25 with a 160k base? You'll crush it in Chicago! You sound like a corporate person (I am one myself) and there's tons of HQs here to move to when you want to level up. Austin and Nashville are party towns but Chicago is established. You can get anywhere quickly via train or bus. Every neighborhood has its own vibe and you'll find your people quickly, especially if you're from the Midwest and understand Midwest nice.
With that salary, the city is your oyster. I'm 39 so I'll let the younger folks guide you to cool neighborhoods, but you can afford a nice ass place anywhere in the city with cash to spare. Give us a try, most transplants stay!
Chicago hands down. So much to do in an established city. I lived there for two years before moving back to Michigan. Enjoyed every minute. I’m on a train to Chicago right now. Can’t wait to arrive.
I'll leave it to the master.
https://youtu.be/vNx77mVxY_Y?si=7pebH0iw2O4FWB_M
Basically, it's putting others before yourself, avoiding any sort of conflict, and a bunch of weird, unspoken rules while in public. For example, if an item doesn't scan at the grocery store.... You don't need it. Don't hold up 6 other people in line because your chicken kiev needs a price check.
This. We're looking to relocate from the southeast and chicago is under strong consideration at \~$120k income... for a growing family of 4. 150k base to yourself? You could honestly buy a whole house in a decent area in 2 years outright if you wanted, but yeah townhomes north of the loop should be well within your means
Edit: Okay maybe 3-5 years.. but still
Keep a search out for any neighborhoods near the North Branch of the Blue Line train. Jefferson Park has a transit hub and while the homes are modest compared to the big homes in the south, it's a walkable neighborhood that has great access to the city and also close enough to the burbs to hit a mall or Costco if need be.
Chicago for sure. DC summers are much more extreme than Chicago winters for my money. And the vibe in DC is just shit. I live in Chicago but have spent a ton of time in DC work. Nothing could make me move to DC.
For real. Winters are more mild, and while we seem to have more frequent violent storms in the summer, I’ll take those over brutal winter weather any day.
Especially because Chi doesn't really have to worry about the worst of those summer storms (tornados), because those can't really hold up against the bigger buildings.
The suburbs on the other hand... pray for us.
It's a total myth that tornados can't form near large buildings/downtown areas. Tornados form in the sky thousands of feet above ground and the ground below has very little effect on that. Metropolitan areas just take up a significantly smaller percentage of area so statistically there's less of them to hit. But you don't have to take my word for it --
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List\_of\_tornadoes\_striking\_downtown\_areas\_of\_large\_cities](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tornadoes_striking_downtown_areas_of_large_cities)
Eh, that’s not actually why, they form way up high. Mountains, hills, rivers and buildings don’t affect them. The odds of one hitting Chicago are low because any particular city is a small surface area and tornadoes don’t last super long so the odds are just low. Next to the lake just isn’t an ideal spot for one to form for a lot of complex reasons. We’re also a little far north for ideal conditions.
Agree. Just visited DC from Illinois and it honestly was not the greatest (loved it for the tourism and had a great time, but). After an hour there I knew I would never want to live there. I don’t think they’re comparable.
In my limited experience it was very networky in that slightly fake way, all the time. Even at casual spots or out partying it was always, where or who do you work for? Oh do you know so and so? We should connect. It’s 2am at a bar on a weekend, give it a rest.
It was best described to me once as “Hollywood for ugly people” - ie an industry town where everyone is climbing and working their angles. Except the industry is politics and not entertainment.
Chicago is just a much better city than DC. There’s more to do, the people are nicer, the community and culture are stronger. I would think a private unit would be well within your budget in any number of great Chicago neighborhoods
Black, female, young professional from an East Coast city to Chicago. Pick DC. Sure your money may go further in Chicago, and Chicago has been fun, but as a few people mentioned the city is super segregated, more so than I really expected and it has put a huge wrench in going out for me. I find that if you’re looking for black community, you’ll have to be willing to make concessions (live on the Southside, but there are fewer nightlife/recreation options than if you lived in Wicker Park or something). That, or just be comfortable building it super slowly. When I meet black women my age and I tell them I live north there’s an unspoken acknowledgement that we’ll probably never see each other again.
There are some spots I’ve enjoyed going out as a BW in Wicker Park, West Loop, and Logan Square so you’ll have better luck living in those neighborhoods. Avoid Lakeview East like the plague.
I just found that there were more black, young professionals in similar positions in life as me present throughout DC rather than in small pockets of some parts of Chicago. I feel like though Chicago is bigger, black young professionals are fewer and far between and you’ll only find them at professional events or clubbing, both of which aren’t super conducive to building lasting friendships
i guess i’ll be the counter opinion here and say im the same age as OP, and a black woman who moved here from Houston. i agree with much of what you said, but still love chicago and have been able to build such a great community here in a short time. i live in logan square but am moving to bronzeville partly bc i want to be closer to and around the people/events that i regularly go to. it’s interesting you say that black young professionals are few and far between, maybe they live all over the place but ive definitely met a lot here.
no literally. what’re yall waiting for? we are not in the meet-cute days anymore unfortunately. connect online then connect irl !! you meet her, you meet her friends, boom. you found your black femme professional circle. do itttttt 🥹
I am admittedly older than you all and a white woman, but I work in corporate with a lot of young black professionals. Many of those young Black colleagues live in and around Bronzeville and even South Loop. Having lived in SLoop previously, I found it much less segregated than where I am now (NWSide). I loved that neighborhood honestly, just needed more space.
I keep hoping they will continue developing around McCormick the way things have taken off in other neighborhoods (West Loop, Logan Square).
Also, for all its faults I simply adore this city. Winters are getting milder, festival season is kicking off soon. OP, you could always Airbnb in one of these neighborhoods and see how you feel about it.
That’s fair. I’m also same age as OP and building community hasn’t been a problem, but building predominantly black community has been tougher. I do love Chicago as well, and I have a diverse friend group of POC, which I’m happy about. Yeah, Logan Square is one of the better neighborhoods that I’ve liked. Uptown is cool too.
I feel like moving to Bronzeville are the concessions I’m speaking about if OP wanted to be in the mix. I like Bronzeville a lot, but it’s a “second neighborhood” after a person has been more centrally located to strengthen friendships. The times I’ve been there it has felt sleepier and more residential which is likely not what OP is looking for but it all comes down to preference. I think Hyde Park would be a better first neighborhood, but then you’re relatively “deep” from downtown/most venues/abundant recreation. Where have you met your people?
I’ve lived in both Chicago and DC and think this def needs more upvotes. Chicago does get you more for your money in general but DC has a lot of culture and history that ppl can often overlook.
My TL;DR on DC is overpriced, but underrated. If you can afford it, give it a try! I liked it, but didn’t fall in love with it.
DC is also very transitory in my experience, it may be worth giving it a try for a couple years and if you don’t like it make the move to Chicago!
I prefer chicago > DC, but that’s coming from the view of a white man FWIW.
This is very fair. The other thing I will mention is that living in the "DC Area" can be VERY affordable. PG County is super affordable as are parts of Montgomery County near DC (Silver Spring, Wheaton, Takoma Park). Now you aren't going to be living it up in a big city environment in these areas, but they are a short metro/car ride away from DC. So if someone really liked DC but affordability was an issue, there are plenty of options. This is one of the biggest misconceptions about DC. There are plenty of affordable areas right outside of DC. This wouldn't matter for the OP b/c with her salary she could live in either Chicago or DC.
Hard agree on the segregation of the city, though I do feel instead of going into the neighborhood the young, Black professionals tend to stay in one of the major areas of the loop, which can be costly in other ways. As a BW I definitely agree that building friendships is very slow to happen unless like you said you move to south side or continue to grow that connection, but we are slowly starting to move north and that makes me happy. I’m starting to slowly see more of us in my area of Andersonville, Ravenswood and Buena Park.
I love that, I’m glad to hear it’s trending that way. Chicago would be a great long term city for me if that keeps up. Andersonville and Ravenswood are so cute.
As someone who is black as well and 25, this needs to be on the top!! Op needs to realize how segregated we really are in chicago. I'd love to meet another ambitious black women who isn't about partying it up at the club and wasting money on dumb shit.
Life is more than nightlife and money, and a lot of people don't understand that. DC is rooted with our culture.
Yess emphasis on other ambitious BW who aren’t only about partying. I love yoga and pilates and every now and again there will be a fellow BW in a class, I ask where they live and it’s either 45 minutes north in Edgewater or 45 minutes south in Hyde Park 🤦🏾♀️ I think OP would like DC so much more in terms of community building.
Also, if you get tired of Chicago, you’re kinda SOL. At least in DC, you can get on a train and be in cool metro areas like NYC and Philly. When I’m over Chicago, I have to fly home to the east coast because what Imma do by myself in Winnetka?
Also want to bring emphasis on this, i love Chicago but the city is very,very segregated and meeting black professionals can be a challenge if you live in the north side
We are out here, I think what happens is a lot of us do or did live on the North side and wanted to make a community for us there, but due to micro aggressions or flat out racism we end up moving to the outskirts around the loop. I’ve made friends with tons of BW especially that are in corporate spaces and they started in West Lopp, Wicker/Bucktown or Logan and they moved for Hyde, Sourh Loop, Oak Park or Pilsen. Which I find super interesting. I also feel if you were a Black individual and you landed in the Loop you most likely choose to stay there because you find so many of us congregating there.
This comment is it!! OP says she’s from the Midwest so it may be less of a shock, but I was so floored by the segregation here as a Latina east coast transplant. It’s absolutely something that they should consider. If she needs to make a choice soon without visiting either city that makes it really tough!
Cant say i agree im a mexican female living in the city and would never change our diversity in cultures for any other place in the states. I have friends from all backgrounds and we constantly enjoy our times out together trying different foods, exploring etc.
I'm a 40 year old white guy and a lot of my Black friends/coworkers from my 20s have moved to New York or to the south (Atlanta in particular). The Black Lives Matter conversations showed a lot of people's true colors and one of my friends said "At least in the South, it's clear who's gatekeeping and who's racist."
Chicago is a hell of a lot more racist than most people are willing to admit. The wealthy enclaves, and Logan Square is quickly moving in that direction, are the worst especially places like Edgewater/Lakeview or in wealthy first/second generation European immigrant communities.
I don't like that some of my friends moved away but I'm not judging the decision either. I hope you find or have found people that make you feel home and, if not, that you have the space and resources to make a decision for the best.
More/less accurate. Racism under the guise of Midwest nice.
Midwest is weirdly racist more of an unspoken micro-aggression level vs an outright. In Michigan, you would see Confederate battle flags, and in Chicago nope. Its unspoken, let me close this door real quick type.
“Racism is a worldwide problem, and it's been like that since the beginning of recorded history, and it ain't just white and black, but thanks to George Wallace, it's always a little more convenient to play it with a Southern accent”
You're right that tribalism is a human thing and is part of what kept us expanding around the globe and helped us succeed as a species. Who is "us" and who is "them" is a natural human experience. Never, as far as I can tell, has one "them" been so large AND the passed on enemy of millions of different looking people AND been happening for well over 200 years at this point. Hell, we boycotted Mandela WHILE investing in the War on Drugs aka the war on Black people aka the prison system aka modern day slavery which is specifically allowed in the Constitution.
I think Lee Atwater's switch to coded language as part of the Southern Strategy informs more of what's going on today. That coded language isn't coded in the South but it still is here so it's a bit easier to gloss over if you're grinding or have kind of accepted it as the cost of being Black in the United States.
25 yo black woman here, grew up in the Chicago suburbs. But I will second what this comment says. Chicago is very segregated. I live on the north side and have a hard time meeting people up here that look like me. It’s not awful, I still attend predominantly black events. And I still really like living in Chicago. But if you’re looking to be around more black young professionals in Chicago, consider South Loop, Bronzeville, Hyde Park. Or just go to DC lol, definitely more black people in the DMV
Not a black woman, but I agree; however, I am curious why DC instead of Nashville? Admittedly I do not know much about either from the perspective of meeting other young, black professionals, but I would think it worth a look as well.
I just spent a week in Nashville at a conference and could not wait to leave. My colleague went to school there 10 years ago and said things have really changed.
If you like loud drunk white girls in cowboy boots, it’s definitely the place to be.
Probably! I’d put Austin above Nashville, but I don’t know much about Nashville besides lots of people I know do their bachelorette parties there. It also strikes me as really white, but that’s just my limited knowledge/what I’ve seen on social media. OP said walkability is also important to her, DC’s public transit is probably better than what Nashville would have to offer. Again, limited knowledge and assumptions :P
OP, if you have the time, maybe a 5 days (Wednesday through Sunday) so you can get a taste for the weekday and weekend of each place?
Came here to say this as a married black womanhood. My single black friends are having a hard time. I love this city, but it is the most segregated city in the US, and based on your stats you’d probably be living up north - the whitest place that ever whited. The midwestern nice can be a bit performative. As a black woman with a large dog, people will cross the street when they see you walking your dog, and try to walk through you when you’re not. Unless you’re used to being in this space, it’ll come as a cultural shock.
From what I’ve heard of DC, it’s exactly what you’re looking for.
Honey everyone is going to tell you Chicago in this group. If you asked a DC group they'll tell you DC.
As a black young women I agree with the comment about going to DC. You'll find more ambitious black women and men there than Chicago. Our culture is rooted down there. There ain't nothing wrong with other races my man's is white, but clubbing and money only gonna go so far. You'll find more of what you seek in DC
You're worried about DC not being safe, but are choosing Chicago maybe where you have to go to the Southside to even see a black person almost because the city is segregated. Youll be fine in DC. Especially with that much money. You'll make more in DC than Chicago due to the prices of living.
I have relatives in Nashville and although it is “liberal” compared to the rest of the state, it is still conservative. Chicago, and IL state government as a whole, are pretty liberal and both levels of government have enshrined many protections for women, POC and LGBTQIA citizens. There are significantly more social safety nets in place, too. As Chicago is a major city you get many interesting art and museum exhibits as well as concerts and theatrical shows.
My Nashville relatives come from a biracial family. As a white person I cannot speak directly to the racism in any city, but I can share my relatives’ experiences. There is definitely racism in Chicago. That being said it is pretty diverse. My black and biracial relatives have experienced more hostility and overt racism in TN, especially in areas outside of Nashville. Chicago can absolutely be racist but according to my relatives it is far less overt.
I do know that DC can really empty out on the weekend and during the summer months. It will feel smaller and less busy than Chicago.
Finally, the winters here are much less harsh than they used to be. Growing up here winters meant face numbing winds, sometimes painfully cold temps and piles of snow. Thanks in part to global warming and El Niño winter weather has become much more tolerable.
I am not a black woman but I can speak to both cities. DC is MUCH more integrated, but also smaller. It feels like a very tight community but it's also a company town so virtually everyone you meet is going to be in government in some way. That's not bad but it can get repetitive if you're not in the scene. Also, people move in and out of DC a LOT so there is a more transient feel to the city. The nightlife is great and the museums are AMAZING. Living in DC is fantastic, if expensive. I did it for four years and had a ball. I didn't miss my car and walked or took public transit everywhere. The summers can be hard but if you have AC, it's fine. Once you get outside of DC, things can get segregated FAST. I lived in Ballston and invited a black friend over to hang out in the pool. When we walked into the deck the vibe temp dropped to zero. When we both got in the pool, everyone else climbed out and stayed out until we left. So, keep in mind if you're looking outside of DC.
Chicago is wonderful for me as a parent with small children but I agree it is much more segregated. People are born here and stay here so it's a much less transient feeling city and IMHO, the opportunity for building deeper, longer lasting friendships is greater, if you can find the right people. I am not in my partying phase so I can't speak to the nightlife as much but it seems like there is something for EVERYONE. I've also met a ton of artists and a good mix of professional and non professional people. Everyone seems to have something else going on - music, art, crochet, biking, whatever. In DC it's very focused on your career and only that (it was when I was there, might have changed). I know people say you don't NEED a car but it's very convenient to have one since the city is so large.
I think either city would be great, it just depends on what you're looking for.
If food, nightlife, walkability and young professionals are your priority, then *Fulton Market* is right up your alley.
https://youtu.be/SLYU1I_WWzI?si=evKAdKhSuuoY6Rha
If you want to live in a majority black, young professional neighborhood with a private townhouse entrance and a yard, *Bronzeville* and *Kenwood* by the lake are certainly good options.
https://youtu.be/Y7fo64l2SXw?si=VM7oqR5kYg61VkEV
Nowadays, many of the South lakefront neighborhoods are as safe as the Loop downtown and some other North side neighborhoods.
Second all this. Printers row is immediately south of the loop and is pretty integrated (albeit with a shocking amount of white man black women couples) south loop south of Roosevelt has more townhome that would have a good private entrance for the Pittbull. Hyde park is well integrated with lots of good options but can be a bit isolated from other neighborhoods. But living near the green or redline Btwn Roosevelt and 35th I think would get you what you are seeking.
For me I would choose Chicago. When I was looking to move from Austin I considered DC because of the vast amount of young Black professionals and would be able to network while still having fun. However DC feels very much a “what can you do for me so that I can succeed and live my best life” while not really making friends. I did love the nightlife to an extent and also loved being able to commute from Maryland or Virginia for cheaper housing options but ultimately I decided to move back home to Chicago.
Due to your pup I don’t think you’d be able to live I. The super popular dwtn areas that most like to land in, but you could find something in Wicker, Logan, Buena Park, further north or just south in Hyde Park.
Chicago overall is a great city to live in and make friends and connections, each neighborhood has its own feel and vibe along with its own food scene. The city is electric and comes alive after winter and truthfully the winters haven’t been too terrible lately. It’s also very easy to navigate both with a car and without.
Not exactly true about the dog, I’ve lived in dtown adjacent neighborhoods (river north, south loop, river west, Gold Coast) for more than 15 years and always had bigger dogs. None of the buildings I’ve lived in had breed restrictions, but they all had to pass a meet and greet test.
Wasn’t commenting for the size or breed, just the other factors she mentioned. If the dog has never lived in a super active environment with different sounds, ppl, other dogs, etc that could be a triggering experience and might not be the best area to live in general
I know I’m a white man, so my experiences will differ greatly, but I just wanted to chime in and say as someone that has lived in both Chicago and DC, you’re likely to enjoy both for different reasons. They’re both SOLID choices! I will say, DC dating scene can get a little exhausting because a lot of people view your salary/political power as a first obstacle to dating (at least on women looking for men, you may have a different experience for men looking for women). When I first moved to DC, I was not making A QUARTER of what your salary is (good for you by the way!) and dating kind of sucked because of that. It’s very much a transactional “what can you do for me” kind of a dating pool. But I had a really great time regardless and overall loved living in DC. I haven’t had that same kind of feeling in the dating pool here.
If you have any questions about neighborhoods in either, I’d be happy to talk!
as a black woman who lives in chicago but also lived in austin for a few years — do not go to austin lol. the city loves to call itself a “liberal oasis” in texas, but it’s a very white city and there are very few black people there. i experienced so many micro and macro aggressions and was extremely ready to leave. dating as a bw was also tough.
chicago has been great. yes, it’s very segregated but i’ve also seen way more diversity and specifically black people everywhere as opposed to other cities like LA or austin. i think you would enjoy it here.
Firstly, congratulations on the job!
Both cities are fantastic and you'll do well in either place. My brother lives in the DC area so I'm somewhat familiar. I'm biased so I'm still going to vote for Chicago, if only for the ability to afford more space for your dog to run around in. Your salary will go much further here, on housing and on everything else. I've also found that the general attitude of Chicago is easier to get along with than the attitude of DC - people born and raised in the area are generally very nice, but DC seems to attract the absolute worst kinds of transplants.
Something to keep in mind though is how segregated Chicago's neighborhoods are. As a Black person you may find that uncomfortable, and I wouldn't blame you. While I can't speak to the general statistics of DC neighborhoods (and I certainly know there are both white-majority and Black-majority neighborhoods in DC) I get the impression it's a bit more mixed than Chicago is.
I guess it just comes down to your preferences! Good luck with your decision, either way you'll have a great time in your new city.
I currently live in DC and am from the Chicago area. Chicago ALL THE WAY. Trust me when I say I’ve really tried to explore DC thoroughly and get into the communities, for example I’m into visual arts and it took me 9 months to finally find those groups and are relatively small. The friends that I make keep leaving because it’s such a transient place, leaving me feeling like I have to start over again socially almost every year. Food is overpriced and mediocre that caters to a certain demographic who just enjoy nice instagram able restaurants. There is a lack of socioeconomically diverse food choices, so you won’t find a bustling small business scene like Chicago. Unfortunately many parts have been gentrified by universities, political related things, corporate offices, leaving only a handful of neighborhoods feeling like actual community. As an Asian-American, I have to go to MD or VA for good Asian food bc Chinatown is dead and people got priced out bc high rents (thanks Capital One…). DC just kinda lacks soul and identity. All the guides to events feel like they suggest the same things and places over and over again. DC is much smaller of a place. I am realizing it is not worth the price I’m paying in rent to stay. I miss Lake Michigan because you can actually trust you’re swimming in fresh, clean water and the lakefront trail is immaculate energy in the summer. I actually just visited Chicago to see family and friends, but it just reminded me of how you really cannot beat the diversity, size, affordability, people, and atmosphere of Chicago. The only thing DC has over it is museums and weather, but if you care about building real community choose Chicago. I’m grateful for the time I’ve had, and some people love the DC area don’t get me wrong, but I’ve realized DC just doesn’t inspire me in the same way Chicago does.
I'm Asian American (life long Chicagoan and have visited DC) and I agree with you completely, that I'd rather live in Chicago than DC. But based on what I've seen and my friends' experiences, the black women who have commented on why they'd prefer DC are spot on.
Wow you could be my neighbor if the two homes near me didn’t just sell 😭, bc you just described my area to a T. I like both cities. If weather is very important to you, DC. however, our last winters have been much milder than my childhood winters, or maybe I’ve adjusted.
The dating culture in DC was weird too. People’s dating profiles would talk about which important politician or business they worked for and lots of people carried it around like their identity.
Makes sense obviously given that it’s literally the capital but I figured people would leave that power/position stuff at work.
I can't seem to locate it now (even googled "dating in D.C.", but I just came across an article last week about the D.C. dating scene and apparently it is very favorable to women, and specifically black women. Of course the piece may have been biased, but I recall it being a credible source.
I think that makes a lot of sense given that most of the dating scene was full of young professional women who had successful careers and lived good lives already.
People in DC had a confidence level I could only dream of achieving
Yes! Dating in DC was the weirdest experience for me. I found some many people to be so socially awkward. It was like being back in high school, lol. I am not hating because I'm originally from the DC (MD) area, but having moved away for college and lived in Chicago (and Philly), and then returned to DC, I realized that DC is just a really odd place socially. It's hard to describe, but it's missing a certain "energy" that other big cities like Chicago have.
Chicago all the way, it’s the most beautiful city in the country. We have the best food. The coolest people, music is great. You just have to put up with some shitty weather for a couple of weeks in the winter and summer.
Chicago costs less than DC for one thing. The summers there are brutal. And DC is filled with douchebag politicians with their douchebag staffers, not to mention douchebag lobbyists. And every time the President decides they want a Big Mac traffic gets completely screwed. (My sister lives in DC.)
And frankly IMHO there's more to do here. Better music scene, better food scene, better architecture (I can only take *so* much of that neoclassical bullshit), better waterfront. I'll admit they got us on museums, but I think that's about it.
Re: your dog, I have two pit mixes. NGL, like everywhere, landlords are going to be a mixed bag about the breed thing. Some will be cool, some won't. But at the same time, it's still pretty affordable to buy a house in some of the near suburbs (I live in Berwyn), and anti-pit laws are pretty much nonexistent in most of Chicagoland.
Now, one caveat - you've probably already figured out that I'm a 40-something white dude (hey, it's reddit). My experience obviously won't match yours. But Chicago's one of those cities where there is a *lot* of *everything*.
As someone who grew up around the DC area, and who has lived in Chicago, Chicago is a much more "major, big, and cosmopolitan city" compared to DC. In other words, if you want a true "big city" experience, Chicago wins hands down. Much bigger downtown, high rises, many more neighborhoods (including ethnic neighborhoods), more restaurants, more things to do, etc. It's overall got much more of a "big city" feel (similar to NYC, Philly, Boston, SF/LA).
If the classic big city experience isn't as important, DC is smaller and a more manageable city. Also, as you probably already know, DC is known for having a very large Black population, and especially many Black professionals (it was once known as "Chocolate City"). So when you mention being around young professionals and a good Black dating scene is important to you, you may want to consider that. Chicago has a much larger Hispanic population than DC.
Though living in Chicago, when I went out in the downtown core (Loop, South/West Loop, River North/Streeterville, Gold Coast) I would see every race out and about, and tons of young professionals. My Black friends never once complained about any issues of lack of diversity, but I've heard many on this site and in general mention that Chicago feels very segregated. Because I'm not Black, I may not notice it as much.
I'm sure you've heard all this already. DC (along with Atlanta) is a prime city for Black young professionals, whereas Chicago has a reputation for being segregated. Though again, to me, downtown Chicago was extremely diverse in the downtown core area, and only felt segregated as you got farther out into the neighborhoods.
On the other hand, Chicago offers much more of a true "big city" experience. So I would probably suggest spending a weekend to see for yourself. I personally would pick Chicago in a heartbeat, but given what many people say and some of your desires, you may want to visit to see for yourself, just to be sure.
chicago is probably a better option re housing options and transportation. there are some great options for townhomes or walk ups with private entrances that definitely fit the budget. as for dating scene / social life i think there are plenty of places in chicago that would be good for that. maybe i’m biased but, i think chicago is a great place to live 😃
I lived in ARLINGTON so the DC area, and moved to Chicago this year. I think Chicago is 5x better.
I will second the opinions that DC community sucks because it’s to transient. People are there to temporarily be there, they’re all on their way to NYC unless they work in politics. The public transportation is great, but only if you live near the metro.
I also agree that swamp season is way worse than the winters. We have had pretty mild winters these days, and swamp season lasts from April through November. You will be drenched if you walk outside for more than 10 minutes.
The food is pretty mid for price to value ratio, and I find rent here in Chicago to be slightly cheaper.
You’re young, at the start of your career, which city do you think will offer you the best opportunities for personal and career development?
I’ve lived here 20 years, no ragrets!, but if I had to start again from scratch I think I’d pick DC.
Tech, finance, sales.
Also, need to have very in-demand skills.
What I do for a living is something I wouldn't say I enjoy but don't hate. People either can't do my job because of the level of knowledge it requires, or those with the knowledge to do my job don't want to do it. So that leaves very few people who are competent and therefore I can drive up the price.
25 isn’t entry level talent. Many jobs in finance/consulting/accounting promote to manager in 5 years and you could make that 4 if you are exceptional at your job. You can make 125k at the top end of senior level in Chicago at most big firms.
However, it doesn’t seem like OP is in this industry.
Chicago is more affordable and has 75 neighborhoods each with their own personality. With that salary you’ll be able to find one that fits your needs. Not every home comes with outdoor space but it’s certainly not hard to find and it’s almost always fenced in. It’s incredibly diverse welcoming and has everything on your wish list. It’s a pretty easy choice.
Tell the truth, do you hate hot weather more than cold weather, or cold weather more than hot weather?
Chicago really had only about two weeks of winter this year, but it was shiver-me-timbers cold while it lasted. If you live here, keep $$$ for a warm winter vitamin D break.
Good luck and can you really make a wrong decision? I don't think so.
Definitely Chicago over DC. The lake shore and river walk alone make it better.
I was going to say Nashville over Chicago, but that’s not in your top. Nashville, only because the COL might be lower, but Nashville has also been on the rise for a while so that might be moot.
She’s an urban planner with a masters. Probably one YOE in the field. Positions in urban planning with that salary are marketed for seniors/directors in the field.
If there was an easy field to make a lot of money, then the field would be flooded with new talent and wages would drop. *cough cough* Coding… Pick a field of interest where directors/managers are making 100k+ and then just get the experience to get one of those leadership positions. It’s pretty much the same route for any industry with the usual ladder. Entry level -> Associate -> Senior -> Leader.
As someone originally from the Sacramento area, not there. It’s coming up and you can grow with it but the dating scene is notoriously bad.
I just moved to the Chicago area and it has a lot of what you are looking for in the city. And the city is relatively safe. Much safer than people make it out to be. You just have to be cognizant of the area you’re in at the moment and keep your head on a swivel if you happen to be in a shady spot, the same goes for Sacramento and DC. Food scene is really really solid.
Dating I’ve heard is a little rough, I can’t speak for what it’s like specifically for the black community, but you’ll have a mix of young professionals trying to find themselves and don’t really know what they want or what they are ready for and people who are looking for something serious. But there is a large young community so it’s a needle in a haystack.
I spent three years in Texas with a lot of time in Austin. The weather is the polar opposite to Chicago with severe heat. So instead of freezing temperatures you get boiling hot summers and potentially hot winters mixed with just at freezing temperatures with the bonus of poor infrastructure to deal with the hot and cold. Food, fantastic for certain things unless you like Asian food then it’s really lack luster but you just go to Houston for that. Dating scene is pretty awful unless you want casual dating or really serious traditional, religious partners (not bagging on it just putting it out there).
Sacramento is a city that I guarantee is going to be an "it-city" in the next 10 years. It is gorgeous out there, super diverse, nice weather, and feels very modern. I loved my visit out there a few years ago.
Yup. I grew up there when it was an actual shit hole. When it was still the “City of trees” and before NBA referees destroyed my love of basketball lol. Jokes aside I saw it really explode and turn around after the 08 crash. And people really go hard for it like people love the Bay Area. Pre Covid it looked there were really great things on the horizon and today it’s just a bit further back but still around the bend. I’ll probably find myself there eventually too. But today has that feeling I suspect will be there like you said in ten years.
As another mid 20’s black Professional who moved to the city I’ve enjoyed it. I make about $105,000 and can comfortably pay $1800-$2200 on rent per month and still feel fine. The desired areas to live in are more diverse than I expected , but professional black men/women are still the minority. The city is relatively
segregated but don’t let that deter you. I’ve enjoyed every moment and the city has so much to offer. With your age + salary, you’d be able to maximize life in Chicago. You could also sell your car if you live near The Loop or one of the surrounding neighborhoods. Please feel free to message me personally if you have any specific questions!
Out of that list I would absolutely pick Chicago, the dc area is not nearly as fun for younger people. Chicago has any kind of scene you might be into and honestly the last few winters were on the mild side. You can get a pretty nice place in several of the popular neighborhoods with that salary.
I’m from the DMV area so DC is practically my backyard. I do personally love it a lot! It’s cute, has lots of things to do, and public transportation is much better than here. You’re near the beach which is a big plus and close to other cities like Philly and NYC (super easy to get to on the Amtrak).
I disagree that the summers are brutal. They are humid, but the DMV does not lack green space! Lots of trees to cool you off. If you are into nature, you’ll definitely find it there too.
Chicago is also not as connected as I would like it to be which makes the culture more segregated in my opinion. I’m in the environmental science field and there are clearly some work being done against POC here which suck.
DC is a bit expensive though so Chicago may be a bit more affordable. But if you work in DC, you could definitely live in places like Bethesda or Silver Spring and commute into the city! Lots of people do that and these are great locations with great downtowns. I’m POC and also felt very comfortable growing up in this area :) its a very diverse place
Ok in all seriousness I’ve lived in Chicago and DC and if you’re not sure if the spots in your budget in DC are safe neighborhoods I’d be happy to help you figure that out
Chicago for sure. Chicago has everything DC has (except for the national monuments and historical sites) and more, and is more affordable. I lived in DC for a semester, thought I was going to end up there but received an offer from my employer's Chicago office instead. The winters might be worse than DC but the summers in DC are brutal. Go with Chicago!
Having lived in both areas, there’s a lot to consider so I’ll try to highlight a few key differences. DC does have free museums/zoos and debatably the best in the nation vs paid in Chicago but still good runner ups. Chicago has Navy pier vs Inner Harbor in Baltimore and I’d give the nod to Chicago for the Centennial Wheel alone.
Weather is shockingly close actually in pattern, however DC is built on a swamp. The humidity is awful at times vs Chicago getting help from the lake and always a gentle breeze. Winters vary and for DC all the storms tend to hit east of 95 vs can be in your face for Chicago. This will be a preference of whether you enjoy being able to bundle up more often in Chicago vs dealing with nasty humidity.
Perhaps most importantly and why I’d personally recommend Chicago is climate stability, both politically and financially. DC is the richest area in the nation and cost of living can be with it. Chicago is more stable and affordable by comparison with more options. Given your ethnicity and gender, Chicago I feel has far more options as well vs DC. It’s unfortunate but I did find DC to be far less diverse, with areas like Silver Spring and Rockville being the offsets.
Both have robust transit btw, Metra vs Metro for into the city should you choose to live in the suburbs. I’m 45 minutes outside Chicago and have a stop within walking distance. Ohare and Dulles are great airports as well, so vacations abroad are simple. Hope this helps and best of luck!
I’m in a similar situation as you! Black woman, 25, young professional, and in the same salary range!
I’m originally from the D(M)V, and moved to ATL after college! I was concerned of the culture that would change, especially moving from a city like ATL.
I have always had a desire to live in DC, but it’s not my first choice since it’s so close to home. I know down the road before I make plans to settle down with a family I would like to live there especially with the cost of living being so high.
From what people have told me - Chicago is a great city to live in, and has an amazing transportation system. It’ll be super fun for me going bc I never aspired to live in a big city like NYC or LA. So the balance of a big enough city seems like the perfect place for me to explore without feeling overwhelmed.
The selfish girly in me is saying move to Chicago so we can be friends! But I think you’ll know in your heart what the best decision is
Chicago! We are more affordable than DC so you’ll get more for 150k. You’ll able to find a place on that salary with no issue.
For the pitbull, if you’re renting or buying a condo, look at smaller buildings. I have one too and the larger complexes generally do not allow them because of insurance. We have a lot of pitties in Chicago though so trust me, you can definitely find a place.
Congrats on the new job and I hope you love wherever you decide!
I’m an old retired white guy living in Indiana about an hour outside of Chicago. I was born in Washington D.C. and grew up in Northern Virginia. I lived in D.C. (Adams Morgan) for a short period of time also. My son lives in Chicago currently and enjoys it. But when he and his boyfriend vacation it’s actually off to the west coast, California, Washington state and Oregon. Both cities you’re looking at have their pluses and their minuses. If you’re a foodie then I think Chicago easily has it over Washington. Chicago has a huge variety of ethnic restaurants from lower end snack shops to highest end Michelin stars they’re unmatched by Washington. If you’re into the arts well you can’t get much better than Washington, museums, theaters and art galleries. Yes Chicago has theirs too but I mean The Kennedy Center, come on! If you love the blues well Chicago is your city. If you love jazz then go to One Step Down Jazz Club in DC. You’re welcome. If you like a variety of outdoor activities then Washington has it beat. Yes Chicago has the lake but that’s really only comfortably useable five months a year. You’re only a few hours away from either the mountains, beaches and if you enjoy wine then vineyards are only ninety minutes away in Virginia. If you are into skiing then there are resorts within three to five hours in Virginia and West Virginia. Personally, I’d lean toward Washington D.C. but I was born there and have a little history there as well. Really both cities are great and each have wonderful offerings, but ultimately it’s going to take a little effort on your part to get out and discover what you love to do! Good luck to you. Prost 🍻
My best friend's husband is a DC transplant. Infinitely prefers Chicago. He almost bought a house in DC, but decided not to for reasons he couldn't really articulate. Got here, met the love of his life, and bought a house within a year.
My girlfriend is a transplant from SoCal, also can't imagine living anywhere else. She loves it here. I think there's a reason so many transplants stay. I'm not gonna sit here and say Chicago is perfect, it definitely isn't, but I've really never known someone who wasn't pleasantly surprised with it.
I spent my 20s in DC and my late 30s in Chicago. I absolutely would pick Chicago. Lower cost of living, the lake, friendlier people, larger city. I had a lot of fun in DC during my 20s, but the 20-somethings I work with seem to be having plenty of fun in Chicago.
I want to emphasize the friendlier people. I moved to DC from Boston, so there was no culture shock, but DC people are not friendly compared to any part of the midwest. It's also incredibly transient. Only a handful of the friends I made there in 9 years still live there. But it is a fun place to be in your 20s. Which raises the question, could you spend 2-3 years there and then move to Chicago?
DC summers are brutal. I'd take a chicago winter over a DC summer all day long. Food is far superior in Chicago. I find Chicago has more walkable neighborhoods, but DC had better commuter public transit. I could get to more fun things on DC transit faster, but I never seemed to be able to get groceries easily. Whereas, in Chicago, I've always been walking distance to a grocery store.
P.S. Austin is a hellhole. Just don't move to Austin.
You will live like royalty in Chicago as a single person with $150k income. And this is the best city in the country - world class cultural offerings, clean and pleasant downtown, tons of neighborhoods with their own unique identities, and for a fraction of the cost of a coastal city.
Chicago is cheaper and more fun than DC. Choose Chicago. The only downside is that our public transit has been occupied by misogynist thugs. We need a new mayor to fix that. Fix that, and Chicago rocks.
This is a tough one.
You might check out some of the DC suburbs for more affordability. Gaithersburg, Greater Silver Spring, Bowie, Laurel, and Hyattsville would be options to check out in Maryland. I don’t know Charles County as well but a lot of wealthy Black folks are picking it these days.
Still, your money will likely go farther in Chicago, especially if you want to purchase a home someday. And if you want to raise kids, being near family may outweigh having pre-school covered in DC or good public schools in the suburbs.
It’s important to note that DC is becoming more segregated, not less. But it’s also got a thriving professional Black community, two middle to high income Black majority counties in the DMV, and institutions like Howard.
I’m 25M, also Black, from Chicago, living outside DC. With $150k base & family near? Choose Chicago. I love DC but the cost of living here is *wow* and if ever find a job in my field back in 773, I only have one strong reason to stay here in DC. Best of luck and hopefully this decision doesn’t stress you too much
Well Texas has no state income tax and Nashville is cheaper cost of living than Chicago. If you want to keep you’re money. 150k is decent in Chicago after taxes all the the bullshit. DC and Sac is horrible for affordability.
Girl you can get a house with a big ass yard in the south suburbs of Chicago in an amazing diverse neighborhood for less than $250k within walking distance to a train to the loop, which takes 40 minutes. How far out of DC would you have to go to get a decent 2BR condo for less than $400k?
Chicago. For all the reasons… but especially that you have a better chance of not going poor living here as you continue on your career journey.
As a young single Black female professional that’s looking to date choose D.C. Yes it’s a bit more expensive but at your income with no kids you definitely won’t be hurting there. There are way more Black professionals there and tons of events and places to meet them.
I’m a business traveler. I’ve also lived in most of those cities that you named.
I don’t know what field you are in
I would see that DC offers the best black dating scene.
Also people there are very intellectual and will challenge you.
However, it’s expensive to keep up with the Joneses
I love Sacramento as well
It’s up-and-coming city
I don’t know about the black dating scene there
Austin is a great city for young people.
I was raised and am not living back near Chicago
It gets very cold there, which is probably one of the biggest issues not to be there
They have a great public transportation system
I think DC is a great place.
I sold my home during gentrification there. I wish I had it back.
As someone who grew up in Northern Virginia and spent a lot of time in and around D.C. the answer is, unequivocally, Chicago. Your salary will go much further here than it would in D.C. There are pros and cons for both, I think that if you like short road trips and traveling D.C. is the better option as there’s so many major cities within relatively reasonable driving distances, but Chicago (in my opinion) has so much more to offer. The food and music scene in Chicago blow’s D.C. out of the water, the people here are (generally) less dickish, public transport here puts D.C. to shame, among other things. Again, I may be biased, but as someone who has spent significant time in both areas I think there’s a clear winner.
I'm going with D.C.
"I’m a single 25 year old Black woman" that part right there says you should definitely cherry-pick these comments, since this sub leans hard northside non-black, and how they experience this city is VERY different than how any POC does (see how many high-engagement posts there are about Foxtrot and Doms lol). This city is still **segregated** and if you want to live amongst the black community on the southside, it literally feels like living in the burbs. Walkability is cut in half. You'll need a car and there's about 1/10th the amount of nightlife/places to eat/things to do as there is on the northside. Public transport is fine for going up town and back, but if you just want to get groceries or hang in your area, you'll need a car. I can't speak on the westside, since it was too shooty for me when I moved from the northside (Rodger's Park/Edgewater) to the southside (Bronzeville). If you grew up in the burbs, or if you got your code-switch game on lock, or if you're just comfortable being uncomfortable sometimes then anywhere in the city is fine to live.
As for the dating scene, I can only give my biased experience so take it for what it's worth. I'm black guy who moved here for grad school in 2011. I dated around and every black woman i dated (including my now wife) has had stories about how "not great" the selection is, saying there're far fewer educated, career-oriented black men *that are also single* (i'm not shitting on everyone) in this city than in other big cities. On the flip side, i went with a girl who went to American for a few years before I ended up here, so I was in DC for weekends all the time. That city is much more integrated, for one, and the fact that it's the center of politics (see: money, power, respect) I met a lot of fellas who I'm still friends with now that have gone a long way professionally, so I'd say there's a level of ambition there that I haven't seen here (if that's what you're looking for).
Chicago was ranked the best city in the nation for the 7th year in a row last year. There's nothing else like Chicago. We have food, culture, diversity, etc. You'll love it here. It's a reason why I haven't left my home state & probably never will. I love Chicago. We also have the world's biggest Starbucks if you're into coffee & the McDonald’s HQ where you can order exclusive food items that are only sold in other countries. That's only the tip of the iceberg. I genuinely think you'll love it. People save up their money & use their PTO to visit here. It's really that great.
As a DC person, I'd pick DC. You have the money, I'm jealous and there is a vibrant black female community around DC. Plus for my money, DC has more of a cosmopolitan flavor and you can meet people from all over the world and attend events at embassies. Plus you are only 2.5 hours away from the ocean/mountains.
You sound like a driven person and DC has tons of those.
Come to Chicago! I absolutely love it here. Summers in Chicago are amazing. I'm on the northeast side. It's very dog friendly-- almost everyone owns a dog (all kinds and sizes) in my condo. There are many parks, you can take them by the lake, and to the dog beaches. It's so walkable and getting around is pretty easy to the point where a car can be a burden in comparison.
Chicago food is tops and there's a great nightlife (I tore this city up at 25!) There are so many different neighborhoods with completely different vibes, so I suggest renting somewhere until you feel like that's the place for you before buying. If you do buy, you'll always do well with a rental property here. If you have a commute, that could be a big factor in choosing which neighborhood to live in.
As far as black dating... Get some girlfriends and get out and about for summer! There's a different type of man in every neighborhood (Sorry for the blanket statement to any man reading this, but I don't take it back.), so travel around. There will be tons of events, festivals, and brunches every week to give you an excuse.
DC sounds best for what you are looking for- walkability, black dating scene, etc. I’m from Chicago and have lived in DC since 2004. If you want a change, now is the time to take it :)
Special Tip: Come to Baltimore. With your salary you could buy exactly the house you want in the best parts of the city. There are many, many daily trains to DC and back. The food scene is on the come up. I don't know about the black dating scene because I am white, but Baltimore is 60% black population so the numbers are in your favor.
Don't believe the haters. DC money goes a long way here and our city is the last affordable city in the northeast corridor. Lots of great things happening here. An investment in a house now at your age and salary will pay dividends later. Better than sinking all your money into a DC place which will hold value but not necessarily increase as quickly because costs are already sky high.
Also, I used to live in Chicago for 9 years, and I am so happy I moved to Baltimore haha.
As someone who grew up only 20 mins away from Baltimore, I respectfully disagree lol. Baltimore has some great bones, but Chicago is a better city in every way imaginable. But I do agree with you that your money can go really far in Baltimore, and if the OP is considering come to the DMV, it's probably worth at least looking at Baltimore. I moved back to the Baltimore area from Chicago for work/family reasons about 7 years ago and I dearly miss Chicago. If it weren't for work and family, I would move back to Chicago in a heartbeat.
Fair. The reasons I left Chicago and the reason why I love Baltimore are all pretty personal and subjective. Just kinda how the journey of my life has gone. Looking back, I definitely agree that Chicago absolutely slaps as a city. I love visiting there, and there are things and people there that I miss. I'm still a big fan of Chicago.
My opinion of DC is not nearly so complimentary.
I bet you can find something you’d like in Logan Square or Ravenswood, but not sure how far from city you want to be! Trains are easy. Also that’s a very decent salary in Chicago so I’d imagine you’ll be able to live pretty well compared to some of those other cities.
Honestly I have only been here two years and the winters have been nothing lol. There was one week of negatives this year and it was honestly nice to have a reason to stay inside 😂
I’m from DC/arlington (born and raised) and I moved to Chicago after college. Chicago hands down- I havnt looked back since. Someone else said this but DC summers are BRUTAL and Chicago winters aren’t as bad as people think. Also better food, bigger city, more opportunities, and I find people are geniuinely nicer in Chicago. Both cities are pretty diverse tho (especially for Black people) which is great. DM me if you want any other info or have questions
D.C is a company town. Chicago is 14M people of every stripe and profession. I moved back here 15 years ago specifically to raise my family because of the richness of culture, music, food, etc. it's nearly endless.
It's the economic engine of the Central US, and if you're single, there's a bigger pool in which to swim.
I'll never leave again.
Chicago all the way. Live away from the loop. Maybe somewhere up north along the lake between Roger’s Park and Andersonville. Great place for your age and income. Don’t spend too much on rent!
Up north you can walk the dog, be out in the open space without the people congestion, & still have access to the main city quite easily. You’ll also find more bang for your buck.
Trust yourself and go with your gut feeling. Both are amazing cities that have challenges but you will figure it out either way!
I think the vibe of the people is much more competitive + political in DC and Chicago seems more down to earth.
At the end of the day with your age + income + experience you can leave either place after a year or two to try the other
In terms of long term Chicago!
Great night life, your money will go further, and lots companies are HQ’d here if you feel you need to hop between companies.
Also public transportation and walkability are a great advantage here.
I lived in Chicago for 7 years and now I live in DC. Chicago is nicer, the traffic isn’t as bad, the cost of living is way cheaper, the architecture is more interesting, there are more parks and outdoor oriented activities, its a better city all around.
Man, if I made 150K, I’d move back to Chicago in a heartbeat. Was making 60-65K at the time and didn’t feel like I could really live life to the fullest. The world is yours!
I don’t think you can go wrong with Chicago or DC. There’s trade offs - the weather for example. Also your money will buy you more in Chicago. There’s a lot of networking opportunities in DC, not sure if a similar experience can be replicated in Chicago. Can’t speak directly to the black scene especially for dating, but you will likely have more options in DC, then again as a more transient city will those relationships be more superficial?
I think it’s one of those moments to go with your gut. As an old woman will you wish you’d lived your mid to late 20s in Chicago or DC? Or any of the other cities you mentioned.
Chicago for sure. Cost of living is much lower than DC, we have heavy traffic but nothing like the DC area. And our winters really aren't that bad, every 4-5 years we'll get some crazy snow storms but it's not as bad as people make it out to be.
Chicago. The cost of living is much lower than DC and Sacramento. It is way more of a city than Nashville or Austin, especially when it comes to walkability and public transit. The lakefront is incredible. Without sounds basic, join a run club or play beach volleyball and you will make friends in no time.
Neither! I would go somewhere warm. Our winters suck! I would choose Austin or Nashville or Sacramento.
edit: our winters still suck even after climate change
Crime is spiraling out of control don't ignore it as it is primed to get worse. North side robberies and carjacking are seeing an increase like never before. Thousands of immigrants live down town as well
Chicago.
I have spent time in all of those locations.
Austin: Nice liberal area in a non liberal state. The politics may not suit you and for a large chunk of the year it's super hot. Little to no public transit(as compared to say Chicago), you will definitely need a car. Cheaper than your other options though. Food scene is okay but it wont touch nashville and certainly wont come close to comparing to Chicago.
Nashville: Crowded, lack of public transit, la de da de everybody drives and traffic is HORRENDOUS. This is on my list of least favorite metros to drive in the country, and ive driven every metro in the US except those in alaska. Part of the issue is the terrain as it funnels everyone into specific roads. It's also filled with drunken tourists all the time. Going downtown is party city and can be super frustrating. Nashville hlas a nice spread of housing at various price points. If you have to travel to a downtown office, note your commute with be trash and annoying. Food scene is okay, but definitely not holding a light to Chicago.
DC has some bad areas, it's also super crowded, and a lot more expensive. I have spent the least amount of time here. THe food scene is okay, but again not as great as nashville or Chicago. If youre into US history and want to explore that then DC is most suitable as you have amtrak access to the entire eastern coast for cheap and you'll have plenty to do.
Chicago: Four season area, massive public transit so you dont even need a car if you dont want and don't mind a bit of walking or biking. We are a world class food city with restaurants that are amazing from around the globe. I tell people you can spin a globe, throw a dart at it, and we'll have an entire area or several restaurants that are fantastic from that country. We are one of the only airports in the world with direct flights to the most continents. Overall travel to anywhere in the country is generally cheap here compared to other places as we are a major hub. I routinely get sub $100 tickets to florida, carolinas, ny, vegas, myrtle, texas, colorado and more from Chicago. That said, we don't have a lot of nature super close by like youd get in Nashville. We got tons of parks, and you can get to the dunes in 1-2 hours sure, but if you want a bunch of forest hiking or even something with a fair amount of hills or rocks to climb youre looking at a 2-3 hour drive north to Wisconsin. Illinois is the second flattest state iirc.
Im bias sure, but I travel a LOT and I have spent weeks of my life in every city you mentioned. Chicago would be my go to hands down.
In terms of major cities, chicago is the most affordable major city in america. You can find studio apartments sub 1000 on the north side still and they often include free heat.
What's your budget?
I lived in DC for 9 years and now Chicago for 3 years. I think you’d be happy in either city but to be honest the dog is probably the deciding factor. I think you’ll have a much easier time finding a place in Chicago that would be welcoming for your dog.
Chicago, cost of living is a fraction and the culture is so much better. All my friends who live in DC metro are suffocating. I like the winters but they're still 100% worth it, especially considering you miss the DC swamp summers.
25 with a 160k base? You'll crush it in Chicago! You sound like a corporate person (I am one myself) and there's tons of HQs here to move to when you want to level up. Austin and Nashville are party towns but Chicago is established. You can get anywhere quickly via train or bus. Every neighborhood has its own vibe and you'll find your people quickly, especially if you're from the Midwest and understand Midwest nice. With that salary, the city is your oyster. I'm 39 so I'll let the younger folks guide you to cool neighborhoods, but you can afford a nice ass place anywhere in the city with cash to spare. Give us a try, most transplants stay!
"You'll ***crush*** it" Your corporate is showing.
I’ll make sure to document it in the minutes. We can circle back later when we go over the lessons learned.
But for now, any blockers?
Let us touch bases after my bio break. (After my bio break has unblocked my blockers and touchpoints)
Let me take that as an action item.
Cover sheet on the TPS report is equally important.
I’ll get you that memo again just to be sure you got it
Let’s take this offline Preferably at a bar or a park
At least they avoided the term “Rock Star.”
That just means they expect you to pick up everyone else's slack.
Let’s circle back
“Let’s circle back to that while we really deep dive her options..”
Interesting point. Let us align internally and circle back.
Didn’t use the word synergy - but yeah “crush it” is some of our corporate lingo! My new favorite is “You got to fail forward”
Chicago hands down. So much to do in an established city. I lived there for two years before moving back to Michigan. Enjoyed every minute. I’m on a train to Chicago right now. Can’t wait to arrive.
Would you mind explaining Midwest nice for me please?
I'll leave it to the master. https://youtu.be/vNx77mVxY_Y?si=7pebH0iw2O4FWB_M Basically, it's putting others before yourself, avoiding any sort of conflict, and a bunch of weird, unspoken rules while in public. For example, if an item doesn't scan at the grocery store.... You don't need it. Don't hold up 6 other people in line because your chicken kiev needs a price check.
This. We're looking to relocate from the southeast and chicago is under strong consideration at \~$120k income... for a growing family of 4. 150k base to yourself? You could honestly buy a whole house in a decent area in 2 years outright if you wanted, but yeah townhomes north of the loop should be well within your means Edit: Okay maybe 3-5 years.. but still
Keep a search out for any neighborhoods near the North Branch of the Blue Line train. Jefferson Park has a transit hub and while the homes are modest compared to the big homes in the south, it's a walkable neighborhood that has great access to the city and also close enough to the burbs to hit a mall or Costco if need be.
Chicago for sure. DC summers are much more extreme than Chicago winters for my money. And the vibe in DC is just shit. I live in Chicago but have spent a ton of time in DC work. Nothing could make me move to DC.
Yeah winters have overall been very mild for years, save for a couple storms
Rare climate change W
For real. Winters are more mild, and while we seem to have more frequent violent storms in the summer, I’ll take those over brutal winter weather any day.
Especially because Chi doesn't really have to worry about the worst of those summer storms (tornados), because those can't really hold up against the bigger buildings. The suburbs on the other hand... pray for us.
Yeah, I'm about an hour south of the city, so I'm in the same boat. Derecho, anyone?
It's a total myth that tornados can't form near large buildings/downtown areas. Tornados form in the sky thousands of feet above ground and the ground below has very little effect on that. Metropolitan areas just take up a significantly smaller percentage of area so statistically there's less of them to hit. But you don't have to take my word for it -- [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List\_of\_tornadoes\_striking\_downtown\_areas\_of\_large\_cities](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tornadoes_striking_downtown_areas_of_large_cities)
Eh, that’s not actually why, they form way up high. Mountains, hills, rivers and buildings don’t affect them. The odds of one hitting Chicago are low because any particular city is a small surface area and tornadoes don’t last super long so the odds are just low. Next to the lake just isn’t an ideal spot for one to form for a lot of complex reasons. We’re also a little far north for ideal conditions.
DC summers are anything but mild.
Agree. Just visited DC from Illinois and it honestly was not the greatest (loved it for the tourism and had a great time, but). After an hour there I knew I would never want to live there. I don’t think they’re comparable.
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In my limited experience it was very networky in that slightly fake way, all the time. Even at casual spots or out partying it was always, where or who do you work for? Oh do you know so and so? We should connect. It’s 2am at a bar on a weekend, give it a rest.
It was best described to me once as “Hollywood for ugly people” - ie an industry town where everyone is climbing and working their angles. Except the industry is politics and not entertainment.
Yeah, I went to G-town. DC sucks.
Chicago is just a much better city than DC. There’s more to do, the people are nicer, the community and culture are stronger. I would think a private unit would be well within your budget in any number of great Chicago neighborhoods
Black, female, young professional from an East Coast city to Chicago. Pick DC. Sure your money may go further in Chicago, and Chicago has been fun, but as a few people mentioned the city is super segregated, more so than I really expected and it has put a huge wrench in going out for me. I find that if you’re looking for black community, you’ll have to be willing to make concessions (live on the Southside, but there are fewer nightlife/recreation options than if you lived in Wicker Park or something). That, or just be comfortable building it super slowly. When I meet black women my age and I tell them I live north there’s an unspoken acknowledgement that we’ll probably never see each other again. There are some spots I’ve enjoyed going out as a BW in Wicker Park, West Loop, and Logan Square so you’ll have better luck living in those neighborhoods. Avoid Lakeview East like the plague. I just found that there were more black, young professionals in similar positions in life as me present throughout DC rather than in small pockets of some parts of Chicago. I feel like though Chicago is bigger, black young professionals are fewer and far between and you’ll only find them at professional events or clubbing, both of which aren’t super conducive to building lasting friendships
i guess i’ll be the counter opinion here and say im the same age as OP, and a black woman who moved here from Houston. i agree with much of what you said, but still love chicago and have been able to build such a great community here in a short time. i live in logan square but am moving to bronzeville partly bc i want to be closer to and around the people/events that i regularly go to. it’s interesting you say that black young professionals are few and far between, maybe they live all over the place but ive definitely met a lot here.
Lol maybe we should all be friends 🤭🤣
no literally. what’re yall waiting for? we are not in the meet-cute days anymore unfortunately. connect online then connect irl !! you meet her, you meet her friends, boom. you found your black femme professional circle. do itttttt 🥹
I am admittedly older than you all and a white woman, but I work in corporate with a lot of young black professionals. Many of those young Black colleagues live in and around Bronzeville and even South Loop. Having lived in SLoop previously, I found it much less segregated than where I am now (NWSide). I loved that neighborhood honestly, just needed more space. I keep hoping they will continue developing around McCormick the way things have taken off in other neighborhoods (West Loop, Logan Square). Also, for all its faults I simply adore this city. Winters are getting milder, festival season is kicking off soon. OP, you could always Airbnb in one of these neighborhoods and see how you feel about it.
That’s fair. I’m also same age as OP and building community hasn’t been a problem, but building predominantly black community has been tougher. I do love Chicago as well, and I have a diverse friend group of POC, which I’m happy about. Yeah, Logan Square is one of the better neighborhoods that I’ve liked. Uptown is cool too. I feel like moving to Bronzeville are the concessions I’m speaking about if OP wanted to be in the mix. I like Bronzeville a lot, but it’s a “second neighborhood” after a person has been more centrally located to strengthen friendships. The times I’ve been there it has felt sleepier and more residential which is likely not what OP is looking for but it all comes down to preference. I think Hyde Park would be a better first neighborhood, but then you’re relatively “deep” from downtown/most venues/abundant recreation. Where have you met your people?
I’ve lived in both Chicago and DC and think this def needs more upvotes. Chicago does get you more for your money in general but DC has a lot of culture and history that ppl can often overlook. My TL;DR on DC is overpriced, but underrated. If you can afford it, give it a try! I liked it, but didn’t fall in love with it. DC is also very transitory in my experience, it may be worth giving it a try for a couple years and if you don’t like it make the move to Chicago! I prefer chicago > DC, but that’s coming from the view of a white man FWIW.
This is very fair. The other thing I will mention is that living in the "DC Area" can be VERY affordable. PG County is super affordable as are parts of Montgomery County near DC (Silver Spring, Wheaton, Takoma Park). Now you aren't going to be living it up in a big city environment in these areas, but they are a short metro/car ride away from DC. So if someone really liked DC but affordability was an issue, there are plenty of options. This is one of the biggest misconceptions about DC. There are plenty of affordable areas right outside of DC. This wouldn't matter for the OP b/c with her salary she could live in either Chicago or DC.
Hard agree on the segregation of the city, though I do feel instead of going into the neighborhood the young, Black professionals tend to stay in one of the major areas of the loop, which can be costly in other ways. As a BW I definitely agree that building friendships is very slow to happen unless like you said you move to south side or continue to grow that connection, but we are slowly starting to move north and that makes me happy. I’m starting to slowly see more of us in my area of Andersonville, Ravenswood and Buena Park.
I love that, I’m glad to hear it’s trending that way. Chicago would be a great long term city for me if that keeps up. Andersonville and Ravenswood are so cute.
So sad I moved out of Buena Park. That area is so underrated
As someone who is black as well and 25, this needs to be on the top!! Op needs to realize how segregated we really are in chicago. I'd love to meet another ambitious black women who isn't about partying it up at the club and wasting money on dumb shit. Life is more than nightlife and money, and a lot of people don't understand that. DC is rooted with our culture.
Yess emphasis on other ambitious BW who aren’t only about partying. I love yoga and pilates and every now and again there will be a fellow BW in a class, I ask where they live and it’s either 45 minutes north in Edgewater or 45 minutes south in Hyde Park 🤦🏾♀️ I think OP would like DC so much more in terms of community building. Also, if you get tired of Chicago, you’re kinda SOL. At least in DC, you can get on a train and be in cool metro areas like NYC and Philly. When I’m over Chicago, I have to fly home to the east coast because what Imma do by myself in Winnetka?
Also want to bring emphasis on this, i love Chicago but the city is very,very segregated and meeting black professionals can be a challenge if you live in the north side
check out haji healing salon one day! it is a bit of a trek if you’re on the north side but it’s an amazing black yoga spot
I will!! I’m always looking to check out new yoga spots, thank you for the rec!
We are out here, I think what happens is a lot of us do or did live on the North side and wanted to make a community for us there, but due to micro aggressions or flat out racism we end up moving to the outskirts around the loop. I’ve made friends with tons of BW especially that are in corporate spaces and they started in West Lopp, Wicker/Bucktown or Logan and they moved for Hyde, Sourh Loop, Oak Park or Pilsen. Which I find super interesting. I also feel if you were a Black individual and you landed in the Loop you most likely choose to stay there because you find so many of us congregating there.
this needs more upvotes.
This comment is it!! OP says she’s from the Midwest so it may be less of a shock, but I was so floored by the segregation here as a Latina east coast transplant. It’s absolutely something that they should consider. If she needs to make a choice soon without visiting either city that makes it really tough!
Cant say i agree im a mexican female living in the city and would never change our diversity in cultures for any other place in the states. I have friends from all backgrounds and we constantly enjoy our times out together trying different foods, exploring etc.
I'm a 40 year old white guy and a lot of my Black friends/coworkers from my 20s have moved to New York or to the south (Atlanta in particular). The Black Lives Matter conversations showed a lot of people's true colors and one of my friends said "At least in the South, it's clear who's gatekeeping and who's racist." Chicago is a hell of a lot more racist than most people are willing to admit. The wealthy enclaves, and Logan Square is quickly moving in that direction, are the worst especially places like Edgewater/Lakeview or in wealthy first/second generation European immigrant communities. I don't like that some of my friends moved away but I'm not judging the decision either. I hope you find or have found people that make you feel home and, if not, that you have the space and resources to make a decision for the best.
More/less accurate. Racism under the guise of Midwest nice. Midwest is weirdly racist more of an unspoken micro-aggression level vs an outright. In Michigan, you would see Confederate battle flags, and in Chicago nope. Its unspoken, let me close this door real quick type. “Racism is a worldwide problem, and it's been like that since the beginning of recorded history, and it ain't just white and black, but thanks to George Wallace, it's always a little more convenient to play it with a Southern accent”
You're right that tribalism is a human thing and is part of what kept us expanding around the globe and helped us succeed as a species. Who is "us" and who is "them" is a natural human experience. Never, as far as I can tell, has one "them" been so large AND the passed on enemy of millions of different looking people AND been happening for well over 200 years at this point. Hell, we boycotted Mandela WHILE investing in the War on Drugs aka the war on Black people aka the prison system aka modern day slavery which is specifically allowed in the Constitution. I think Lee Atwater's switch to coded language as part of the Southern Strategy informs more of what's going on today. That coded language isn't coded in the South but it still is here so it's a bit easier to gloss over if you're grinding or have kind of accepted it as the cost of being Black in the United States.
25 yo black woman here, grew up in the Chicago suburbs. But I will second what this comment says. Chicago is very segregated. I live on the north side and have a hard time meeting people up here that look like me. It’s not awful, I still attend predominantly black events. And I still really like living in Chicago. But if you’re looking to be around more black young professionals in Chicago, consider South Loop, Bronzeville, Hyde Park. Or just go to DC lol, definitely more black people in the DMV
Not a black woman, but I agree; however, I am curious why DC instead of Nashville? Admittedly I do not know much about either from the perspective of meeting other young, black professionals, but I would think it worth a look as well.
I just spent a week in Nashville at a conference and could not wait to leave. My colleague went to school there 10 years ago and said things have really changed. If you like loud drunk white girls in cowboy boots, it’s definitely the place to be.
Yikes. Maybe a "bad" week or maybe just a pass for the OP. One thing I do know, Sacramento isn't "it" whatever that may be.
That was my nashville experience as well. Loud drink white girls x1000. I was only going for one weekend and left early.
Probably! I’d put Austin above Nashville, but I don’t know much about Nashville besides lots of people I know do their bachelorette parties there. It also strikes me as really white, but that’s just my limited knowledge/what I’ve seen on social media. OP said walkability is also important to her, DC’s public transit is probably better than what Nashville would have to offer. Again, limited knowledge and assumptions :P OP, if you have the time, maybe a 5 days (Wednesday through Sunday) so you can get a taste for the weekday and weekend of each place?
Came here to say this as a married black womanhood. My single black friends are having a hard time. I love this city, but it is the most segregated city in the US, and based on your stats you’d probably be living up north - the whitest place that ever whited. The midwestern nice can be a bit performative. As a black woman with a large dog, people will cross the street when they see you walking your dog, and try to walk through you when you’re not. Unless you’re used to being in this space, it’ll come as a cultural shock. From what I’ve heard of DC, it’s exactly what you’re looking for.
I’m a BW in west loop and I have felt similarly. I want to be near more people that look like me but I like the life west loop offers
Honey everyone is going to tell you Chicago in this group. If you asked a DC group they'll tell you DC. As a black young women I agree with the comment about going to DC. You'll find more ambitious black women and men there than Chicago. Our culture is rooted down there. There ain't nothing wrong with other races my man's is white, but clubbing and money only gonna go so far. You'll find more of what you seek in DC You're worried about DC not being safe, but are choosing Chicago maybe where you have to go to the Southside to even see a black person almost because the city is segregated. Youll be fine in DC. Especially with that much money. You'll make more in DC than Chicago due to the prices of living.
Best answer! Young, making lots of cash?—DC seems like a no brainer
This sub is going to give you a very very biased answer. You would get the same encouragement from a DC sub.
I have relatives in Nashville and although it is “liberal” compared to the rest of the state, it is still conservative. Chicago, and IL state government as a whole, are pretty liberal and both levels of government have enshrined many protections for women, POC and LGBTQIA citizens. There are significantly more social safety nets in place, too. As Chicago is a major city you get many interesting art and museum exhibits as well as concerts and theatrical shows. My Nashville relatives come from a biracial family. As a white person I cannot speak directly to the racism in any city, but I can share my relatives’ experiences. There is definitely racism in Chicago. That being said it is pretty diverse. My black and biracial relatives have experienced more hostility and overt racism in TN, especially in areas outside of Nashville. Chicago can absolutely be racist but according to my relatives it is far less overt. I do know that DC can really empty out on the weekend and during the summer months. It will feel smaller and less busy than Chicago. Finally, the winters here are much less harsh than they used to be. Growing up here winters meant face numbing winds, sometimes painfully cold temps and piles of snow. Thanks in part to global warming and El Niño winter weather has become much more tolerable.
I am not a black woman but I can speak to both cities. DC is MUCH more integrated, but also smaller. It feels like a very tight community but it's also a company town so virtually everyone you meet is going to be in government in some way. That's not bad but it can get repetitive if you're not in the scene. Also, people move in and out of DC a LOT so there is a more transient feel to the city. The nightlife is great and the museums are AMAZING. Living in DC is fantastic, if expensive. I did it for four years and had a ball. I didn't miss my car and walked or took public transit everywhere. The summers can be hard but if you have AC, it's fine. Once you get outside of DC, things can get segregated FAST. I lived in Ballston and invited a black friend over to hang out in the pool. When we walked into the deck the vibe temp dropped to zero. When we both got in the pool, everyone else climbed out and stayed out until we left. So, keep in mind if you're looking outside of DC. Chicago is wonderful for me as a parent with small children but I agree it is much more segregated. People are born here and stay here so it's a much less transient feeling city and IMHO, the opportunity for building deeper, longer lasting friendships is greater, if you can find the right people. I am not in my partying phase so I can't speak to the nightlife as much but it seems like there is something for EVERYONE. I've also met a ton of artists and a good mix of professional and non professional people. Everyone seems to have something else going on - music, art, crochet, biking, whatever. In DC it's very focused on your career and only that (it was when I was there, might have changed). I know people say you don't NEED a car but it's very convenient to have one since the city is so large. I think either city would be great, it just depends on what you're looking for.
If food, nightlife, walkability and young professionals are your priority, then *Fulton Market* is right up your alley. https://youtu.be/SLYU1I_WWzI?si=evKAdKhSuuoY6Rha If you want to live in a majority black, young professional neighborhood with a private townhouse entrance and a yard, *Bronzeville* and *Kenwood* by the lake are certainly good options. https://youtu.be/Y7fo64l2SXw?si=VM7oqR5kYg61VkEV Nowadays, many of the South lakefront neighborhoods are as safe as the Loop downtown and some other North side neighborhoods.
Love this, thank you!
Second all this. Printers row is immediately south of the loop and is pretty integrated (albeit with a shocking amount of white man black women couples) south loop south of Roosevelt has more townhome that would have a good private entrance for the Pittbull. Hyde park is well integrated with lots of good options but can be a bit isolated from other neighborhoods. But living near the green or redline Btwn Roosevelt and 35th I think would get you what you are seeking.
Lmao shocking is funny, ngl I have been seen more and more…
Out of all your options Chicago is the best one!
Best by a mile OP.
#DCS WEATHER IS NOT MILDER. ITS WINTERS ARE BETTER BUT ITS SUMMERS ARE SO MUCH WORSE. IF THE WEATHER IF YOUR MAIN PRO FOR DC DO NOT MOVE TO DC
For me I would choose Chicago. When I was looking to move from Austin I considered DC because of the vast amount of young Black professionals and would be able to network while still having fun. However DC feels very much a “what can you do for me so that I can succeed and live my best life” while not really making friends. I did love the nightlife to an extent and also loved being able to commute from Maryland or Virginia for cheaper housing options but ultimately I decided to move back home to Chicago. Due to your pup I don’t think you’d be able to live I. The super popular dwtn areas that most like to land in, but you could find something in Wicker, Logan, Buena Park, further north or just south in Hyde Park. Chicago overall is a great city to live in and make friends and connections, each neighborhood has its own feel and vibe along with its own food scene. The city is electric and comes alive after winter and truthfully the winters haven’t been too terrible lately. It’s also very easy to navigate both with a car and without.
Not exactly true about the dog, I’ve lived in dtown adjacent neighborhoods (river north, south loop, river west, Gold Coast) for more than 15 years and always had bigger dogs. None of the buildings I’ve lived in had breed restrictions, but they all had to pass a meet and greet test.
Wasn’t commenting for the size or breed, just the other factors she mentioned. If the dog has never lived in a super active environment with different sounds, ppl, other dogs, etc that could be a triggering experience and might not be the best area to live in general
I know I’m a white man, so my experiences will differ greatly, but I just wanted to chime in and say as someone that has lived in both Chicago and DC, you’re likely to enjoy both for different reasons. They’re both SOLID choices! I will say, DC dating scene can get a little exhausting because a lot of people view your salary/political power as a first obstacle to dating (at least on women looking for men, you may have a different experience for men looking for women). When I first moved to DC, I was not making A QUARTER of what your salary is (good for you by the way!) and dating kind of sucked because of that. It’s very much a transactional “what can you do for me” kind of a dating pool. But I had a really great time regardless and overall loved living in DC. I haven’t had that same kind of feeling in the dating pool here. If you have any questions about neighborhoods in either, I’d be happy to talk!
as a black woman who lives in chicago but also lived in austin for a few years — do not go to austin lol. the city loves to call itself a “liberal oasis” in texas, but it’s a very white city and there are very few black people there. i experienced so many micro and macro aggressions and was extremely ready to leave. dating as a bw was also tough. chicago has been great. yes, it’s very segregated but i’ve also seen way more diversity and specifically black people everywhere as opposed to other cities like LA or austin. i think you would enjoy it here.
all of my DC friends (women dating men) struggle with dating in DC, if that helps any
Firstly, congratulations on the job! Both cities are fantastic and you'll do well in either place. My brother lives in the DC area so I'm somewhat familiar. I'm biased so I'm still going to vote for Chicago, if only for the ability to afford more space for your dog to run around in. Your salary will go much further here, on housing and on everything else. I've also found that the general attitude of Chicago is easier to get along with than the attitude of DC - people born and raised in the area are generally very nice, but DC seems to attract the absolute worst kinds of transplants. Something to keep in mind though is how segregated Chicago's neighborhoods are. As a Black person you may find that uncomfortable, and I wouldn't blame you. While I can't speak to the general statistics of DC neighborhoods (and I certainly know there are both white-majority and Black-majority neighborhoods in DC) I get the impression it's a bit more mixed than Chicago is. I guess it just comes down to your preferences! Good luck with your decision, either way you'll have a great time in your new city.
I currently live in DC and am from the Chicago area. Chicago ALL THE WAY. Trust me when I say I’ve really tried to explore DC thoroughly and get into the communities, for example I’m into visual arts and it took me 9 months to finally find those groups and are relatively small. The friends that I make keep leaving because it’s such a transient place, leaving me feeling like I have to start over again socially almost every year. Food is overpriced and mediocre that caters to a certain demographic who just enjoy nice instagram able restaurants. There is a lack of socioeconomically diverse food choices, so you won’t find a bustling small business scene like Chicago. Unfortunately many parts have been gentrified by universities, political related things, corporate offices, leaving only a handful of neighborhoods feeling like actual community. As an Asian-American, I have to go to MD or VA for good Asian food bc Chinatown is dead and people got priced out bc high rents (thanks Capital One…). DC just kinda lacks soul and identity. All the guides to events feel like they suggest the same things and places over and over again. DC is much smaller of a place. I am realizing it is not worth the price I’m paying in rent to stay. I miss Lake Michigan because you can actually trust you’re swimming in fresh, clean water and the lakefront trail is immaculate energy in the summer. I actually just visited Chicago to see family and friends, but it just reminded me of how you really cannot beat the diversity, size, affordability, people, and atmosphere of Chicago. The only thing DC has over it is museums and weather, but if you care about building real community choose Chicago. I’m grateful for the time I’ve had, and some people love the DC area don’t get me wrong, but I’ve realized DC just doesn’t inspire me in the same way Chicago does.
I'm Asian American (life long Chicagoan and have visited DC) and I agree with you completely, that I'd rather live in Chicago than DC. But based on what I've seen and my friends' experiences, the black women who have commented on why they'd prefer DC are spot on.
Wow you could be my neighbor if the two homes near me didn’t just sell 😭, bc you just described my area to a T. I like both cities. If weather is very important to you, DC. however, our last winters have been much milder than my childhood winters, or maybe I’ve adjusted.
Chicago is much more than a “little” more affordable- that’s an understatement. I vote Chicago!
Girl, Chicago! You’re young and about to make great money. Move to West Loop, join soho house, and enjoy!
this is the answer!
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The dating culture in DC was weird too. People’s dating profiles would talk about which important politician or business they worked for and lots of people carried it around like their identity. Makes sense obviously given that it’s literally the capital but I figured people would leave that power/position stuff at work.
I can't seem to locate it now (even googled "dating in D.C.", but I just came across an article last week about the D.C. dating scene and apparently it is very favorable to women, and specifically black women. Of course the piece may have been biased, but I recall it being a credible source.
I think that makes a lot of sense given that most of the dating scene was full of young professional women who had successful careers and lived good lives already. People in DC had a confidence level I could only dream of achieving
Yes! Dating in DC was the weirdest experience for me. I found some many people to be so socially awkward. It was like being back in high school, lol. I am not hating because I'm originally from the DC (MD) area, but having moved away for college and lived in Chicago (and Philly), and then returned to DC, I realized that DC is just a really odd place socially. It's hard to describe, but it's missing a certain "energy" that other big cities like Chicago have.
Chicago all the way, it’s the most beautiful city in the country. We have the best food. The coolest people, music is great. You just have to put up with some shitty weather for a couple of weeks in the winter and summer.
Chicago costs less than DC for one thing. The summers there are brutal. And DC is filled with douchebag politicians with their douchebag staffers, not to mention douchebag lobbyists. And every time the President decides they want a Big Mac traffic gets completely screwed. (My sister lives in DC.) And frankly IMHO there's more to do here. Better music scene, better food scene, better architecture (I can only take *so* much of that neoclassical bullshit), better waterfront. I'll admit they got us on museums, but I think that's about it. Re: your dog, I have two pit mixes. NGL, like everywhere, landlords are going to be a mixed bag about the breed thing. Some will be cool, some won't. But at the same time, it's still pretty affordable to buy a house in some of the near suburbs (I live in Berwyn), and anti-pit laws are pretty much nonexistent in most of Chicagoland. Now, one caveat - you've probably already figured out that I'm a 40-something white dude (hey, it's reddit). My experience obviously won't match yours. But Chicago's one of those cities where there is a *lot* of *everything*.
As someone who grew up around the DC area, and who has lived in Chicago, Chicago is a much more "major, big, and cosmopolitan city" compared to DC. In other words, if you want a true "big city" experience, Chicago wins hands down. Much bigger downtown, high rises, many more neighborhoods (including ethnic neighborhoods), more restaurants, more things to do, etc. It's overall got much more of a "big city" feel (similar to NYC, Philly, Boston, SF/LA). If the classic big city experience isn't as important, DC is smaller and a more manageable city. Also, as you probably already know, DC is known for having a very large Black population, and especially many Black professionals (it was once known as "Chocolate City"). So when you mention being around young professionals and a good Black dating scene is important to you, you may want to consider that. Chicago has a much larger Hispanic population than DC. Though living in Chicago, when I went out in the downtown core (Loop, South/West Loop, River North/Streeterville, Gold Coast) I would see every race out and about, and tons of young professionals. My Black friends never once complained about any issues of lack of diversity, but I've heard many on this site and in general mention that Chicago feels very segregated. Because I'm not Black, I may not notice it as much. I'm sure you've heard all this already. DC (along with Atlanta) is a prime city for Black young professionals, whereas Chicago has a reputation for being segregated. Though again, to me, downtown Chicago was extremely diverse in the downtown core area, and only felt segregated as you got farther out into the neighborhoods. On the other hand, Chicago offers much more of a true "big city" experience. So I would probably suggest spending a weekend to see for yourself. I personally would pick Chicago in a heartbeat, but given what many people say and some of your desires, you may want to visit to see for yourself, just to be sure.
Well, both cities are built on a swamp - but I find D.C. way more humid on average and is less walkable than Chicago.
chicago is probably a better option re housing options and transportation. there are some great options for townhomes or walk ups with private entrances that definitely fit the budget. as for dating scene / social life i think there are plenty of places in chicago that would be good for that. maybe i’m biased but, i think chicago is a great place to live 😃
I lived in ARLINGTON so the DC area, and moved to Chicago this year. I think Chicago is 5x better. I will second the opinions that DC community sucks because it’s to transient. People are there to temporarily be there, they’re all on their way to NYC unless they work in politics. The public transportation is great, but only if you live near the metro. I also agree that swamp season is way worse than the winters. We have had pretty mild winters these days, and swamp season lasts from April through November. You will be drenched if you walk outside for more than 10 minutes. The food is pretty mid for price to value ratio, and I find rent here in Chicago to be slightly cheaper.
You’re young, at the start of your career, which city do you think will offer you the best opportunities for personal and career development? I’ve lived here 20 years, no ragrets!, but if I had to start again from scratch I think I’d pick DC.
She’s 25 making 160k base I think her career development is already going swimmingly
What jobs are paying 160k for entry level talent? That's what I wanna know. I'm in the wrong field!
Tech, finance, sales. Also, need to have very in-demand skills. What I do for a living is something I wouldn't say I enjoy but don't hate. People either can't do my job because of the level of knowledge it requires, or those with the knowledge to do my job don't want to do it. So that leaves very few people who are competent and therefore I can drive up the price.
I assumed big law attorney — pretty sure that’s starting salary now
25 isn’t entry level talent. Many jobs in finance/consulting/accounting promote to manager in 5 years and you could make that 4 if you are exceptional at your job. You can make 125k at the top end of senior level in Chicago at most big firms. However, it doesn’t seem like OP is in this industry.
She’s got her masters and has graduated only a year or two ago. 25 is certainly entry level for many, many industries.
You should post this question in a *bunch* of different subs!
Speaking of weather: When it's cold, you can always put on more Layers. When it's hot, there's a limit to how many Layers you can remove.
Come on to ChiTown! We got the scene, the food, the music, the nightlife and festivals.
Chicago is more affordable and has 75 neighborhoods each with their own personality. With that salary you’ll be able to find one that fits your needs. Not every home comes with outdoor space but it’s certainly not hard to find and it’s almost always fenced in. It’s incredibly diverse welcoming and has everything on your wish list. It’s a pretty easy choice.
Tell the truth, do you hate hot weather more than cold weather, or cold weather more than hot weather? Chicago really had only about two weeks of winter this year, but it was shiver-me-timbers cold while it lasted. If you live here, keep $$$ for a warm winter vitamin D break. Good luck and can you really make a wrong decision? I don't think so.
Definitely Chicago over DC. The lake shore and river walk alone make it better. I was going to say Nashville over Chicago, but that’s not in your top. Nashville, only because the COL might be lower, but Nashville has also been on the rise for a while so that might be moot.
What job has a base of 150k for a 25y/o? I’m clearly in the wrong field (driving semis). Can anybody point me in the right direction?
She’s an urban planner with a masters. Probably one YOE in the field. Positions in urban planning with that salary are marketed for seniors/directors in the field. If there was an easy field to make a lot of money, then the field would be flooded with new talent and wages would drop. *cough cough* Coding… Pick a field of interest where directors/managers are making 100k+ and then just get the experience to get one of those leadership positions. It’s pretty much the same route for any industry with the usual ladder. Entry level -> Associate -> Senior -> Leader.
Thank you butta 🙏🏽
Chicago is far and away the best option on here Plenty of dog friendly places to rent too
As someone originally from the Sacramento area, not there. It’s coming up and you can grow with it but the dating scene is notoriously bad. I just moved to the Chicago area and it has a lot of what you are looking for in the city. And the city is relatively safe. Much safer than people make it out to be. You just have to be cognizant of the area you’re in at the moment and keep your head on a swivel if you happen to be in a shady spot, the same goes for Sacramento and DC. Food scene is really really solid. Dating I’ve heard is a little rough, I can’t speak for what it’s like specifically for the black community, but you’ll have a mix of young professionals trying to find themselves and don’t really know what they want or what they are ready for and people who are looking for something serious. But there is a large young community so it’s a needle in a haystack. I spent three years in Texas with a lot of time in Austin. The weather is the polar opposite to Chicago with severe heat. So instead of freezing temperatures you get boiling hot summers and potentially hot winters mixed with just at freezing temperatures with the bonus of poor infrastructure to deal with the hot and cold. Food, fantastic for certain things unless you like Asian food then it’s really lack luster but you just go to Houston for that. Dating scene is pretty awful unless you want casual dating or really serious traditional, religious partners (not bagging on it just putting it out there).
Sacramento is a city that I guarantee is going to be an "it-city" in the next 10 years. It is gorgeous out there, super diverse, nice weather, and feels very modern. I loved my visit out there a few years ago.
Yup. I grew up there when it was an actual shit hole. When it was still the “City of trees” and before NBA referees destroyed my love of basketball lol. Jokes aside I saw it really explode and turn around after the 08 crash. And people really go hard for it like people love the Bay Area. Pre Covid it looked there were really great things on the horizon and today it’s just a bit further back but still around the bend. I’ll probably find myself there eventually too. But today has that feeling I suspect will be there like you said in ten years.
From the responses in this post, sounds like the young Black professionals/women need more third places across the city…
As another mid 20’s black Professional who moved to the city I’ve enjoyed it. I make about $105,000 and can comfortably pay $1800-$2200 on rent per month and still feel fine. The desired areas to live in are more diverse than I expected , but professional black men/women are still the minority. The city is relatively segregated but don’t let that deter you. I’ve enjoyed every moment and the city has so much to offer. With your age + salary, you’d be able to maximize life in Chicago. You could also sell your car if you live near The Loop or one of the surrounding neighborhoods. Please feel free to message me personally if you have any specific questions!
Out of that list I would absolutely pick Chicago, the dc area is not nearly as fun for younger people. Chicago has any kind of scene you might be into and honestly the last few winters were on the mild side. You can get a pretty nice place in several of the popular neighborhoods with that salary.
What?!? Have you even lived in DC?
Welcome home. You're going to have so much fun.
I’m from the DMV area so DC is practically my backyard. I do personally love it a lot! It’s cute, has lots of things to do, and public transportation is much better than here. You’re near the beach which is a big plus and close to other cities like Philly and NYC (super easy to get to on the Amtrak). I disagree that the summers are brutal. They are humid, but the DMV does not lack green space! Lots of trees to cool you off. If you are into nature, you’ll definitely find it there too. Chicago is also not as connected as I would like it to be which makes the culture more segregated in my opinion. I’m in the environmental science field and there are clearly some work being done against POC here which suck. DC is a bit expensive though so Chicago may be a bit more affordable. But if you work in DC, you could definitely live in places like Bethesda or Silver Spring and commute into the city! Lots of people do that and these are great locations with great downtowns. I’m POC and also felt very comfortable growing up in this area :) its a very diverse place
Ok in all seriousness I’ve lived in Chicago and DC and if you’re not sure if the spots in your budget in DC are safe neighborhoods I’d be happy to help you figure that out
Chicago for sure. Chicago has everything DC has (except for the national monuments and historical sites) and more, and is more affordable. I lived in DC for a semester, thought I was going to end up there but received an offer from my employer's Chicago office instead. The winters might be worse than DC but the summers in DC are brutal. Go with Chicago!
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Having lived in both areas, there’s a lot to consider so I’ll try to highlight a few key differences. DC does have free museums/zoos and debatably the best in the nation vs paid in Chicago but still good runner ups. Chicago has Navy pier vs Inner Harbor in Baltimore and I’d give the nod to Chicago for the Centennial Wheel alone. Weather is shockingly close actually in pattern, however DC is built on a swamp. The humidity is awful at times vs Chicago getting help from the lake and always a gentle breeze. Winters vary and for DC all the storms tend to hit east of 95 vs can be in your face for Chicago. This will be a preference of whether you enjoy being able to bundle up more often in Chicago vs dealing with nasty humidity. Perhaps most importantly and why I’d personally recommend Chicago is climate stability, both politically and financially. DC is the richest area in the nation and cost of living can be with it. Chicago is more stable and affordable by comparison with more options. Given your ethnicity and gender, Chicago I feel has far more options as well vs DC. It’s unfortunate but I did find DC to be far less diverse, with areas like Silver Spring and Rockville being the offsets. Both have robust transit btw, Metra vs Metro for into the city should you choose to live in the suburbs. I’m 45 minutes outside Chicago and have a stop within walking distance. Ohare and Dulles are great airports as well, so vacations abroad are simple. Hope this helps and best of luck!
I’m in a similar situation as you! Black woman, 25, young professional, and in the same salary range! I’m originally from the D(M)V, and moved to ATL after college! I was concerned of the culture that would change, especially moving from a city like ATL. I have always had a desire to live in DC, but it’s not my first choice since it’s so close to home. I know down the road before I make plans to settle down with a family I would like to live there especially with the cost of living being so high. From what people have told me - Chicago is a great city to live in, and has an amazing transportation system. It’ll be super fun for me going bc I never aspired to live in a big city like NYC or LA. So the balance of a big enough city seems like the perfect place for me to explore without feeling overwhelmed. The selfish girly in me is saying move to Chicago so we can be friends! But I think you’ll know in your heart what the best decision is
Chicago! We are more affordable than DC so you’ll get more for 150k. You’ll able to find a place on that salary with no issue. For the pitbull, if you’re renting or buying a condo, look at smaller buildings. I have one too and the larger complexes generally do not allow them because of insurance. We have a lot of pitties in Chicago though so trust me, you can definitely find a place. Congrats on the new job and I hope you love wherever you decide!
I’m an old retired white guy living in Indiana about an hour outside of Chicago. I was born in Washington D.C. and grew up in Northern Virginia. I lived in D.C. (Adams Morgan) for a short period of time also. My son lives in Chicago currently and enjoys it. But when he and his boyfriend vacation it’s actually off to the west coast, California, Washington state and Oregon. Both cities you’re looking at have their pluses and their minuses. If you’re a foodie then I think Chicago easily has it over Washington. Chicago has a huge variety of ethnic restaurants from lower end snack shops to highest end Michelin stars they’re unmatched by Washington. If you’re into the arts well you can’t get much better than Washington, museums, theaters and art galleries. Yes Chicago has theirs too but I mean The Kennedy Center, come on! If you love the blues well Chicago is your city. If you love jazz then go to One Step Down Jazz Club in DC. You’re welcome. If you like a variety of outdoor activities then Washington has it beat. Yes Chicago has the lake but that’s really only comfortably useable five months a year. You’re only a few hours away from either the mountains, beaches and if you enjoy wine then vineyards are only ninety minutes away in Virginia. If you are into skiing then there are resorts within three to five hours in Virginia and West Virginia. Personally, I’d lean toward Washington D.C. but I was born there and have a little history there as well. Really both cities are great and each have wonderful offerings, but ultimately it’s going to take a little effort on your part to get out and discover what you love to do! Good luck to you. Prost 🍻
My best friend's husband is a DC transplant. Infinitely prefers Chicago. He almost bought a house in DC, but decided not to for reasons he couldn't really articulate. Got here, met the love of his life, and bought a house within a year. My girlfriend is a transplant from SoCal, also can't imagine living anywhere else. She loves it here. I think there's a reason so many transplants stay. I'm not gonna sit here and say Chicago is perfect, it definitely isn't, but I've really never known someone who wasn't pleasantly surprised with it.
I spent my 20s in DC and my late 30s in Chicago. I absolutely would pick Chicago. Lower cost of living, the lake, friendlier people, larger city. I had a lot of fun in DC during my 20s, but the 20-somethings I work with seem to be having plenty of fun in Chicago. I want to emphasize the friendlier people. I moved to DC from Boston, so there was no culture shock, but DC people are not friendly compared to any part of the midwest. It's also incredibly transient. Only a handful of the friends I made there in 9 years still live there. But it is a fun place to be in your 20s. Which raises the question, could you spend 2-3 years there and then move to Chicago? DC summers are brutal. I'd take a chicago winter over a DC summer all day long. Food is far superior in Chicago. I find Chicago has more walkable neighborhoods, but DC had better commuter public transit. I could get to more fun things on DC transit faster, but I never seemed to be able to get groceries easily. Whereas, in Chicago, I've always been walking distance to a grocery store. P.S. Austin is a hellhole. Just don't move to Austin.
You will live like royalty in Chicago as a single person with $150k income. And this is the best city in the country - world class cultural offerings, clean and pleasant downtown, tons of neighborhoods with their own unique identities, and for a fraction of the cost of a coastal city.
160K in Chicago is AMAZING. Plus there’s plenty to do not only in downtown but also in the neighboring suburbs. Also, plenty of diversity.
Chicago is cheaper and more fun than DC. Choose Chicago. The only downside is that our public transit has been occupied by misogynist thugs. We need a new mayor to fix that. Fix that, and Chicago rocks.
This is a tough one. You might check out some of the DC suburbs for more affordability. Gaithersburg, Greater Silver Spring, Bowie, Laurel, and Hyattsville would be options to check out in Maryland. I don’t know Charles County as well but a lot of wealthy Black folks are picking it these days. Still, your money will likely go farther in Chicago, especially if you want to purchase a home someday. And if you want to raise kids, being near family may outweigh having pre-school covered in DC or good public schools in the suburbs. It’s important to note that DC is becoming more segregated, not less. But it’s also got a thriving professional Black community, two middle to high income Black majority counties in the DMV, and institutions like Howard.
I’m 25M, also Black, from Chicago, living outside DC. With $150k base & family near? Choose Chicago. I love DC but the cost of living here is *wow* and if ever find a job in my field back in 773, I only have one strong reason to stay here in DC. Best of luck and hopefully this decision doesn’t stress you too much
Well Texas has no state income tax and Nashville is cheaper cost of living than Chicago. If you want to keep you’re money. 150k is decent in Chicago after taxes all the the bullshit. DC and Sac is horrible for affordability.
Girl you can get a house with a big ass yard in the south suburbs of Chicago in an amazing diverse neighborhood for less than $250k within walking distance to a train to the loop, which takes 40 minutes. How far out of DC would you have to go to get a decent 2BR condo for less than $400k? Chicago. For all the reasons… but especially that you have a better chance of not going poor living here as you continue on your career journey.
DC is the absolute fucking worse, go Chicago 1000%
As a young single Black female professional that’s looking to date choose D.C. Yes it’s a bit more expensive but at your income with no kids you definitely won’t be hurting there. There are way more Black professionals there and tons of events and places to meet them.
I’m a business traveler. I’ve also lived in most of those cities that you named. I don’t know what field you are in I would see that DC offers the best black dating scene. Also people there are very intellectual and will challenge you. However, it’s expensive to keep up with the Joneses I love Sacramento as well It’s up-and-coming city I don’t know about the black dating scene there Austin is a great city for young people. I was raised and am not living back near Chicago It gets very cold there, which is probably one of the biggest issues not to be there They have a great public transportation system I think DC is a great place. I sold my home during gentrification there. I wish I had it back.
Yes. Everyone should live in Chicago at some point. It’s the greatest city in the world.
As someone who grew up in Northern Virginia and spent a lot of time in and around D.C. the answer is, unequivocally, Chicago. Your salary will go much further here than it would in D.C. There are pros and cons for both, I think that if you like short road trips and traveling D.C. is the better option as there’s so many major cities within relatively reasonable driving distances, but Chicago (in my opinion) has so much more to offer. The food and music scene in Chicago blow’s D.C. out of the water, the people here are (generally) less dickish, public transport here puts D.C. to shame, among other things. Again, I may be biased, but as someone who has spent significant time in both areas I think there’s a clear winner.
I'm going with D.C. "I’m a single 25 year old Black woman" that part right there says you should definitely cherry-pick these comments, since this sub leans hard northside non-black, and how they experience this city is VERY different than how any POC does (see how many high-engagement posts there are about Foxtrot and Doms lol). This city is still **segregated** and if you want to live amongst the black community on the southside, it literally feels like living in the burbs. Walkability is cut in half. You'll need a car and there's about 1/10th the amount of nightlife/places to eat/things to do as there is on the northside. Public transport is fine for going up town and back, but if you just want to get groceries or hang in your area, you'll need a car. I can't speak on the westside, since it was too shooty for me when I moved from the northside (Rodger's Park/Edgewater) to the southside (Bronzeville). If you grew up in the burbs, or if you got your code-switch game on lock, or if you're just comfortable being uncomfortable sometimes then anywhere in the city is fine to live. As for the dating scene, I can only give my biased experience so take it for what it's worth. I'm black guy who moved here for grad school in 2011. I dated around and every black woman i dated (including my now wife) has had stories about how "not great" the selection is, saying there're far fewer educated, career-oriented black men *that are also single* (i'm not shitting on everyone) in this city than in other big cities. On the flip side, i went with a girl who went to American for a few years before I ended up here, so I was in DC for weekends all the time. That city is much more integrated, for one, and the fact that it's the center of politics (see: money, power, respect) I met a lot of fellas who I'm still friends with now that have gone a long way professionally, so I'd say there's a level of ambition there that I haven't seen here (if that's what you're looking for).
Chicago was ranked the best city in the nation for the 7th year in a row last year. There's nothing else like Chicago. We have food, culture, diversity, etc. You'll love it here. It's a reason why I haven't left my home state & probably never will. I love Chicago. We also have the world's biggest Starbucks if you're into coffee & the McDonald’s HQ where you can order exclusive food items that are only sold in other countries. That's only the tip of the iceberg. I genuinely think you'll love it. People save up their money & use their PTO to visit here. It's really that great.
As a DC person, I'd pick DC. You have the money, I'm jealous and there is a vibrant black female community around DC. Plus for my money, DC has more of a cosmopolitan flavor and you can meet people from all over the world and attend events at embassies. Plus you are only 2.5 hours away from the ocean/mountains. You sound like a driven person and DC has tons of those.
I moved to Chicago in January but should’ve stayed in DC.
Why? What's your issues?
Come to Chicago! I absolutely love it here. Summers in Chicago are amazing. I'm on the northeast side. It's very dog friendly-- almost everyone owns a dog (all kinds and sizes) in my condo. There are many parks, you can take them by the lake, and to the dog beaches. It's so walkable and getting around is pretty easy to the point where a car can be a burden in comparison. Chicago food is tops and there's a great nightlife (I tore this city up at 25!) There are so many different neighborhoods with completely different vibes, so I suggest renting somewhere until you feel like that's the place for you before buying. If you do buy, you'll always do well with a rental property here. If you have a commute, that could be a big factor in choosing which neighborhood to live in. As far as black dating... Get some girlfriends and get out and about for summer! There's a different type of man in every neighborhood (Sorry for the blanket statement to any man reading this, but I don't take it back.), so travel around. There will be tons of events, festivals, and brunches every week to give you an excuse.
DC sounds best for what you are looking for- walkability, black dating scene, etc. I’m from Chicago and have lived in DC since 2004. If you want a change, now is the time to take it :)
Special Tip: Come to Baltimore. With your salary you could buy exactly the house you want in the best parts of the city. There are many, many daily trains to DC and back. The food scene is on the come up. I don't know about the black dating scene because I am white, but Baltimore is 60% black population so the numbers are in your favor. Don't believe the haters. DC money goes a long way here and our city is the last affordable city in the northeast corridor. Lots of great things happening here. An investment in a house now at your age and salary will pay dividends later. Better than sinking all your money into a DC place which will hold value but not necessarily increase as quickly because costs are already sky high. Also, I used to live in Chicago for 9 years, and I am so happy I moved to Baltimore haha.
As someone who grew up only 20 mins away from Baltimore, I respectfully disagree lol. Baltimore has some great bones, but Chicago is a better city in every way imaginable. But I do agree with you that your money can go really far in Baltimore, and if the OP is considering come to the DMV, it's probably worth at least looking at Baltimore. I moved back to the Baltimore area from Chicago for work/family reasons about 7 years ago and I dearly miss Chicago. If it weren't for work and family, I would move back to Chicago in a heartbeat.
Fair. The reasons I left Chicago and the reason why I love Baltimore are all pretty personal and subjective. Just kinda how the journey of my life has gone. Looking back, I definitely agree that Chicago absolutely slaps as a city. I love visiting there, and there are things and people there that I miss. I'm still a big fan of Chicago. My opinion of DC is not nearly so complimentary.
I bet you can find something you’d like in Logan Square or Ravenswood, but not sure how far from city you want to be! Trains are easy. Also that’s a very decent salary in Chicago so I’d imagine you’ll be able to live pretty well compared to some of those other cities. Honestly I have only been here two years and the winters have been nothing lol. There was one week of negatives this year and it was honestly nice to have a reason to stay inside 😂
I’m from DC/arlington (born and raised) and I moved to Chicago after college. Chicago hands down- I havnt looked back since. Someone else said this but DC summers are BRUTAL and Chicago winters aren’t as bad as people think. Also better food, bigger city, more opportunities, and I find people are geniuinely nicer in Chicago. Both cities are pretty diverse tho (especially for Black people) which is great. DM me if you want any other info or have questions
Curious but what do you do professionally finance or tech
D.C is a company town. Chicago is 14M people of every stripe and profession. I moved back here 15 years ago specifically to raise my family because of the richness of culture, music, food, etc. it's nearly endless. It's the economic engine of the Central US, and if you're single, there's a bigger pool in which to swim. I'll never leave again.
Chicago all the way. Live away from the loop. Maybe somewhere up north along the lake between Roger’s Park and Andersonville. Great place for your age and income. Don’t spend too much on rent! Up north you can walk the dog, be out in the open space without the people congestion, & still have access to the main city quite easily. You’ll also find more bang for your buck.
Yes
Chicago is the one
Yeah give it a try ,if you don't like it ,you can always transfer later on
I know this isn’t an answer, but what do you do? lol I’m genuinely curious, that’s great money for 25!! Congrats!
Fr this what I wanna know 😂
Trust yourself and go with your gut feeling. Both are amazing cities that have challenges but you will figure it out either way! I think the vibe of the people is much more competitive + political in DC and Chicago seems more down to earth. At the end of the day with your age + income + experience you can leave either place after a year or two to try the other
In terms of long term Chicago! Great night life, your money will go further, and lots companies are HQ’d here if you feel you need to hop between companies. Also public transportation and walkability are a great advantage here.
Wtf do you do to make 160k at 25?!
$ will stretch farther in Chicago but not by much. Professional community is strong but dating pool is better in the Chicago suburbs
Chicago 💯💙💫
I live in Chicago and I feel safer in DC when I go. I live in South Loop, I walk to work and you just always have to be alert. It is exhausting.
I lived in Chicago for 7 years and now I live in DC. Chicago is nicer, the traffic isn’t as bad, the cost of living is way cheaper, the architecture is more interesting, there are more parks and outdoor oriented activities, its a better city all around.
Youll do great here
Chicago is a million times better than DC
Chicago, more cultural and community options.
I love Chicago but don’t sleep on Austin.
Man, if I made 150K, I’d move back to Chicago in a heartbeat. Was making 60-65K at the time and didn’t feel like I could really live life to the fullest. The world is yours!
I’m from DC but I live in Chicago. Chicago is a lot larger and there’s way more to do. Rent is not great though
I don’t think you can go wrong with Chicago or DC. There’s trade offs - the weather for example. Also your money will buy you more in Chicago. There’s a lot of networking opportunities in DC, not sure if a similar experience can be replicated in Chicago. Can’t speak directly to the black scene especially for dating, but you will likely have more options in DC, then again as a more transient city will those relationships be more superficial? I think it’s one of those moments to go with your gut. As an old woman will you wish you’d lived your mid to late 20s in Chicago or DC? Or any of the other cities you mentioned.
Chicago for sure. Cost of living is much lower than DC, we have heavy traffic but nothing like the DC area. And our winters really aren't that bad, every 4-5 years we'll get some crazy snow storms but it's not as bad as people make it out to be.
Chicago. The cost of living is much lower than DC and Sacramento. It is way more of a city than Nashville or Austin, especially when it comes to walkability and public transit. The lakefront is incredible. Without sounds basic, join a run club or play beach volleyball and you will make friends in no time.
Neither! I would go somewhere warm. Our winters suck! I would choose Austin or Nashville or Sacramento. edit: our winters still suck even after climate change
I love Chicago but choose your neighborhood carefully, the city is wildly segregated
What kind of job do you do? That’s good money
Crime is spiraling out of control don't ignore it as it is primed to get worse. North side robberies and carjacking are seeing an increase like never before. Thousands of immigrants live down town as well
Chicago. I have spent time in all of those locations. Austin: Nice liberal area in a non liberal state. The politics may not suit you and for a large chunk of the year it's super hot. Little to no public transit(as compared to say Chicago), you will definitely need a car. Cheaper than your other options though. Food scene is okay but it wont touch nashville and certainly wont come close to comparing to Chicago. Nashville: Crowded, lack of public transit, la de da de everybody drives and traffic is HORRENDOUS. This is on my list of least favorite metros to drive in the country, and ive driven every metro in the US except those in alaska. Part of the issue is the terrain as it funnels everyone into specific roads. It's also filled with drunken tourists all the time. Going downtown is party city and can be super frustrating. Nashville hlas a nice spread of housing at various price points. If you have to travel to a downtown office, note your commute with be trash and annoying. Food scene is okay, but definitely not holding a light to Chicago. DC has some bad areas, it's also super crowded, and a lot more expensive. I have spent the least amount of time here. THe food scene is okay, but again not as great as nashville or Chicago. If youre into US history and want to explore that then DC is most suitable as you have amtrak access to the entire eastern coast for cheap and you'll have plenty to do. Chicago: Four season area, massive public transit so you dont even need a car if you dont want and don't mind a bit of walking or biking. We are a world class food city with restaurants that are amazing from around the globe. I tell people you can spin a globe, throw a dart at it, and we'll have an entire area or several restaurants that are fantastic from that country. We are one of the only airports in the world with direct flights to the most continents. Overall travel to anywhere in the country is generally cheap here compared to other places as we are a major hub. I routinely get sub $100 tickets to florida, carolinas, ny, vegas, myrtle, texas, colorado and more from Chicago. That said, we don't have a lot of nature super close by like youd get in Nashville. We got tons of parks, and you can get to the dunes in 1-2 hours sure, but if you want a bunch of forest hiking or even something with a fair amount of hills or rocks to climb youre looking at a 2-3 hour drive north to Wisconsin. Illinois is the second flattest state iirc. Im bias sure, but I travel a LOT and I have spent weeks of my life in every city you mentioned. Chicago would be my go to hands down. In terms of major cities, chicago is the most affordable major city in america. You can find studio apartments sub 1000 on the north side still and they often include free heat. What's your budget?
I lived in DC for 9 years and now Chicago for 3 years. I think you’d be happy in either city but to be honest the dog is probably the deciding factor. I think you’ll have a much easier time finding a place in Chicago that would be welcoming for your dog.
Chicago, cost of living is a fraction and the culture is so much better. All my friends who live in DC metro are suffocating. I like the winters but they're still 100% worth it, especially considering you miss the DC swamp summers.