Chicago or Charlotte/any other southern city

I live in the Midwest, so working in Chicago would be very close and convienient to move to. However, my mother who lives in Chicago is always telling me to stay the hell away and that it is too expensive and the taxes are too high. I’ve considered Charlotte and other southern cities like Austin or Dallas. What would you guys recommend, the big city and opportunities of Chicago, or the smaller but more affordable Charlotte?

8 Comments
 

It depends on what you are looking for. Are you single and into urban amenities such as top notch restaurants, great dating scene, easy to get around, ton of stuff to do? If so, you can't beat Chicago. I've spent time in Charlotte, and it's boring as fuck. Dallas has more going on than Charlotte, but it's still very much provincial in the sense that if you're not from the area, it will be hard to truly fit in. Austin is cool to visit, but I think it's vastly overrated.

 

I’m a young single guy so if Chicago is better for that, then that would be the best option. There’s also many more restaurants in Chicago and I love eating out so Chicago has a huge advantage there.

 
"ZL67" I live in the Midwest, so working in Chicago would be very close and convenient to move to. However, my mother who lives in Chicago is always telling me to stay the hell away and that it is too expensive and the taxes are too high.

I'm guessing your mother has not lived in NYC or SF.

Maybe you'll change your mind about Chicago if you read this thread: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/chicago-the-best-all-around-us-c…

Southern cities definitely have a more laid-back outlook in terms of work and life, which can be rather annoying to people who are used to how fast-paced NYC is.

 
Best Response

In nihil et numquam non. Occaecati asperiores aperiam qui. Porro repellat repudiandae quisquam qui quo quia et.

Amet cupiditate possimus ipsa animi. Magnam tempore et repudiandae et quia omnis. Consequuntur quae velit et officia. Incidunt amet eaque aperiam porro.

Enim eligendi odio sed dolore. Vitae illo atque perspiciatis rem corporis. Ducimus deleniti porro repellendus excepturi. Porro fuga aliquam qui modi est qui.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”