Is Chicago as stressful as NYC? (Time: lease, appliances, tenant)

[ChiNaan]

Originally Posted by glass_of_merlot

Seriously, who the hell wants to live in NYC. It seems like hell on earth for most "normal" people who just trying to work and raise a family. Unless you are rich, NYC is only for visiting. too bad

None of the people I know in NYC are rich, and they live good lives. They're generally in small apartments in Brooklyn, though. (A couple are in rent-control places in Manhattan.)

[Bluefox]

Originally Posted by sheaosaurus

So what do people in Chicago do in the winter to get away from work for a while and de-stress when it is to cold outside to enjoy outdoor activities? I have noticed that some people go to Michigan (is that like our Hamptons?).

SW Michigan is definitely not the Hamptons. But yes, Southwest Michigan has several resort towns popular with Chicagoans, many of whom own vacation properties in the area, or spend weekends there enjoying other things in the area like wineries, beaches, spas, b&bs, etc. Also, I feel like this area has only become really popular with Chicagoans in the past 30 years or so and it's not nearly as exclusive nor expensive as the Hamptons.

[sheaosaurus]

Originally Posted by glass_of_merlot

Michigan!!!???

Some people had ski tags on their jackets, I asked where they went and they said they went to Michigan. Others I asked at school and work went to lake houses for the holidays.

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by sheaosaurus

So what do people in Chicago do in the winter to get away from work for a while and de-stress when it is to cold outside to enjoy outdoor activities? I have noticed that some people go to Michigan (is that like our Hamptons?).

Chicago is like anywhere else. Personally, I try and go somewhere like the Caribbean..or maybe parts of Europe. People go all over the place. Some might go to Florida, LA, etc, others might go to SE Asia. People pretty much go everywhere.

The western part of Michigan along Lake Michigan, yes people own homes there. It's actually a lot more beautiful along certain parts of Lake Michigan than you might think.

[sandlapper]

In regard to the OP, Not even close. Chicago is way more laid back and livable, in my opinion!!!

[TBideon]

We're more violent, they're more expensive....it's a tough call.

[Chicagoist123]

Originally Posted by marothisu

Just like here....someone making $40,000/year isn't going to be able to live in River North, Streeterville, or most of the Gold Coast (except a few buildings). Translate that to a much broader area. Of course people in NYC make all sorts of money. The difference is that they don't live in Manhattan or other desirable areas when they make under the average except in **** circumstances. Sad but true.

Chicago overall is a better deal. Don't get me wrong, NYC is an amazing city, but I feel like it's fairly romanticized in a number of ways. The reality of it is that if you want to live like certain people you've seen on TV shows or movies there, you have to pay up a little. There are definite ways of living that great life, but let's be honest, unless you're making over 6 figures or you're rich already, you probably won't be living a comfortable live in the East Village anytime soon.

My mom is originally from NYC and most of that side is too. My dad's side is from LA, but both of my grandparents and their families are from NYC (before that of course..Europe). My dad is first generation Non-Europe/NYC. I used to want to live badly there, but after coming down to earth and family members talking to me, I'm glad I didn't move there honestly..great for visits of course and family history ****.

I have met quite a few people that moved from NYC, born and raised there, and moved to Chicago for work. They have no desire to move back. Why? Becuase they find the standard of living here so much better. They can afford to have a much better life.

[prelude91]

Originally Posted by glass_of_merlot

Seriously, who the hell wants to live in NYC. It seems like hell on earth for most "normal" people who just trying to work and raise a family. Unless you are rich, NYC is only for visiting. too bad

Your knowledge of NYC (and the tri state area) seems to be poor at best.

[Vlajos]

Originally Posted by prelude91

Your knowledge of NYC (and the tri state area) seems to be poor at best.

Be kind, she's from Sweden and has only lived in the US for a few years IIRC.

[ParkerP]

Originally Posted by sheaosaurus

Rent control is not always nice. Since you aren't paying market, landlords want you OUT. As well, your apartment will most likely not have been renovated since the early 90s (unless you paid for it).
In the 60's, NYC gave rent subsidies to artist, they were called AIR (artist in residence). My friend's grandfather passed this through his family and they pay $650 for a 3 bedroom in Soho. Market rent in that building for a three bedroom is $5500+. The current owner of the building is dragging them through hell, and has not accepted a rent payment in over 5 years, nor have they done any work to the apartment.

You know what, I think I read about something like this on another board I frequent. Like if the refrigerator breaks in the rent controlled apartment, they don't get a nice new stainless steel replacement like the market rent ones. They get plain used white ones. Or the kitchen counter is replaced with old laminate instead of granite. Can't say I agree or disagree with the landlords doing this but its fascinating stuff. I can't really pinpoint if this is done in Chicago as much because from what I've seen and experienced, once a building decides to sky-rocket its rent or turn into luxury condos, that's it. Everybody has to get out. Maybe someone else here knows?