Has anyone here moved to Chicago from a less populated area? (Naperville: fit in, find a job)

[apollo5427]

If so, how do you like it?

I am currently in Northern Indiana but there are very few job opportunities in my field in the area. I thought about expanding my search to Chicago but not too crazy about the idea of a 90+ minute commute each way. Thought about moving to the city (or at least closer) but have always lived in suburban areas. To those of you who made the move, how do you like it and do you have any regrets? Debating whether to move to Chicago or a smaller "big city" like Indianapolis. Any feedback would be appreciated.

[NealIRC]

I believe the vast majority of people who moved to Chicago, moved from a smaller city.

By population and in the U.S., aren't the only 2 exceptions L.A. and NYC?

[apollo5427]

Originally Posted by NealIRC

I believe the vast majority of people who moved to Chicago, moved from a smaller city.

By population and in the U.S., aren't the only 2 exceptions L.A. and NYC?

Okay, bad wording. So any other feedback?

[nana053]

Originally Posted by apollo5427

If so, how do you like it?

I am currently in Northwest Indiana but there are very few job opportunities in my field in the area. I thought about expanding my search to Chicago but not too crazy about the idea of a 90+ minute commute each way. Thought about moving to the city (or at least closer) but have always lived in suburban areas. To those of you who made the move, how do you like it and do you have any regrets? Debating whether to move to Chicago or a smaller "big city" like Indianapolis. Any feedback would be appreciated.

How small is your town? You can find a suburban location in the Chicago area that will fit your need for a *smaller* town and a shorter commute, but it will depend on where you find work, so you need to to that first.

I am not sure why you think there are no suburban areas in the Chicago area that would fit your needs.

[oakparkdude]

Are you single? Do you have kids? Can you live in a multi-unit building or are you only willing to live in detached housing?

[emathias]

I grew up in a town of 560 people. I went to college in a town of 5,000 people.

I love Chicago.

[NealIRC]

Originally Posted by apollo5427

If so, how do you like it?

I am currently in Northern Indiana but there are very few job opportunities in my field in the area. I thought about expanding my search to Chicago but not too crazy about the idea of a 90+ minute commute each way. Thought about moving to the city (or at least closer) but have always lived in suburban areas. To those of you who made the move, how do you like it and do you have any regrets? Debating whether to move to Chicago or a smaller "big city" like Indianapolis. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Are you seriously asking us whether you prefer chocolate ice cream or vanilla ice cream?

Yea, not everybody is only a farm person or only a city person. I guess there are people that are in between! Or both equally.

[chicagobear]

Chicago's great. You can find anything you want here. I grew up in St. Louis and there is no comparison.

[ToriaT]

There are many beautiful suburban areas in Chicago. You can find a place and fit in well. I think we have better places than northern Indiana here, but the costs will be higher. I think Chicago has some of the most beautiful suburbs in the world but many of the top ones come at a high price. Still there are more modest places to live. I agree you will need to find a job first. I suggest you continue to consult this forum for places to live once you know that. I also suggest you get in your car and take a drive to the Chicago area. Not downtown but go to some of the suburbs. You can do it on a day trip or weekend trip to see what you like. I suggest one trip you explore the northern (most expensive) suburbs. Go up Sheridan Road to Evanston, Wilmette, Highland Park, etc. You may not live there but its something to see and get a feel for. Drive along the lake, stop in the parks, and have lunch. Then you can easily drive back to Indiana. This could be done in one day or a weekend. Next time you visit, I suggest you visit the western suburbs, stop in La Grange, Riverside, go west to Downers Grove, Wheaton. Go to Naperville, stop for lunch. This will give you the feel for some of the top places. It also depends on your budget and job. If you can't afford these spots, the people on the board here can advise you of budget places to look near these areas.

For contrast, on another weekend, you might want to see some city neighborhoods such as Lincoln Park, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Logan Square or Lincoln Square. If you have explored all these areas you will get a feel for the places there are to live. There is much much more than I am recounting here but these are places to start.