Moving to Chicago?

Hey--- I woke up in Chicago yesterday!

A close friend of mine has lived in the Ukrainian Village area for 20 years, and up until recently owned a bar in Logan Square. The Logan Sq. area is up and coming, but it can still be dangerous-- this is the big city after all. A guy was shot to death right outside of my buddy's bar this Winter--so although it's getting safer, you'll still need to keep your wits about you. Most of the violence in the city has been gang on gang--so as long as you aren't one of them, your chances of survival greatly improve.

Traffic sucks--- Rush hour starts at 2pm or so and lasts until 7pm. You will have no fun driving in the city--- although for a massive place, the drivers are pretty courteous. (well, compared to Boston at least! )

If you do take the plunge, try to find a garage / storage area for a fun car. Parking on the street, your car will die a horrible, tortured death. Between the thieves, errant snowplows, and other cars, Chicago will devour your car in short order. A low car just isn't an option in the city--- too many damaged roads, random debris, etc.

If I moved back--- I'd get a WRX /STI, and outfit it like a rally car. (higher than stock / skid plates / etc.) Then it may have a chance at surviving--- but only if you have a safe, enclosed place to park it. A good option is to buy a $1,500 beater for daily / city use, and throw it away in a couple of years---once it has started to disintegrate.

Chicago is my favorite big city-- and since Slick is from just North of the border, I'm sure he is pretty darn familiar with it. Good racetracks like Autobahn Country Club, Blackhawk Farms, and of course Road America are nearby. They have fun outdoor karts at Autobahn, and indoor karts at Chicago Indoor Karting in Addison--- which is pretty close to the city. (30 min or so)

Chicago has a lot to offer-- it would be a ton of fun to be a single 20-something in that city! At least in the Spring, Summer and Fall!

Lol at #4.

There's not a whole lot you can do with a tourist on LSD besides shoot them or study their habits, whichever you prefer at the moment.

In reply to The_Jed:

berkeley

Swank Force One wrote:

SlickDizzy wrote: In reply to Swank Force One: That's the thing. Other than driving out of the city or to a friend's place, where I would park on the street, pretty much any errand or commuting would be taken care of on the L train. Driving to work in Chicago is not for the thrifty, nor the faint of heart... So, if I'm selling the Miata, what fun cars have a lot of suspension travel?

I'd probably build a PreRunner a la Trophy Truck if i were to live there. Something like a Bowler Wildcat would be nice.

I grew up and still live in the Chicago area. I have very seriously contemplated doing this if I lived in the City again. Suburbs for me.

Ended up eating at Bob-O's on Irving Park near Norridge- pretty awesome food. Holy crap, EVERYTHING is expensive in Cook county. Do. Not. Want. I'll stay out of Chicago from now on.

beans wrote: Ended up eating at Bob-O's on Irving Park near Norridge- pretty awesome food. Holy crap, EVERYTHING is expensive in Cook county. Do. Not. Want. I'll stay out of Chicago from now on.

Dude, you should have gone to Edelweiss for some German food. And then drove down to Midwest Buy and Sell, awesome guitar store. Then go to Cardinal Liquors to get the hard to find Polish Beer that I like.

Next time I feel like getting raped for $40 in tolls and nearly run off the road every 5 minutes on 294/80 in the area, I'll check it out.

beans wrote: Next time I feel like getting raped for $40 in tolls and nearly run off the road every 5 minutes on 294/80 in the area, I'll check it out.

I80 means everyone must fly at 80mph even though it's posted at 55mph. We call it keeping up with the flow of traffic.

Ultimate Chicago vehicle:

^Much want.

If you are going to do it then do it right. :)

Datsun310Guy wrote:

beans wrote: Next time I feel like getting raped for $40 in tolls and nearly run off the road every 5 minutes on 294/80 in the area, I'll check it out.

I80 means everyone must fly at 80mph even though it's posted at 55mph. We call it keeping up with the flow of traffic.

Speed is fine, I've driven through there lots en route to Nebraska and Colorado. It was the not looking while switching lanes without a turn signal once a mile and people running red lights constantly that freaked me the F out. Seemed like thats how everyone drives out there.

beans wrote:

Datsun310Guy wrote:

beans wrote: Next time I feel like getting raped for $40 in tolls and nearly run off the road every 5 minutes on 294/80 in the area, I'll check it out.

I80 means everyone must fly at 80mph even though it's posted at 55mph. We call it keeping up with the flow of traffic.

Speed is fine, I've driven through there lots en route to Nebraska and Colorado. It was the not looking while switching lanes without a turn signal once a mile and people running red lights constantly that freaked me the F out. Seemed like thats how everyone drives out there.

Ah, you actually got off the interstate. Yeah, you don't do that in Chicago.

I drove it two three days a week for years, often with a 18' trailer behind a pickup. Find your spot and dont hesitate.

I don't like the 80mph and a guy inches from your bumper. I like a little open space ahead of me when we're flying.

Gas is expensive, drafting helps us save some.

Polls of people who live in big cities usually have Chicagoans liking theirs the best.