever looking for housing, just drive around and look for a block that you like. It could be close to shops, a bus or train, or it could just be attractive. Get out, and look for rent signs or "managed by" signs outside the buildings.

I don't know if this would work for a condo-buyer, but it worked for me when I apartment hunted. I looked at online listings and met with rental people, but the places were shady, overpriced, and cramped. I was parked on the street I now live on, and I hopped out to look at buildings. I called one, and the woman said she had a $600/mo. studio with all utilities. Someone came to show me the place 15 minutes later, and I signed later that day. My studio is very large, sunny, vintage, and most of the people in my building are nice. Some are a little scary. My landlords are great, and I'm across from a beach and 10 minutes from the train. I guess if you have a decent job, and money is not such a problem, you'll have LOTS of options. It's worth a try, though! There are a LOT of good deals that are not advertised on major websites and publications.

I live in Rogers Park, btw. The far east side is nice!

[rogerthecat]

The city is genuinely diverse. Tons of different languages and races here. There are still little neighborhoods that are mostly Polish, mostly Russian, mostly yuppie white, mostly Mexican, mostly Korean, Chinese, Arab, etc. but the central part of the city is completely cosmopolitan and impersonal. American blacks are everywhere but concentrated most on the south side.

Bad neighborhoods are west of Western Ave. and South of Roosevelt Rd. generally. I haven't encountered anything resembling unspoken segregation or whatever you're worried about. As for employment it's kind of bleak. Low wages and high taxes. Tons of unskilled labor, jobs are filled everywhere, city trying to cut spending, etc. Chicago is not a place I would go seeking work unless you have a rare skill.