Moving to Chicago (again)?

Two Andreas from Switzerland in the Chicago section, this will be fun.

You don't need a AWD for the Chicago winters. The streets will have much less snow than at any time in Switzerland. They invented in Chicago the opposite of "Reduzierter Winterdienst" and salt the hell out of the streets. And that one day the trucks are too busy clearing the highways, just stay home. Or walk to work. Because of all the salt however you might want to rethink a Ferrari as a year round car.

There are several elegant suburbs, Naperville is quite popular and gets high ratings nationwide. Of course as a city slicker I suggest you live downtown:

I have met many Swiss families over the years and they lived happily ever after in a condo downtown, babies or not. Pick a modern high rise and construction should be fine. Any area in downtown Chicago is safe. Basically the Loop and the area North of the Loop/River all the way and including Lincoln park. In blocks I'd say anything from about 500 South to 4000 North, from the Lake to about 300 West is safe. Not trying to pick on areas outside that box, just trying to keep it simple.

To pick a home, you need to go on a house hunting trip: You need to bring your wife and a week of time and then go from place to place with your realtor. There are tons of choices and I'll guarantee you your wife will immediately fall in love with the conveniences of US condo living. It is mind boggling coming from Switzerland. We thought we had won the lottery!

You don't really need the Gold Coast or live on the Lake, but if money isn't too tight (probably isn't because the company will pay I assume) I'd suggest one of the newer constructions around North Pier or alongside La Salle Street. Lots of high rises being built there and many have balconies (a MUST in my book).

Good luck and should you come here for a visit or for good, drop me a line and we'll have a beer. An imported one.

 

Yes , more europeans

I drive my 997 C4S year round ( well its been a year now ) and im still on summer tyres..I did get stuck one on my driveway though. I ll invest in some winter tyres this year.
A Grandsport with winter tyres should be fine .

 

If you are only going to live here for a few years you should certaintly move downtown.

This building is a great choice that is in the epicenter of it all. A few of my friends have lived in this building over time and loved it. Additionally, one my client's has corporate apartments for their temp housing for employees while in town and has had positive results. It seems there is always a number of Cubs players living there each season as well...It is as safe a part of town as your going to get with all dining and shopping in your back yard.

http://www.eugenieterrace.com/

 

Back in Europe I had summer and winter tires. Over here you're probably a lone wolf with that concept.

 

Museum Park and various other high end developments start at 1200 South and go through about 1800 South, with expensive townhomes in between. I'd consider that area pretty safe... just keep it close to the lake and north of the ghetto

 

I agree that that area is safe, but I wouldn't recommend it for this case: A bit too remote for my taste.

 

I guess after living in the suburbs most of my life, being a few blocks away doesn't seem very remote to me

I've been looking to move further north, but it's hard to justify spending so much more to live about 5 minutes closer (by cab) to everything. Then again, I work in the suburbs, so I might feel different if I worked in the loop.

 

Absolutely not a problem. Trust me. I know where you're coming from, but I have met Swiss families like yours who lived happily ever after in downtown. If the child needs to go to school, then I'd recommend living the suburbs. Naperville has one of the best public schools nationwide and Chicago some of the worst. But if the kid is below 5, you're perfectly safe in the city.

As I said, you should come here for a week of househunting to get a better idea. Then take a look a the burbs as well. I can also hook you up with a realtor who'll be happy to show you what's available on the market (rent that is). Unless you have been here for yourself you have the wrong image in your head. My parents were stunned when they came here for the first time: It is all so pretty, clean and green. Pedestrian walkways as big as the Champs Elysee, lots of things to do, lots of places to go.

Consider this: You'll be busy at work, but your wife will be thrown into an environment where she knows nobody. That isolation is greater in the burbs until you make friends with your neighbours (which could backfire of course). In the city there are plenty of things to do, museums to go and events to attend. That will keep her busy for a while and give her ample chances to network and find new friends. Finding her own roots and feet will be the biggest challenge for you guys. The downtown area can help you with that.