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I am graduating from college with a business degree in May and I am 22 years old. I have received job offers from companies in Chicago and Orlando. My question is: Which is the better city for a young professional to live in?
The salary in Chicago is $55,000 and I realize that cost of living is quite high there. The salary in Orland is $52,000 and I realize there is no state income tax? Obvously, I think my money would go a lot farther in Orlando than it would in Chicago. But at the same time, I am young/single and this is the time to live in a world-class city (Chicago).
If you were 23 years old and getting into the business world, where would you rather be? This is in terms of social life, affordability, weather, and everything else that goes into a city. I am looking for a city with a lot of young professionals to meet and make friends with.
My concerns with Chicago is that it is expensive and there is very harsh cold weather. My concerns with Orlando is that it is a second tier city (in my mind) and is very hot all year round.
Anyone who has any experience with these cities, your opinion is welcomed.
The taxes and cost of living are higher in Chicago...but they're not that bad. Your dollar will still go further in Chicago than it would in places like SF, LA, Boston, NYC, or DC. Depending on your industry, there is probably more job growth opportunity in Chicago.
In terms of the cities themselves, Chicago blows Orlando out of the water in my opinion. There are some amazing neighborhoods in Chicago for young professionals. It's a huge, exciting, cool city...it's just...I don't know, I love Chicago. If you haven't been, I'd highly recommend visiting. I think you'll understand better once you experience it yourself.
It depends on the fields you are in. Chicago overall is going to be the superior choice long term in most cases but it also depends on your industry. Also keep in mind that if Orlando and it's nightlife and attractions don't appeal you can just spend a few weekends in Miami. Also keep in mind you would be a king with that salary in Orlando and probably get more girls and have much more disposable income. Chicago would give you more of a desnse cosmo feel and while the money won't stretch as far there will be more options in lifestyle.
For someone post college, Chicago offers a better living environment. Sure it's cold and the cost of living is higher than Orlando, but it is the best opportunity for someone to live in a world class city at a much smaller cost than NYC, DC, Boston, and SF.
Sure the weather is bad, but depending on your industry, offers the best place for advancement. There are tons of other post college types in Chicago. For right now, your best option is Chicago. Chicago is much harder to break into once you have a family. Orlando is much easier if you have a family due to the costs of buying a home.
I do know people who have left Chicago for Orlando due to the weather and small business climate. Those who have left tend to be early 30s. They are not looking for tons of bars and clubs anymore. Orlando is a fine city, I never got much into it, but there is still stuff to do.
The choice boils down to professional and social life for you right now. Maybe in 5 years you will want to move, and after working at a Chicago business, that will open more doors for you than if you were in Orlando.
Chicago is a pretty poor choice right now, because it has, by far, the highest job losses in the nation right now.
Chicago lost about 70,000 private sector jobs in the last 12 months. The second worst city, Detroit, lost about 30,000 jobs.
So unless you have a job lined up, Chicago would be a poor choice.
Orlando has a much healthier economy.
Don't you mean Chicago lost 70,000 private sector jobs a month not annually? This would go together with your previous 300 posts on the subject.
The OP said he had a job offer anyway. So that would make it 69,999 jobs lost.
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