Has anyone made the move from NYC to Chicago? How’d it go, and how is Chicago compared to NYC?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at
Highlighted IconHIGHLIGHTED

SO MUCH BETTER! People are so much nicer and it’s cleaner.

like

Chicago did not work for me at all. Felt it was fronting ... like they built a Disneyland city. Doesn’t feel genuine to me.
People definitely tend to be nicer, it’s more affordable and cleaner BUT for me that doesn’t work. I want a real city with grit, dirt, chaos. That’s what I prefer. Plus Chicago’s culture seems all food & drinking & shoping. Was lacking in culture in my opinion.

like

Only 2 places I’ve lived in my life & I love Chicago so much better.

like
Recent IconRecent

I moved from Chicago to NYC, and maybe it’s because I grew up around Chicago, but I think NYC is better beyond compare. Everyone I know in Chicago is complacent. It’s also super segregated, not just the South Side. You don’t get the same variety of shops and restaurants either. It’s also brutally cold. I didn’t realize how cold until I left. With that said, it is a lot cheaper.

likehelpful

I think he/she edited it, probably a mistake. Anyways, Chicago is super segregated.

Lived in both and now live in Chicago. Overall, I prefer Chicago, but NYC is amazing right after college. Any other lifestage, and Chicago is better. When you're 22 and you want to live a big city lifestyle you saw on TV, NYCs subway commutes, tiny apartments, crowds, trash, glitzy nightclubs, fads/trends (cupcakes, cronuts...), one night stands, vibrant city scenes, series of boyfriends/girlfriends, restaurants and a handful of interesting friends to have fun, all that stuff makes NYC the best place in the country. Pick NYC if you are 22-24.

Beyond that, Chicago is better. It is where you can move when you still want culture, nightlife, public transit, big city feel, restaurants, etc, but you want to be able to afford a house (or live solo in a nicer apartment), find a spouse, save for retirement, dine/dance without a 2 hour wait and not dodge piles of trash whenever you walk outside.

It is like Chicago is 80% of NYC's benefits for less than 50% NYC's downsides.

like

Damnnnn you articulated this well. 

It depends. How do you feel about NYC? What do you love most about it? What are your expectations around what will - and won't - still be present in your life in Chicago.

I moved to Chicago from NYC, and DO NOT like it. I miss NYC a LOT. The diversity, the spark, the culture. The directness and warmth and "what you see is what you get" of the people. The feeling,walking down the road, that you're in New York f'ing City (be it an iconic spot, or a cool neighborhood block).

There are many appealing things about Chicago on paper. Lower COL. Still a big city. Many people. Variety of neighborhoods. The lake. Etc.

But for me, ther is no comparison. None. I find Chicago boring, bland and insular. I miss NYC and, when Coronavirus abates (?!), I can't wait to move back.

likeupliftingfunny

No comparison for NYC but I’m paying $1650 for 1000 sq ft, I’m a 30 minute commute to the office, the outdoors are AMAZING (even better if you have a car but VERY bike friendly). In short, I moved from TX and I probably won’t ever move anywhere else. Cold as shit in the winter though lmaooo. Ooh and legal weed if you’re into that 😸

like

Made the move and super happy with it. A bit different lifestyle but very compared. Nothing beats nyc in many ways but once you’re past the bar scene and high rent apartments with roommates chicago is an awesome next step.

like

Chicago feels bit “quaint” compared to NYC. There’s a energy and excitement about NYC that you can’t find in Chicago IMO.

like

NYC is also a world center of culture, fashion, media and finance. If you work in these fields, it’s good to be in NY.

Chicago is easily the best city I've ever lived in.

like

Dating is better in Chicago too. Better quality.

like

Female.

like

Depends what you prioritize. Agree that Chicago doesn’t have the “spark” of NYC, less fashion forward, more deeply traditional. But I love Chicago for its diverse neighbourhoods, strong identity, architecture and QOL. I’ve loved how much opportunity there is for engaging in all different communities. If you find it insular - then you need to explore more because there’s diversity in the neighborhoods. Also, being in the middle of the country, it’s easy to get around

like

I think much about New York will change post quarantine

helpful

Temporarily. People said the same thing about NYC after 9/11. NYC always bounces back.

likeuplifting

I can just speak to the NYC portion of this. Born in NYC and work here. Most ppl who tout things like “best city in the world” and “NY F’ing City” and the city’s “energy” are just visitors who come through for a few years and haven’t been a mile north of 60th or past willyburg.

Don’t get me wrong, local NYers love and appreciate the city but don’t have a skewed sense of the city. There's a saying that some ppl come to NYC to consume it, others come to live it. I'd be willing to be most ppl commenting about NYC on this app are here to consume it not live it. 🤣

like

A2...This! I grew up in one of the boroughs and lived in Manhattan for 5 years. My SO and I just broke our lease and temporarily left until we see what’s going to come of all this. I’m so tired of it already, my SO still wants to come back and keeps sending me apartments on streeteasy. I’m tired of overpaying for a tiny shoe box apartment where a washer and dryer is considered a luxury and where my money goes almost nowhere while working like a crazy person non stop to keep up to make sure I can keep paying rent. I grew up there, I’m not phased by it at all. I love the city but I’m just tired of it. It’s fun when you’re just visiting, it’s a whole different story when you grew up there.

Chicago. More bang for buck and it has a lake

Related Posts

I want/need to upgrade my work bag situation. Any tips for briefcases or laptop bags? Thanks!

EisnerAmper RESIG staff 1 (fund accounting) vs big 4 international tax

thoughts? not too knowledgeable on fund accounting/exit opportunities/ etc

mostly concerned about work and career/salary progression

asking for a friend

like

Hey All,
So As many of us join Kyndryl officially today as a spin off from IBM, Let's wish all the best to All of us.

like

I’m a sr litigation assistant at a boutique firm. I have been task to recruit, interview and hire new talent. I am shocked to hear that non-attorneys are seeking hourly rates and annual salaries higher than post-bar law clerks and first year attorneys. Is this the new norm???

like

Hi,
Can anyone refer me in BNY mellon.. i have job id..

like

Can you be put on paid administrative leave without a reason?

likehelpful

Hi Fishes,

I am a quality assurance engineer with 2 years of experience. Wanted to know how can I switch to consulting ? Are there any courses that might help me or specifically have to get a degree to switch.
Kindly help.

like

Hi all, I’m looking for a PO role in Delhi NCR
I’ve 12 years of experience
Please help refer . TIA

like

How tough is it to break into a FAANG PM role at mid-level if you have less prestigious experience? I have 10+ YOE in product, but some was at a tiny meh startup that fizzled out, some was in the digital wing of a large old healthcare org, and though my current role is GPM at a “name brand” tech company, it’s on the smaller side. Went to a good-but-not-Ivy school. What qualifications and experience are FAANG companies looking for when hiring mid-level PMs? Can I break in at mid-level from here?

like

For those who have passed the CIPM exam, what is it like (and how does it compare to the CIPP/US exam)?

First time consultant what is a good home office budget? I really want a standing desk for my sanity but at what point is it unreasonable?

like

Hey can anyone please give some honest insights on WLB and work timings at TIAA? I am looking for growth in terms of technology and learning but not by slogging for 12-14 hrs everyday...

like

I’m an associate looking to make a career move to a bigger city -New York, Chicago, Seattle, etc.- not super picky, just looking for a change and a challenge. Coming from a firm where I’ve done quite a bit - litigation, family law, and soft IP. Wanting to move into an IP centered role but I’m open to staying with litigation or family law as well. Mostly want to get out of my current city. Any advice?

like

Drew Brees or Cam Newton

like

Hello! I’m starting to look for remote Recruiter position and would love to get into the Tech industry. I’ve worked in a fast-paced, full-cycle Recruiter role in Healthcare for the past year and more of an administrative role the year before that. I have my Bachelors degree in Marketing and frequently pick up design projects for our campaigns.

I’d love to chat with anyone regarding this industry change and hear of any leads you may know of! Thank you in advance!!

like

How does cognizant takes for project allocation?

like

How many leaves are there in virtusa in a year

like

How are you chillin fish?

like

So I recently started a position with Fox. When it was presented to me in interview, I was told I would be working aligned with Fox Sports & Entertainment, not so much News. Now that I’m here, I’m seeing everything I’ll be doing is with the News team & makes me uncomfortable. No diversity, outdated software & process.
Financially, it’s the best position I been in. But mentally in this environment, it’s depressing & slow. Nothing innovative or engaging. What would you do?

like

Additional Posts in The Work-Life Bowl

Best books on entrepreneurship? Trying to find a good birthday gift for a friend thinking of starting his own company and exploring business ideas

like

Does anyone have advice on how to network during the pandemic, specifically to change careers? I’m 1.5 years out of undergrad (Economics) and I’m an SAP consultant. I’ll be going back for my masters in Economics in the fall, and I’m looking to pivot to a career in public economics/policy research.

likesmart

My team wants to start a fitness/steps challenge to motivate us to stay active while WFH- any app recommendations to encourage some healthy competition? (Preferably both Apple and android compatible)

like

Anyone worried about not being able to see boyfriend / girlfriend if we are put under lockdown and you don’t live together? Can they restrict people from going to each others houses?

likefunny

Anyone knows what happened to the flu?

funnylike

Lost heat in my house yesterday. Gas company won’t fix the issue for another week, and hotels/other places aren’t a good option due to corona. Any suggestions on what to do?

like

Non-slutty halloween costume ideas for female, pls?

like

April fools joke?

Post Photo
like

Started listening to more music at home now that we’re locked in. For those that have a nice sound system at home and have an Amazon Echo, do you port the Echo’s sound to your sound system? Debating doing that vs buying then nicer Echo Studio. Weighing the pros/cons.

like

Can anyone recommend a good standing desk under $500.

like

Does anyone else follow the Chris Chan saga?

like

Should I go home? My boss is out of town and I was told to come into work to do some assignments. I come in and there’s nothing to do. Texted my boss and he left me on read so idk what to do. I kinda just want to leave since all I’m doing is wasting time

like

Cheers to the weekend! 🌮

Post Photo
likefunnyupliftingsmart

Anyone who had COVID experiencing chronic fatigue and shortness of breath weeks and months after?

like

Lately I’ve been feeling like all my friends and family around me have such great careers and are very successful and I’m behind. I would like some help trying to figure out what my next career move should be. I know I’m capable, I just don’t know what I should be looking for in my next opportunity, or what (strategically) I need to do to work my way up the ladder. Any resources or suggestions of who I could hire to help me figure things out?

likesmart

Can I get a few likes to unlock my DMs? I’m really trying to utilize what this app has to offer and not miss opportunities! Thank you!

likehelpful

How do parents of high school age kids feel about schools potentially not reopening in the fall and only offering online classes?

like

So effing grateful to be able to work from bed while recovering from jab number 2

like

Anyone here work for Schindler Elevator Corp?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal