Ditching Houston for Chicago!!!WoHOOO (crime, to live, stats)

[rgb123]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

Live on the North Side and take a cab to Midway when you need to fly!

Personally, I would not recommend this. Way to expensive and its too far. I know people who fly need to be on time. At least if you rely on the el you can get a good idea of when the train is going to come and it will be pretty reliable. I think the closer to the orange line the better, or at least the closer to the expressway the better.

I would definitley look at South Loop and Printers Row. I would also consider Ukranian Village and Bucktown and that area there, or anything you can find downtown that you can afford. Maybe even look around UIC.....but that would not be for me I dont think, it would be an option to consider though.

[rgb123]

Originally Posted by nanannie

Have you ever been to Houston ?

no Nanannie, that is why I asked. I'm trying to learn a little about the poster, and also a little bit about the differences between Chicago and Houston. I am flying to Houston next week though, so I'll sure let y'all know what I think.

[Ron.]

Good Answer

Originally Posted by dontcallmeshirley

A LOT!

No driving
More culture...WAY
More nightlife.
More singles life
Better weather. don't laugh.. this is not a joke. have you suffered through 30 years of 100 degree weather March-October?
Architecture
Less crime
No driving
No Car
No buying fuel for said car
No auto insurance, maintenance, you get the idea
BASEBALL!



More ci

[SoonToBeChicagoan]

I was in your shoes this time last year. Born and raised in Houston, I moved to Chicago from Houston last August and absolutely love it!

This winter was supposedly the lowest temperature and most snow Chicago has seen in nearly 30 years, but honestly, I was bracing myself for even worse! It takes getting used to, but I agree with you that if you can survive Houston summers, you can definitely survive Chicago winters. And don't believe Chicagoans when they tell you summers here are humid -- I was here in the summer of 2006, and they don't know what real humidity feels like.

I just graduated from UT Austin in May (23 years old) and live in Wicker Park/Bucktown. I love the neighborhood -- it has great nightlife, restaurants, public transportation, etc. I pay $950 + utilities for a good sized 1 bedroom/ 1 bath unit with hardwood floors, central heat and A/C, dishwasher, in-unit washer dryer, and a patio. So in the $1500 range, you can find a really nice place. I like to think of Chicago rent prices being in between Houston and NYC prices.

The one thing I really miss about Houston, though, is the barbeque, Tex-Mex, and of course the Houston Rockets!

Welcome to Chicago!

[dontcallmeshirley]

Ahh, yes. Well, I plan on stocking up n the BBQ sauce and finding a grill somewhere. I will miss a good 3am Taco Cabana run, though I am sure there are some good late night grub places up there, too.

Originally Posted by SoonToBeChicagoan

The one thing I really miss about Houston, though, is the barbeque, Tex-Mex, and of course the Houston Rockets!

Welcome to Chicago!

[TecWmn]

I know you are concerned about the commute to MDW - but Lincoln Square is a perfect fit for what you are looking for.....the only place closer to MDW that I was looking at was the South Loop and your $$$ does not go as far.

I just signed a lease in Lincoln Square (being 30-something with mostly the same criteria) on a 2 bed, 2 bath Coach House with a yard for $1400.

I wish you much luck!

[Oildog]

The South Loop is the place for you, especially if working at MDW. I had a 1/1 condo in the area and it was great. Walk to museums bars restaurants Grant Park etc. Take the Orange line to work as well.

[Oildog]

I should add that I was transferred to Houston from my South Loop Condo in 2003. The downside of Chicago as an owner was I got 1100 sqft in the S Loop, while I got 1750 sqft in the Midtown/River Oaks area for my townhome (and garage) at a similar price. The Printers row area and S. Loop is a little quieter nightlife. More like a bunch of nice pubs and restaurants.with several open to 5 if you need that. Besides its safe and once your a resident you dont party much on Rush street with the tourists and suburbanites.

Its pretty centrally located and you can get to most (desirable) places for $7 cab ride. I lived in Bucktown and it was too much fun, but it was 20 minutes of commute time just to get to the Stevenson (55) from North Avenue on most days.

[AK123]

Originally Posted by dontcallmeshirley

K, so I am taking a work transfer to Chicago for August. Not worried about crime, as Houston is far more dangerous. ...

Doesn't seem like THAT huge of a difference to me... but good luck anyway. I think you'll like it.
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[dontcallmeshirley]

WOW WOW WOW! Did you see the difference in the rape stats??? Is that a misprint??

Originally Posted by JJP

Doesn't seem like THAT huge of a difference to me... but good luck anyway. I think you'll like it.

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