Philly 'burbs vs northern Chicago (close to Abbott park) (Waukegan: lofts, neighborhoods)

[Sunduri]

Although I'm currently living outside of Raleigh, NC, I've spent most of my life in the suburbs of Philly (Cherry Hill, NJ, Bucks Co, PA and Tredyffrin Twp, PA). I've been looking for a new job for a few months now and there is a strong possibility that I might be offered a position at Abbott. Can someone share with me the differences between Philly and Chicago? That includes culture, weather, demographics, etc... I can read online about this stuff but would really like to get feedback from people who have lived in both areas. Thanks!

[lakecountylifer]

I find the Philly area and Chicago pretty similar. This includes the weather, culture and demographics. The Chicago area is flatter and more urban, while when you are 5-10 miles into Philly's western/northwestern suburbs you are in rolling country hills. The Chicago area, including the city center, is roughly twice as big as Philly. Both cities emphasize museums---Chicago's museum campuses, Phillys museum campuses + Independence hall area. Philly probably wins out on the history angle, while Chicago has a larger skyline. Both cities like their independent "beef joints": Als, Mr Beef, Portillos in Chicago----Tony Luke's, Geno's and Chickie and Pete's in Philly. Suburban areas are both serviced by local commuter trains. One of the oddities of Philadelphia is there is not a direct highway to NYC, as you have to re-connect to I-95 in NJ or head east on the Ben Franklin and hook up with the NJ turn pike. Compare this Chicago's massive highway network connecting all directions. Specifically around Abbott park, Lake county is a very desirable location. There is a choice of very wealthy housing stock, mixed with middle class/upper middle class stock and even poor areas (N Chicago, Waukegan). Plenty to choose from. If you choose to live in Central or northern lake county, you will have convenient access to all that the Chicago area has to offer plus the added benefit of Milwaukee being less than an hour away. This means access to Milwaukee's airport may make sense, as well as their casino, restaurants, theatre and sporting events when your Philly teams are playing.

[Sunduri]

Thanks, lakecountylifer. What would be the IL equivalent of South Street, Old City, and New Hope?

[Sunduri]

No one else has any feedback? There's gotta be more than one person on this site who has lived in both areas... ??

[Josef K.]

Originally Posted by Sunduri

Thanks, lakecountylifer. What would be the IL equivalent of South Street, Old City, and New Hope?

I lived in Philadelphia for a brief while. Direct equivalents for the above are kind of hard to find, but here's my take.

The closest thing to South St. would probably be the Wicker Park/Bucktown area, BUT with the large caveat that these neighborhoods are now heavily gentrified and are losing the artsy vibe they used to have. Still, you can find remnants of their former selves here and there.

Old City (where I lived): there's not really an equivalent, since nothing in Chicago is near that old. I think the closest would be Old Town and perhaps Lincoln Park. Maybe also the South and West Loop (renovated lofts and other historic buildings).

New Hope (which I lived across from, in Lambertville): Can't think of any place quite like it.

[Sunduri]

Thanks, Josef K. I thought that when I left the Philly area, I wouldn't miss it but guess there are a few fond memories of people and places that I'll always carry. If things work out with this job then I'll be looking to make similar kinds of memories in IL. <fingers crossed>