Thinking of moving out of Chicago area

[Vlajos]

Originally Posted by equipt31

Since this came up a couple times already I want to clarify, by "politics" I don't necessarily mean politicians but rather the decisions made that affect me. For example, Chicago has had red light cameras giving out $100 tickets for a couple years now (never a victim) and just passed an ordinance for speed cameras in school/park zones which will surely spread (although this should cover 1/2 the city as-is). I fear the day when we resemble Europe and have speed cameras planted on highways. The meter-lease deal was a huge disaster that I think will hurt taxpayers heavily down the road, and the budget is still a mess regardless. Plus, parking downtown has to be 5 times more expensive than it used to be.

The tollway system just increased tolls 80% this year and state income tax rose 60%, I know the tolls/taxes were low to begin with but if those attractive features are now gone then why not move elsewhere? I think IL/CHI needed lower rates, regulations, and enforcement to keep it competitive with other major cities that boast things like weather, low taxes, etc. The fact that people are moving out of IL and CHI goes to show that something isn't right.

I like the speeding cameras.

I rarely drive on highways.

Parking downtown should be expensive, it's still impossible to find street parking. Demand seems to imply rates should be increased. I agree though, the parking meter lease deal sucks, the City should have increased rates and kept ownership.

Rahm balanced the budget.
The Columbia Chronicle

[chris0681]

So are people from Chicago saying that Chicago doesnt have a young population (late 20's to early 30's)? I dont see it being an old population. I live in northern Michigan and here its an older population. Im 30 and Ive considered moving to Chicago to be around young professionals, and its a car ride home, rather then a flight. But what are the best places to be around a young population and a good job market? I know Cali has a horrible economy right now, (not that the rest of the US isnt better but I dont have much confidence in the Cali market) my only other thoughts were maybe Miami or certain parts of NYC.