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Phoenix, and in particular Arizona, have more momentum and significantly fewer problems than Chicago and Illinois. But Chicago is more a real city with a lot of understated value.
But really, apply for jobs in your field in both and see what the wages are. Check home values and taxes and determine what city offers a better quality of life based on the salary.
Share your budget and career field and you will get better answers.
Yes both these cities are very different are nowhere near each other, at least a 4 and a half hour flight away. Phoenix is obviously much warmer and sunnier because it is in the desert, getting summer highs of 104 and lows of around 85 with winter in Phoenix getting highs of around 66 and lows of around 45. Chicago is a lot colder, especially in winter, with summer days being about 85 and summer lows around 70, Chicago winter days are usually almost always below freezing with highs around 30 and lows around 16. Both cities have high crime rates, African American gangs dominate Chicago, whereas Hispanic gangs dominate Phoenix, however Chicago is a lot more dangerous than Phoenix is. City wise, both cities have pretty skylines and nice tall skyscrapers but Chicago is clearly a lot better, Phoenix is the 5th or 6th largest US city with over 1 million people but Chicago has almost 3 million in the city alone, not including surrounding areas, as it is the 3rd largest US city after LA and NYC. You mentioned wanting to settle west of Chicago as opposed to a closer suburb, obviously for the crime reason, I have family in Aurora, Naperville and in Schaumburg, IL all west of Chicago and the crime is still there, but much much lower than in the city. Also Chicago gets a ton of snow in the winter, one year I visited it was like -5 F and like 6 feet of snow, I couldn't catch a flight back to NYC for another 2 weeks! But yeah if you prefer the heat and sunshine then go to Phoenix, if you prefer all 4 seasons, hot cold, sunny, cloudy, rain, snow then come to Chicago. I would chose Chicago overall as a winner just because the city is much more impressive and it has 4 proper seasons unlike Phoenix.
I know those are two completely different areas. But which would you choose to raise a family? I know it depends on many factors like job, where family is etc. But just based on the areas themselves. A very far west suburb of Chicago, or a suburb close to Phoenix?
Chicago all the way. Love the midwest! Four distinct seasons, awesome city/culture, plenty of water, real people, real food, great sports city, green lush lawns, lots of trees/forest preserves, lots of farmland in the far west burbs, yada, yada!
I'm in the far west burbs if you need any assistance/info out here.
I know those are two completely different areas. But which would you choose to raise a family? I know it depends on many factors like job, where family is etc. But just based on the areas themselves. A very far west suburb of Chicago, or a suburb close to Phoenix?
Phoenix. Hands down. The crime and cold of Chicago vs the affordability and sunny weather of Phoenix. Plus, Arizona has a stronger economy than Illinois.
BigLake is right though, maybe the mods should move this post to city vs city.
Phoenix. Hands down. The crime and cold of Chicago vs the affordability and sunny weather of Phoenix. Plus, Arizona has a stronger economy than Illinois.
BigLake is right though, maybe the mods should move this post to city vs city.
LOL Illinois has stronger economy/gdp than Arizona and Chicago GDP is much much larger than Phoenix. Phoenix weather is horrible who want be in 105 degree weather almost 6 months of year at least Chicago has 4 seasons. Both cities suffer from crime in certain areas in city.
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