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For those people who checked out Chicago, and didn't care for it, what cities DID you like?
NYC, L.A, San Fran ?
I'm just asking this because I've been in Chicago for a few weeks so far, and it's not that I don't like it... It's just not a place I would want to live long-term for some reason...
So basically, I want to find a city that fits me better....
What are you looking for in a city? No city is a perfect fit for everybody. Chicago, NYC, LA etc shouldn't pretend to be. If you name some of the characteristics your looking for in a city it would help. Luckily America has tons of cities that are each unique and should fit the molds of almost anybody. You should take advantage of the diversity of cities that this country offers. There's literally something for everybody.
Most people who live in Chicago are raised there. As in any city, in order to like it, you have to know it's history and areas that offer a quality of life. Inner cities, well that's a whole different story, but the suburbs are much different.
It might help to know what you don't like about Chicago or what your needs are that aren't being met by living here. For what it's worth, the main destination for Chicagoans who decide to move on is Phoenix. As of a few years ago, nearly 1/3rd of Maricopa County's population originated in the Chicago area.
I have talked to hundreds of people and not one has said anything bad about Chicago asides from its harsh winters
On another thread it was discussed that Seattle is more similar and comparable to Chicago so you might want to look there.
For what it's worth, the main destination for Chicagoans who decide to move on is Phoenix. As of a few years ago, nearly 1/3rd of Maricopa County's population originated in the Chicago area.
I can believe it! There are Chicago transplants everywhere around these parts. I prefer NYC (Manhatten sp?), most of LA, and all of San Fran as a place to live over Chi-town, anyday. I found it to be a fun city to play for a few days, but I would never want to move there long term. With a rapidly sprawling metro area, and many of its own transplants moving by the thousands to places like Phoenix and Houston, I feel comfortable in saying that I am not alone.
Depends where you're from. Seems that most people that I knew from the west coast hated Chicago while most east coast transplants liked it. Similar pace and vibe only cheaper. It also depends what you didn't like. If you hate the weather but like the size I'd check out LA, Houston/Dallas or Miami. I've never been to Philly but have often heard it's like a smaller Chicago and I also knew that many of the problems with Chicago you'll find in Boston. Then again, just MHO, the elitists that overpopulate these forums will arrive soon to tell you exactly where to go and why or you'll live a miserable life amongst the hicks.
I can believe it! There are Chicago transplants everywhere around these parts. I prefer NYC (Manhatten sp?), most of LA, and all of San Fran as a place to live over Chi-town, anyday. I found it to be a fun city to play for a few days, but I would never want to move there long term. With a rapidly sprawling metro area, and many of its own transplants moving by the thousands to places like Phoenix and Houston, I feel comfortable in saying that I am not alone.
Of course you're not alone.
There are people who are forced to live in Chicago due to jobs and hate it, and there are people who are forced to live in Phoenix do to jobs and hate it (like tons of my parents friends who wish they were back in Chicago for the same reasons you listed - Phoenix sprawl, unhappiness, ugliness, etc.).
If people talk dirt about a city, it's not necessarily the city - many times it's the person. For example, I would prefer Chicago and San Francisco over any other cities in the US (NYC would be third, but it's way to expensive for me).
If I have to force myself to move to Phoenix for a job, I would do it. I would be upset about living in Phoenix at first, but I'd make the best of it. It obviously wouldn't be Chicago or New York or SF, but you can find plenty to do there and keep you occupied (sightseeing, cultural events, etc.)
If you lounge in your unhappiness, of course you'll always be unhappy, because you're choosing to be.
If you lounge in your unhappiness, of course you'll always be unhappy, because you're choosing to be.
I couldn't agree more! I wish more people had your take on the matter.
Last edited by arizona sunset; 07-06-2008 at 08:53 PM..
Reason: typo....maybe one of these days I'll learn to spell
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