Moving to chicago, advice

[cyclonedave25]

Traffic and city driving you get used to very fast. There's no getting used to parking issues and the hoops you have to jump through. Since it was fully privatized the meter rates are through the roof and it's almost 24/7 365 days a year (yes parking tickets on Christmas day), higher rates than Manhattan. Just something you have to suck up because even if you have your own spot you have to head out places. I drove less every passing year I lived there and was happier for it. Final year I just used Uber and ZipCar car sharing when I needed a car.

The guy who said minimize your commute or work it into CTA trains and busses nailed it. That said parking and winter were the only things I didn't absolutely love.

To add to this:
Yeah, if you are always paying the meters, you will be wasting A LOT of $$$. Most areas in the city are $2.00/hour. But, once you get into the more business district areas it goes up to $4.00/hour and in the Loop it's up to $6.50/hour.
Some areas are now free on Sundays and between 10pm-8am, it just depends on the area so check the meter box.
And yes, they will ticket you so don't think you can make a quick stop and not pay.
Also, when parking on residential streets, make sure it's not zoned parking unless you have the correct parking zone sticker. Most residential areas in Chicago require Residential Parking Permits. I parked in the wrong zone last fall for about 15 minutes thinking I could get away with it... NOPE, walked outside to my car and a $75.00 ticket.

So, as you can see, parking is a huge hassle in Chicago. The less you have to drive and park, the more enjoyable your life will be.

And for the love of God, pay your parking tickets. My Co-worker got "The Boot" last week. It cost him $300 to get it taken off + his unpaid parking ticket fines. The total came out to around $800 all because he forgot to pay a couple of parking tickets issued about 10 years ago. Chicago loves to give people The Boot.

 

[bstegs]

The train system is very simple, just don't forget to transfer off the purple line at Belmont. Otherwise it is an unfu, half-hour express ride north and another back south.

Also, stay away from the Ashland and Chicago intersection. I was hit by a cab tonight and have smile concussion with swelling on the right side of my face.

 

[cyatheart]

I moved here for my first job after college a couple years ago. Lived in Uptown for a while before I moved to South Loop, which is where I work. Chicago is great, though spring, fall, and summer > winter x 100.

Corcoran's in Old Town has a small building past a patio from the main building that is all Iowa State fans during game watches, though for the most part it is pretty tame. Haven't been to Fizz during a game yet, but not during a game it is pretty fun.

Advice: live in Lakeview/Wrigleyville, you'll have fun there. Try not to go south of Sox 35th, unless you're taking an uber to Hyde park. Bike to work. Go to Maria's Packaged Goods. Take advantage of the parks. Find a friend with roof access, bonus points if you find a friend with a boat. Take the megabus back to Iowa for Cyclone games.

Feel free to PM if you have any questions.

There is one answer...Lincoln park...don't bother looking anywhere else at that age, that's where u want to be

 

[Rabbuk]

When I first started taking the L to work I thought the "Chicago" stop just meant that was the exact geographic center of the city, not Chicago Avenue. Felt like quite the idiot when I realized "oh....Chicago AVENUE." Leaving 14 years later this November I probably could have gotten around it blindfolded.

I think it's also right by Milwaukee too if my memory is right. You must have thought you were in the twilight zone.

 

[NWICY]

The train system is very simple, just don't forget to transfer off the purple line at Belmont. Otherwise it is an unfu, half-hour express ride north and another back south.

Also, stay away from the Ashland and Chicago intersection. I was hit by a cab tonight and have smile concussion with swelling on the right side of my face.

Well at least it is a happy injury. (J/K about the auto correct ) Hope you get better soon.

 

[CloneDontCare]

Mid 20s Chicago guy here. Lots of great info covered already.

Like poker (hold'em)? I got a friendly home game in the city, no rake. With legit poker table. Goes for all you other Chicago clones too. I'll be running some games throughout March Madness. Shoot me a PM.

I don't think I saw any advice about actually looking for an apartment. Which is my least favorite part about Chicago. Lots of good advice compiled by reddit here.

 

[KCCLONE712]

I just moved to Chicago a month ago. My first piece of advice is to find somewhere to live month to month if you can. Everyone has their opinion on what part of the city is best. But this is from their vantage point, not yours. I am 29 and work in Streeterville.

If you care about living in a nice place you are going to pay for it. I moved from Omaha and was paying 725 for a brand new convertible apartment. Basically a one bed room apartment with no door. In Streeterville/River North where I work this is going for about 2400 a month, no thank you.

I actually just signed a lease with a condo owner. This in my opinion is your best bang for your buck. Look on Craigslist for rooms/share and find a person who owns their condo and is renting out their extra room. I am moving in to a 2bed/2bath condo in River West (3 blocks west of River North) for 1200 a month. This includes everything. It's a really good deal, but still a nice house in Iowa.

As far as going out there are a ton of good places. I don't know a ton of people and have gone out by myself. Each time I girls have approached me and I .... sealed the deal. No effort at all, seriously, crazy. I'm not a great looking guy either. So if you're single, prepare

The area around Sheffield and Belmont is a really good time. Sheffield's bar is a great time (2 blocks from Sheffield and Belmont). There are just so many places to go and checkout. Don't discount count an area or bar just because you have heard it's stuck up or whatever. Lots of people have opinions, especially the locals. I still need to check out the Wicker park bars but have put it off because I hear there are a lot of hippsters, haha.


Gamewatches: The Fizz is a great time. Good people at the bar and Dave who runs the game watches there is a great guy. Cochran's is also a cool place and has Cyclones there.


Feel free to shoot me a pm

 

[intrepid27]

Try to live near a L station. You will get tied of the parking scene in Chicago. Especially near downtown.

 

[alars]

THIS!!! I moved to Bucktown in September. I love it but good lord, my rent is just eating up my bank account. We haven't even reached baseball season yet where I'll be at 20 Cubs games (I hope).

There really isn't a "bad" place to live if you're on the north side. The south side is a different story but I'm guessing you won't be looking around there anyway.

I just moved to Chicago in June as did one of my best friends (too bad we moved two weeks apart so we didn't get a place together). I definitely agree about the rent being expensive though! I have a one-bedroom in Logan Sqaure right now which is awesome for my commute since I need the blue line, but for my social life I wish I was over in Lakeview. I'm planning to move that way this summer with my friend to save money. If possible I'd try to find a roommate to help keep rent more reasonable.

As others have mentioned Corcoran's in Lincoln Park is a great game watch location. I went to Fizz in Lakeview for the first time for the Kstate game and it was pretty dead. There's a lot of young ISU alumni in the city though!

PM me if you have any questions!

 

[Senolcyc]

Just become a colossal anglo ****** and you'll fit right in.