hippydiver 0 #1 July 21, 2005 So, me, my guitarist/best friend, and our girlfriends are looking into cities to move to (the 4 of us have all been in houston too long), and Chicago came up as an idea last night. We all know little about it except that there is a good music scene, a couple of excellent dropzones in the area, and bad weather. So, Chicago people, tell me about it. I already know the dropzones are great, so what do you think of the city itself? How's the cost of living? How's the job market? How's the music? How's the food? How's the overall vibe? etc, etc. Any other ideas for cities in the US to move to that won't cost an arm and a leg?---------- gravity rat formula 109 Team Gonzo and Team Jamaican Me Crazy no bullshit, let's just fly, be safe, and have fun. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rebecca 0 #2 July 21, 2005 QuoteAny other ideas for cities in the US to move to that won't cost an arm and a leg? You want music? Cost of living? DZ? Weird fun hippy vibe? AUSTIN, TEXAS dude! Can't beat it. you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel loquacious?' -- well do you, punk? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #3 July 21, 2005 As much as I don't want to admit it, if you're a musician and want to live well (lower cost of living, etc), then Austin really is the place to be.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #4 July 21, 2005 How well do you like snow and overcast skies for 5 months? Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hippydiver 0 #5 July 21, 2005 heh, yeah, Austin is another place on our list, I've been there 100 times, but I think the other 3 don't like the idea so much of Austin for various reasons.---------- gravity rat formula 109 Team Gonzo and Team Jamaican Me Crazy no bullshit, let's just fly, be safe, and have fun. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amanduh 0 #6 July 21, 2005 PUNK ASS!!!!!!!! YOU ARE NOT MOVING! DO YOU HEAR ME!!?!???!! Good. Now, go about your merry little day. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites AggieDave 6 #7 July 21, 2005 QuoteI think the other 3 don't like the idea so much of Austin for various reasons. Well, I don't like austin for a number of reasons too...if I wanted to be around that many wacked out hard-core weirdos I'd go to California...--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Buried 0 #8 July 21, 2005 I will have to dwell into this a bit more later, or you could pm me, but the cost of living is fairly high, but not as much as NYC. job market depends on the industry. the music scene is fanstasic - tons of local bands, live music of different types every night if you want to seek it out.. from small venues to large venues... I prefer the cheaper local shows anyways since I will not give in to giving ticket master 40% of the ticketprice in service charges. The vibes vary on what section of the city you live in. It's a big range... People take shelter over the winter, but always things to do. Too many things to do over the summer. check out these two links for things to do Metromix Chicago Reader Where is my fizzy-lifting drink? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Buried 0 #9 July 21, 2005 QuoteHow well do you like snow and overcast skies for 5 months? dont forget the pot holes and freezing winds. Where is my fizzy-lifting drink? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites hippydiver 0 #10 July 21, 2005 Oh yeah, and any sites with information. Especially sites with listings of rental houses or flats in the area would be appreciated too. Thanks.---------- gravity rat formula 109 Team Gonzo and Team Jamaican Me Crazy no bullshit, let's just fly, be safe, and have fun. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Amanduh 0 #11 July 21, 2005 How come there isn't a poll option of "Keep your hippy ass in Houston!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites hippydiver 0 #12 July 21, 2005 haha, that's probably what will happen anyway Just looking into other places.---------- gravity rat formula 109 Team Gonzo and Team Jamaican Me Crazy no bullshit, let's just fly, be safe, and have fun. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Buried 0 #13 July 21, 2005 QuoteOh yeah, and any sites with information. Especially sites with listings of rental houses or flats in the area would be appreciated too. Thanks. there is a thing called 'google' it would be your best best to check prices of rentals. Chicago reader has a listing too.. chicago.craigslist.org is another Where is my fizzy-lifting drink? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites AggieDave 6 #14 July 21, 2005 Nope, there's another more important site then google. http://www.fuckinggoogleit.com/--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Amanduh 0 #15 July 21, 2005 Quotehaha, that's probably what will happen anyway Good. Cause I cannot loose another one. First Lauren, now you are all I have left, Bill! PLEASE DONT LEAVE ME!!!!! I'm crackin myself up here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ChasingBlueSky 0 #16 July 21, 2005 Cost of living in Chicago depends on where you live. I choose the SW side since I always have parking, have a much larger place (full building for what some people pay for a small studio), and access to the same public transportation. I spend a lot of my weekends downtown or hanging at the bars in Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville and never have an issue getting home. If you do live up on the northside you can find some decent places if you look hard enough. It all depends on your needs. What I would suggest if you are looking for a good place is try Oak Park - quick easy access to downtown, nice local neighborhood, and tons of apartments. Jobs? send me a PM and I can help you with that depending on your industry. If anything, I can use my network to point you in the right direction. I've already helped a few people on this board this year. Chicago is one of the friendliest cities you will ever find, and our music scene is pretty active. Check out www.chicagoreader.com and www.metromix.com for some ideas on that. This city is pretty clean compared to NY or other big cities as well. Skydiving has two very active chicago DZ's about 50-70 miles from most points in the city. (One of them near a beautiful state park you can easily relax at) You also have a very active club in WI just across the boarder and the WFFC is a 90 min drive away. Richmond takes 3 hours to get to and Couch Freaks is a 5 hour drive away. If you are an active jumper you can get in as many, or more yearly jumps, than those in the southern states. As far as the weather? Well, we haven't had a 100F day in nearly 6 years, winters are becoming a bit more mild but they seem to hang around a month or so longer than usual. The good things about our winters is that it keeps away those we really don't want here Hands down you would be hard pressed to find a better home than here._________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites hippydiver 0 #17 July 21, 2005 Thanks for the solid input. Generally from what month to what month are you able to jump up there?---------- gravity rat formula 109 Team Gonzo and Team Jamaican Me Crazy no bullshit, let's just fly, be safe, and have fun. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ChasingBlueSky 0 #18 July 21, 2005 We actively jump from March to November. You just need to dress a bit warmer for one or two of those months. If you are not a weather wimp it isn't as bad as people say. In November it is easy to make every load and have plenty of room in the otter and in the sky - it's really nice. Sky Knights in WI runs a cesna all winter long for the hard core individuals and Skydive Chicago puts up the 182 when there is a need/desire and one of the pilots is not in Mexico._________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skychick312 0 #19 July 21, 2005 Atlanta is pretty cool.. We have kick ass DZ's (especially Skydive Atlanta)and the music ain't that bad! The weather is not bad either!! Clear to jump every weekend, might have 1-3 rain out weekends all year!!!! Food is good there are some great places if you know who to ask!! Prices depend on where you wanna live.. I am in a 3 bedroom apt in a great location for $919/m.. Not too shabby....Pm me if you need more info!!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Be the change you wish to see in the world! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ChasingBlueSky 0 #20 July 21, 2005 Oh yea - we just got a new toy at Skydive Chicago: http://skydivechicago.com/forum/index.php?topic=1089.0_________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites craichead 0 #21 July 21, 2005 QuoteWell, we haven't had a 100F day in nearly 6 years Isn't that supposed to change this weekend? _Pm__ "Scared of love, love and aeroplanes...falling out, I said takes no brains." -- Andy Partridge (XTC) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ChasingBlueSky 0 #22 July 21, 2005 QuoteQuoteWell, we haven't had a 100F day in nearly 6 years Isn't that supposed to change this weekend? _Pm It could...I'll believe it when I see it._________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Diversgodown 0 #23 July 21, 2005 What's up Hippydiver, I just moved to Dallas from the Chicago area three months ago!!! Never been to Houston so can't really compare the two. I have had many friends that lived in the heart of downtown and wouldn't live anywhere else. I've been down there alot, and love to go down ther, but all the congestion would drive me fucking nuts, not to mention the wind off the lake during the 6 months of winter. There are only two seasons there contrary to what others may say winter and construction The music scene rocks all different types. my good friend palyed with Buddy Guy at his bar downtown. (that was pretty kick ass) a far as the people being friendly I think I would have to disagree with that. I think the majority of the people are pricks....of course not all but the majority.... But overall a good place to go I just don't think I would want to be there forever. which I'm not ***Glory Favors the Bold*** Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jumpwally 0 #24 July 21, 2005 Of course a cross-dresser would feel like that ! Quit wearing skirts and shave once in awhile and you'll see alot more friendly folks...smile, be nice, enjoy life FB # - 1083 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites airtwardo 7 #25 July 21, 2005 QuoteQuoteI think the other 3 don't like the idea so much of Austin for various reasons. Well, I don't like austin for a number of reasons too...if I wanted to be around that many wacked out hard-core weirdos I'd go to California... *** I was born not far from Chicago....went to California after college...now in Houston....I'd take EITHER one over HOUSTON!!!! Whacked out people or not.....'California is the place 2 B' Chicago in a great city...but there ARE better places! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. 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AggieDave 6 #7 July 21, 2005 QuoteI think the other 3 don't like the idea so much of Austin for various reasons. Well, I don't like austin for a number of reasons too...if I wanted to be around that many wacked out hard-core weirdos I'd go to California...--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buried 0 #8 July 21, 2005 I will have to dwell into this a bit more later, or you could pm me, but the cost of living is fairly high, but not as much as NYC. job market depends on the industry. the music scene is fanstasic - tons of local bands, live music of different types every night if you want to seek it out.. from small venues to large venues... I prefer the cheaper local shows anyways since I will not give in to giving ticket master 40% of the ticketprice in service charges. The vibes vary on what section of the city you live in. It's a big range... People take shelter over the winter, but always things to do. Too many things to do over the summer. check out these two links for things to do Metromix Chicago Reader Where is my fizzy-lifting drink? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buried 0 #9 July 21, 2005 QuoteHow well do you like snow and overcast skies for 5 months? dont forget the pot holes and freezing winds. Where is my fizzy-lifting drink? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hippydiver 0 #10 July 21, 2005 Oh yeah, and any sites with information. Especially sites with listings of rental houses or flats in the area would be appreciated too. Thanks.---------- gravity rat formula 109 Team Gonzo and Team Jamaican Me Crazy no bullshit, let's just fly, be safe, and have fun. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amanduh 0 #11 July 21, 2005 How come there isn't a poll option of "Keep your hippy ass in Houston!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hippydiver 0 #12 July 21, 2005 haha, that's probably what will happen anyway Just looking into other places.---------- gravity rat formula 109 Team Gonzo and Team Jamaican Me Crazy no bullshit, let's just fly, be safe, and have fun. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buried 0 #13 July 21, 2005 QuoteOh yeah, and any sites with information. Especially sites with listings of rental houses or flats in the area would be appreciated too. Thanks. there is a thing called 'google' it would be your best best to check prices of rentals. Chicago reader has a listing too.. chicago.craigslist.org is another Where is my fizzy-lifting drink? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #14 July 21, 2005 Nope, there's another more important site then google. http://www.fuckinggoogleit.com/--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amanduh 0 #15 July 21, 2005 Quotehaha, that's probably what will happen anyway Good. Cause I cannot loose another one. First Lauren, now you are all I have left, Bill! PLEASE DONT LEAVE ME!!!!! I'm crackin myself up here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChasingBlueSky 0 #16 July 21, 2005 Cost of living in Chicago depends on where you live. I choose the SW side since I always have parking, have a much larger place (full building for what some people pay for a small studio), and access to the same public transportation. I spend a lot of my weekends downtown or hanging at the bars in Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville and never have an issue getting home. If you do live up on the northside you can find some decent places if you look hard enough. It all depends on your needs. What I would suggest if you are looking for a good place is try Oak Park - quick easy access to downtown, nice local neighborhood, and tons of apartments. Jobs? send me a PM and I can help you with that depending on your industry. If anything, I can use my network to point you in the right direction. I've already helped a few people on this board this year. Chicago is one of the friendliest cities you will ever find, and our music scene is pretty active. Check out www.chicagoreader.com and www.metromix.com for some ideas on that. This city is pretty clean compared to NY or other big cities as well. Skydiving has two very active chicago DZ's about 50-70 miles from most points in the city. (One of them near a beautiful state park you can easily relax at) You also have a very active club in WI just across the boarder and the WFFC is a 90 min drive away. Richmond takes 3 hours to get to and Couch Freaks is a 5 hour drive away. If you are an active jumper you can get in as many, or more yearly jumps, than those in the southern states. As far as the weather? Well, we haven't had a 100F day in nearly 6 years, winters are becoming a bit more mild but they seem to hang around a month or so longer than usual. The good things about our winters is that it keeps away those we really don't want here Hands down you would be hard pressed to find a better home than here._________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hippydiver 0 #17 July 21, 2005 Thanks for the solid input. Generally from what month to what month are you able to jump up there?---------- gravity rat formula 109 Team Gonzo and Team Jamaican Me Crazy no bullshit, let's just fly, be safe, and have fun. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChasingBlueSky 0 #18 July 21, 2005 We actively jump from March to November. You just need to dress a bit warmer for one or two of those months. If you are not a weather wimp it isn't as bad as people say. In November it is easy to make every load and have plenty of room in the otter and in the sky - it's really nice. Sky Knights in WI runs a cesna all winter long for the hard core individuals and Skydive Chicago puts up the 182 when there is a need/desire and one of the pilots is not in Mexico._________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skychick312 0 #19 July 21, 2005 Atlanta is pretty cool.. We have kick ass DZ's (especially Skydive Atlanta)and the music ain't that bad! The weather is not bad either!! Clear to jump every weekend, might have 1-3 rain out weekends all year!!!! Food is good there are some great places if you know who to ask!! Prices depend on where you wanna live.. I am in a 3 bedroom apt in a great location for $919/m.. Not too shabby....Pm me if you need more info!!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Be the change you wish to see in the world! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChasingBlueSky 0 #20 July 21, 2005 Oh yea - we just got a new toy at Skydive Chicago: http://skydivechicago.com/forum/index.php?topic=1089.0_________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
craichead 0 #21 July 21, 2005 QuoteWell, we haven't had a 100F day in nearly 6 years Isn't that supposed to change this weekend? _Pm__ "Scared of love, love and aeroplanes...falling out, I said takes no brains." -- Andy Partridge (XTC) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChasingBlueSky 0 #22 July 21, 2005 QuoteQuoteWell, we haven't had a 100F day in nearly 6 years Isn't that supposed to change this weekend? _Pm It could...I'll believe it when I see it._________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Diversgodown 0 #23 July 21, 2005 What's up Hippydiver, I just moved to Dallas from the Chicago area three months ago!!! Never been to Houston so can't really compare the two. I have had many friends that lived in the heart of downtown and wouldn't live anywhere else. I've been down there alot, and love to go down ther, but all the congestion would drive me fucking nuts, not to mention the wind off the lake during the 6 months of winter. There are only two seasons there contrary to what others may say winter and construction The music scene rocks all different types. my good friend palyed with Buddy Guy at his bar downtown. (that was pretty kick ass) a far as the people being friendly I think I would have to disagree with that. I think the majority of the people are pricks....of course not all but the majority.... But overall a good place to go I just don't think I would want to be there forever. which I'm not ***Glory Favors the Bold*** Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpwally 0 #24 July 21, 2005 Of course a cross-dresser would feel like that ! Quit wearing skirts and shave once in awhile and you'll see alot more friendly folks...smile, be nice, enjoy life FB # - 1083 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #25 July 21, 2005 QuoteQuoteI think the other 3 don't like the idea so much of Austin for various reasons. Well, I don't like austin for a number of reasons too...if I wanted to be around that many wacked out hard-core weirdos I'd go to California... *** I was born not far from Chicago....went to California after college...now in Houston....I'd take EITHER one over HOUSTON!!!! Whacked out people or not.....'California is the place 2 B' Chicago in a great city...but there ARE better places! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
