Chicago is a probably one of the most affordable large cities and offers tons to do for a young person and is debably one of the best cities in the world during the summer months and the worst places in the world during the awful winter months. The "L" can get you almost anywhere in 15 minutes and where it can't there is ample buses and taxis. Compared to LA (where I live now) Chicago is 100x easier to get around and for the most part more affordable.
Neighborhoods:
--If you want a younger crowd, I would live in Lincoln Park or Wrigleyville. You will be able to get brownstone type places for ~$1,000 for a pretty decent place (if you have a roomate). There is tons to do for fun around here, including the obvious Wrigley Field (Home of the Cubs). Tons of College, Dive Bars. Good hole in the wall resturants as well.
--If you wanted more "young professional" I would look at Streeterville. This is the area by Navy Pier if you are familiar with Chicago and has a ton to do in the area. There is an abundance of new high rise buildings and you should be able to get a great 2 bedroom for ~1,300-1,700 (with a roomate). The bars / clubs in this area are the of the "lounge" type. in this area is also where an abundance of resturants and art houses are. If you are a girl or plan on living with a girl, this would be the place. Nice, new, clean... but unforunately expensive.
--The other areas are West Loop, South Loop.... Both of these are new up and coming neighborhoods that are in the process of building up. If you are buying, the South Loop offers affordable places with loft like buildings. This is my favorite area for night life. They have opened a strip of bars/clubs in the old meat packing district and also in the south loop near Oprah's studios. Tons of resturants, but you wouldn't want to walk around this area at night alone.
Have to Be Able to Deal With The Cold
I agree with your quick synopses of the neighborhoods, but you have to be able to deal with the cold winters. It's pretty bad here right now and I can't wait for summer. Public transportation is great here as you mentioned. Much different culture than New York, however similar opportunities in the finance world.
I agree
Moved to Chicago over NY few months back. Its cold as shit right now. Wet, sloppy and nasty, thats how I would describe it presently.
Gotta live in Lincoln Park. I am loving it here, everyone is between the ages of 22-30 and tons of after hour bars and hole in the walls.
I like, its niceeee...
Anybody moving to Chicago?
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I agree more or less with
I agree more or less with the neighborhood synopsis, although I've always felt safe in the west loop. But maybe that's because i'm a guy.
I hate to be negative, but I've been in Chicago for over three years and don't like it at all. My personal observation is that if you didn't go to a Big 10 school and move to Chicago with your college buddies, it's really hard to meet people and form a social network. Chicago is a major city, but it's still very much midwestern and thus there is a parochial feel to it.
The nightlife is ok, if you're into the fratty bar experience. There are only a few clubs and upscale lounges that are worth going to, so I think the nightlife options are not as nearly as diverse and fun as NYC. Of course, Chicago is a lot cheaper and for even $1000/month you can get a nice studio in the gold coast, next to lake michigan. However, I think NYC is much better and cannot wait to move there.
It all boils down to your personal preferences. If you want a reasonable cost of living, laid back midwestern atmosphere, and a certain type of nightlife, it is tough to beat Chicago. I'm not dissing Chicago or those who want to live there, but personally I just prefer NYC's culture, job opportunities, people, and overall ambience.
agreed here, seems like
agreed here, seems like there's a lot in chicago but a lot of it is more or less the same thing over and over again, and if you're not into that thing you'll get bored after a couple years. I haven't met anyone new beyond an acquaintance (outside of work) in the couple years I've been here, but then again I'm not a pleasant midwestern-type either so I don't really relate to most of the scene here.
I'd love to try nyc or london for a while, if I had a shot at getting a better job there.
edit: thought I should mention one great thing about chicago: if it's your kind of thing, the warmer months make for fantastic outdoor activity (beaches, biking, kayaking/sailing, you can do it all without going very far)