Retiring to Chicago

[sfcambridge]

Originally Posted by MassVt

Let's not exaggerate the "Chicago winter" factor when discussing retirement options. THere are also many cab options, and taking an occasional cab in Chicago is not going to break the bank (especially when compared with the upkeep of a car, i.e. gas, insurance, maintenance, payments, etc).

I'm speaking about what it is like to be older and have permanent mobility issues/pain etc.. and trying to live in Chicago in the winter. You don't realize how poor neighbors and businesses can be about clearing sidewalks and curb cutouts so that you can safely walk to the train. And wet/snowy train station steps..... Falls are common. It is what it is.

Of course there are many many people who retire in Chicago and enjoy city living. And of course, most people are stunned when they develop health problems and try to accommodate to snow. It ain't pretty.

I still favor city living for many retirees.... but my main reason is to be close to good medical care! Sad, I know... but it's what I learned from my parent's experience. Always live within ambulance distance to a decent hospital...

I encourage the OP to come out and spend a couple weeks of vacation here, especially during the winter, and take public transportation from the area you want to live in to places you would like to go.

[ToriaT]

My mom was disabled. She lived with a walker quite happily in an elevator building with underground parking and did well. Yes it would be really tough if she had to navigate the streets, no way to do it she could not walk much.

[eureka1]

I really appreciate this discussion as I have had fantasies of retiring (or at least living ) in Chicago.

[NOLA101]

If you are fine with the miserable winters, then go for it!

Are you sure you really understand these cities, though? You claimed that Chicago had "exactly same big city feel" as NYC, yet they are nothing really alike, then you claimed that you wanted to move to Chicago to "experience four seasons" when like 90% of the U.S. has the equivalent of four seasons. Do your research, visit different places, and good luck. Maybe take a one year lease and see how it goes.

If you're fine with no car in February, waiting outside for the bus in gritty Logan Square in subzero temps, then you will be fine year-round. Not my idea of retirement, but different strokes for different folks.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by joe1024

Everybody seems to talk about 'L' as if it was the only way how to go around the City. But it isn't...

Nobody is saying that -- but let's be realistic, if you want to get around town with any kind of speed, living near an L line is key. Bus coverage is comprehensive, but not time-efficient (with the exception of rush-hour express service on LSD).