Moving from New Jersey/ New York Area. (Chicago, Atlanta: sales, rental)

[KACallDay]

I am looking for a place for me and my son to move to. Coming from a very urban place that is close is 15 mins away from NYC, I want to move into an area that has the same feel but better. By this I mean I want it to be diverse in culture, have different activities for us to do and is not a boring place to be.

My son is only 2 years old so, I would also like a place where they have some place with free or cheap early child care programs. Also, my career is a big issue. I am in the fashion field. I am a recent graduate and I do not have a concrete job or pay preference but I do not want to move to a town away from NYC that will end up being no place I can grow.

Basically, I would just like some type of info on the job types available in my field (besides basic sales associates), how the school system is in certain areas (daycare and elementary), as well the best towns or neighborhoods with diversity, culture and it is safe that is close to Chicago (30 mins max.).

[Larry Siegel]

Originally Posted by KACallDay

Coming from a very urban place that is close is 15 mins away from NYC...

Hoboken?

There is no exact equivalent to Hoboken in Chicago, but the Wicker Park/Bucktown are may meet your requirements. It's close to the same density and is full of young people. I don't know about the amenities for families with children. The public schools are nothing to brag about.

[KACallDay]

No, Jersey City. I like the urban city feel and diversity however, I hate the violence. A place like Hoboken would be nice but not for the rental prices. Thanks for your help though.

[emathias]

Despite the efforts of Daley to improve Chicago's standing in the fashion world, New York is still the place to be if you want the best growth opportunities. That said, I'm sure you're already well aware that it's cut-throat competitive in the New York fashion world, so perhaps Chicago's smaller, slower industry will better match what you're looking for.

[CHI787ORD]

Originally Posted by emathias

Despite the efforts of Daley to improve Chicago's standing in the fashion world, New York is still the place to be if you want the best growth opportunities. That said, I'm sure you're already well aware that it's cut-throat competitive in the New York fashion world, so perhaps Chicago's smaller, slower industry will better match what you're looking for.

Chicago has become significantly more fashion forward in recent years, but it is still lacking in terms of being able to make a living out of it. Chicago is a huge retail magnate though for the center of the country, and there are many exciting designers with their own boutiques in place like West Loop and Bucktown, but the industry still has a ways to go.

Fashion in the US is dominated by NYC, then way way behind is LA. I'd put Chicago's fashion scene on par with Atlanta or maybe San Francisco in terms of employment and opportunities. That said, it is less competitive here, and if you have great talent and are willing to work hard, you can do fine here.