Lincoln Park is in many ways the most pleasant neighborhood in the city. For sure it's the most gentrified, and one of the most expensive. But here's a hilarious site parodying the whole Lincoln Park culture, and the contempt a lot of people have for it: http://lptrixie.com. Also shows their contamination of our once edgy/hip Wicker Park neighborhood. One warning about Chicago public transportation -- yeah, it's comprehensive, and no, you don't need a car here. But the train/subway system is not as comprehensive as NYC. Chicago is a bit more spread out (but then again, what isn't compared to NYC, and it sure as hell isn't like Texas sprawl), you have to rely on buses more (whose schedules are not as reliable as trains), and generally it's harder to be sans car here than in NYC. Plus, there are some nasty f*cking trains and stations here -- although NYC has that going on too. As for day trips, I don't think there are many options here compared to other big cities. We are an island in the dull Midwest, so one of the big complaints of Chicagoans is the lack of exciting, nearby getaways. Unless you count riverboat gambling, and the actually quite scenic Wisconsin and Indiana dunes/beaches. But hey, this is a (if not the) major airline hub, so cheap/quick flights to just about anywhere are easy to come by here.
gr8-1, Good idea to stretch your legs. I left Texas for about 12 years (much longer than I had expected) to live in Southern California and Colorado. I travelled quite a bit up the West Coast and Chicago, and still have family in NY. There aren't many places I've disliked (Pueblo Colorado is one ... ), but Chicago , SF, SD, and the Pacific Northwest are all great. I must admit, if I was not finally 'settled' in Austin, I would try Seattle. The location is just stunning (the Olympic Penninsula, the Cascades, Mt. Ranier, Vancouver, San Juan Islands, Puget Sound and the lakes, the Pacific Coast, Victoria, and even the rest of BC and Portland...damn!). The rainy/misty weather never effected me, but some have a serious problem with it (I met more than one waitress who was ready to lose it). I liked San Diego a lot, but unless you can afford Coronado or La Jolla, I don't think you could really enjoy what the city has to offer. It's pretty classy but very laid-back. LA sucks. San Francisco is also pretty awesome, and is close to the wine country (wine-tasting is quite fun with a large group...or just 2). I could live in Chicago also. With Northwestern and tons of traditional bars, it had a lot more 'comfortable' nightlife (for me) than NYC. Iif you move to Chicago, be prepared to discuss sports with EVREYONE. It seems like all of the bars will have games on, and even all of the women walking through the door would ask me what the score was... Sounds fun! Good luck!
The other top 5 largest cities have been mentioned but of course Philadelphia has been ommitted in this thread, not that I blame y'all. I moved to a small town about 30 miles to the NW of Philly 2 years ago and while I don't plan to settle dwn here, (I'm only 22), there is a ton of stuff to do around here in Bucks County, PA. If you like to fish or hunt it's paradise, there are more lakes and rivers than you can shake a stick at and the shore is just a few hours away. Bucks County itself is unbelievably non diverse nothing but crackers as far as the eye can see. Got to head down to the city before you see some pepper among the sea of salt. The scenery itself is breathtaking, everywhere. I find myself constantly staring out at rolling hills, deep valleys, streams and rivers, and now that everything is covered in snow just makes it all the more. Weather wise summers are awesome while the humidity is just a bit better than Houston. It gets cold in late Septemeber and stays that way until April or so. But it does get tolerable. Snows quite a bit but we miss out on the "lake effect snow" that smashes down on Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Erie, etc. People are unbelievably nice in the burbs and in the city. There are nothing but one lane roads, so speeding tickets are pretty hard to come by and there are never any accidents. Traffic isn't too bad except driving into Philly on the Schuykhill. This of course is a major sports town and all four teams, Flyers, Sixers, Phillies, and Eagles are doing quite well. Flyers and Sixers share a new arena. Eagles get a new one next year and the Phillies get a new ballpark in 2004. Fans are harsh but they are fiercely loyal. Philadelphia itself has a great diverse nightlife with a ton of great clubs, bars, as well as theater, music, and art. The U.S.'s first zoo and art museum are here. All in all the tri-state area (Southeastern PA, Delaware, NW NJ) is worth a look. Anything you could want to see or do is in the immediate area or within driving distance including D.C., NY, Boston and don't forget Atlantic City. I would definitely recommend living in the rural areas surrounding Philly then in the city itself. There is really only one nice area to live in the city: Rittenhouse Square. Either way give it a thought at least and you're making the right decision, move around see the sites before you settle down. Good luck.
Great One posted: "Chicago is definitely a place I would want to be (apparently). I've heard that it is, in a way, a better version of NYC" Them's is Fightin Words!!!! I'm just kidding......of course I'd recommend you live in Manhattan over any other place on the continent...but let me offer some more practical locales: - Denver is great city w/ reasonable cost of living, lots of outdoors stuff to do, surprising diversity, and a healthy job market. - Boston is a little on the expensive side, but should still be considered...also, like NY, the people there can seem rude at first, but it's more just their way of interaction....IMO, they are more sincere and friendly than the people you'll meet in LA/Bay Area. Boston also has tons of young people, rich culture, and true city feel. Personally, I would steer clear of Seattle b/c it is quite expensive and it DOES rain nonstop for 9mos out of the year. Be forewarned that San Diego is also quite expensive and has been hit hard by economic recession. Good Luck finding yourself!
Maybe a baby step move to Houston? The uncertainty kinda scares me. Thanks for the responses again guys.
From everything you described here and elsewhere in the thread, I'd say make a move to Honolulu !!! Lots of culture- Asian and Hawaiian, great weather, beaches, mountains, city-life, and pretty girls. Forget the baby steps...move to Hawaii.
pippendagimp -- to tell you the truth, I'd recommend Manhattan over any other place on the continent -- maybe the planet -- as well. My wife and I are just too frikkin wimpy to live there!
New Yorkers are softy marshmallows on the inside! You and the Wifey would be the bully's round these parts Let me just add that I've really enjoyed reading many of your posts the past few months - you've been a great addition to the board!
Well, that sounds kind of like us then -- crunchy on the outside, soft chewy center. Who knows -- maybe the Windy City is just a stepping stone, and we might make it to NYC after all someday. Thanks for the kind words dude. Nice to know I'm not just, err, pissing off people left and right.
It's very close to Denver, about 25 mi from the center of town. It almost seems to be a part of the mountains and forest, and is 20 mi to Rocky Mountain National Park. You can also take a back-way straight through the mountains to hop on 70 to the big ski resorts (although you could head due south and hit it by Golden, I believe). It is hard to describe the beauty without visiting it. If you enjoy hiking, backpacking, skiing, snow boarding, and/or mountain biking, I cannot think of a better place. Also, it is a college town, so you won't go through withdrawals. I've only been there a couple of times (when I lived in Colorado), but I was very impressed. If the mountains don't do it for you, you could try the ocean and beach in Newport Beach, CA. Sure, its by LA, but you don't need to head up there if you don't want. You can also visit San Diego, Palm Springs and Santa Barbara. You'll probably need to find roommates to share a house with on the 'penninsula' (I did; worked out OK). Definitely an awesome lifestyle for 20-somethings (nothing cures a hangover like a dunk in the cold Pacific).
I just wanted to drop in with a vote of confidence... When I graduated UT 6 years ago, I was thinking about doing the same thing, but I decided to stay a while because I still had a really nice security blanket (friends) in Austin. Slowly my friends have moved away to go to graduate school or be with their spouse in another city and I'm still in Austin, "in a rut". After six years, I still have the itch to move. I'll probably be getting my professional registration in the next 6 months, so the time will be right again to give it a try. I hope I don't chicken out like last time. You would be surprised how easy it is to pack it up and move again if you don't like a place. One of my friends (in the same time I have spent in Austin after graduating) has moved back to Houston to save up some cash while living with his parents, moved to New York to get his Masters degree, and moved to New Orleans to get his PHD. Go for it. If it turns out to be a mistake, save up some money and move again. Nothing is permanent. Worst Case: You get the perspective of living in another place for a while, and you have a year of job experience under your belt to help get a better job in the future. Best Case: You find the place of your dreams. Another tip.... finding the right job might help you decide which city to move to. No city is perfect, so it is a tough choice. BTW, I'm really happy that I found this thread because I have been really been beating myself up about this very subject the last month or so.
Is it just because you've been here and haven't tried elsewhere, or do you have a problem with Austin? After graduating from UT and Tech, I left for over 12 years (Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, So. Colorado, Hermosa Beach, etc.), so I understand the allure, but I'm damn glad to be back home in Texas, esp. Austin.
I think Austin will always be home to me, but I'm itching to get out. The X factor is of course employment. How do I get a job in Chicago? I don't know who to contact.
I actually like Austin a lot more as a working person than a student. I could live here happily, but the fact that I haven't tried another place, even though I wanted to, has stayed in the back of my mind.
