Single woman, 43, professional writer -- should I move to Chicago? (find a job, living)

[losscutter702]

How is the economy right now in Chicago, and are there jobs available for writers and editors?

In terms of finding like-minded friends there and potential dating partners, what is the male/female ratio? Are there many single people in their 30s and 40s who are interested in the arts and politically liberal?

[chitown85]

The economy is horrible. I cannot sugercoat it. There are some industries doing better than others. If you are persistant and have the skills, you can find a job. Depending on where you are moving from, Chicago has a much lower cost of living than other major major cities.

Most people in Chicago are politically liberal. You tend to still see some social conservatives (but still Democrats) among the ethnic whites, but that is changing as well.

There are a lot of single people in their 30s and 40s. I think the male/female ratio is pretty even for singles at that age group. I know there are much more single females in the 20s and early 30s range than males in that same age range.