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Yup, this is obvious and is what the majority of posters have mentioned. Chicago offers a similar experience to NYC, but on a smaller scale and less expensive. As you have mentioned, Philly does as well.
It strikes a nerve with this poster when Chicago is paired with NYC and other NE cities, and DC is left out (since it's an outlier and doesn't offer the traditional "big-city" experience that the NE cities do- NYC, Philly, Boston). The fact that everyone on this thread is mentioning that Chicago will provide a better NYC-light experience than DC hurts.....
Yeah, if you are looking for NYC-light, Chicago is not quite it. The vibe in Chicago is very different. While it may "look" like NYC-light because of its built environment, it does not feel like it once you get here.
In my experience Toronto is what comes closest to the international vibe that NYC gives. I feel like Toronto is more similar to NYC than Chicago is. But then we would be crossing borders.
Not sure why one would leave NYC for Chi honestly.
Chicago has its positive attributes and it's not a bad choice, but if I were a high income business owner like the OP says their friend is, the city and state's fiscal situation would be a turn off.
I think the OP's friend should spend some time in each to get a feel and vibe. If they make that kind of money they can certainly afford to stay in each city 2 weeks.
IMO I think it's between Chicago and Miami, and edge to Miami. Aside from climate change, I think Miami has the brightest future, just based on the way it's growing.
Location: That star on your map in the middle of the East Coast, DMV
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Not sure why certain posters get so butt hurt easily from practical assessments. NO pertaining to this specific OP being presented, I don't see what the purpose of leaving NYC for Chicago would make in comparison to choosing the others.
If he's looking for NY-lite with lower prices, why not stay close to home and move to Philly? In both Miami and Washington DC, you get significantly different types of city/metro areas surrounding them that offer a great change of pace, and different setup/style than NYC. With the case of DC you can just shoot back up to NYC whenever you want to.
All of these places are a "step down" from NYC, so arguing about the little tidbits between them is moot. DC most diverse/jobs, Miami best weather/fun, Chicago biggest feel/ best food. To me the latter would not be enough for me to choose it in front of the other two IF I were coming from NYC.
Last edited by the resident09; 12-08-2020 at 08:46 AM..
Chicago on ground doesn't feel like NYC.. I've lived in both and not sure why people keeping saying it's a good substitute. With that said Chicago is great as it is without feeling like NYC.. My only concern with Chicago is weather and lack of nearby outdoor destinations or attractions.
Miami would give you the beach vibe and DC would give you easier access to NYC.
Chicago on ground doesn't feel like NYC.. I've lived in both and not sure why people keeping saying it's a good substitute. With that said Chicago is great as it is without feeling like NYC.. My only concern with Chicago is weather and lack of nearby outdoor destinations or attractions.
Miami would give you the beach vibe and DC would give you easier access to NYC.
I'm not sure why weather would be a dealbreaker if someone were coming from NYC to Chicago.
I'm not sure why weather would be a dealbreaker if someone were coming from NYC to Chicago.
Their climates are pretty similar.
Chicago winters are more intense. However, it balances it out because NYC summers an be pretty bad in their own right and Chicago summer, generally are amazing.
NYC slightly better winter, Chicago slightly better summer. Pick your poison.
I'm not sure why weather would be a dealbreaker if someone were coming from NYC to Chicago.
Their climates are pretty similar.
Winter in Chicago is much worse. The wind especially makes it unbearable and beyond the temps, it's very overcast and grey for much of winter in Chicago which can be quite depressing.
I think the OP's friend should spend some time in each to get a feel and vibe. If they make that kind of money they can certainly afford to stay in each city 2 weeks.
IMO I think it's between Chicago and Miami, and edge to Miami. Aside from climate change, I think Miami has the brightest future, just based on the way it's growing.
Agree. This comes down to Miami and Chicago. And it's an easy decision for the OP (or his friend); as they are so different and weather and lifestyle preference (urban vs beach) would make the decision pretty easy.
I can see the case for either Miami or Chicago. I think a better 3rd choice would have been to substitute Philly for DC, as it has a compelling case as well.
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