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?

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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.

 
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