Hello:

So I am actually looking into moving to the Chicago area as my parents just moved there and I'd like to be close to them. I was wondering a few things about what you all thought about it. Are there pros and cons? What are they? How is the job situation there? I am currently living in LA so it cant be much worse...

Any advice is welcomed! Thanks!

The job and real estate market is good.. Chicago keeps humming along.

It's cold in the winter!

Regarding jobs, you might want to check out Crain's lists
Chicago Business News, Analysis & Articles | | Crain's
for major employers, I know NAVTEQ is planning to hire a lot and they are downtown.

Anyway, welcome and I know you will find a lot to explore and enjoy in Chicago!

You can see the recent Batman trailers for a glimpse of Chicago's nightlife.

Thanks! I have been getting some mixed responses, but I have lived in Utah before and it gets pretty chilly there...lol...plus we were in New York in November and I handled it..

I thank you for your advice...

I think Utah weather would definitely prepare you for Chicago. I've only visited LA, but I would say that the music, concert, theater, and other cultural opportunites are all very good in Chicago. There's some high end shopping if you're into that along North Michigan and Oak Street, speaking of which there are several great beaches close to downtown including the Oak Street Beach, Olive Beach, and slightly further away, the ones at North Ave and the Planetarium. The lakefront is definitely a draw in the summer and there are some fantastic events like the many festivals in Grant Park (check our calendar shortly as we will be filling in the summer event calendar) and the Air & Water show.

I don't know.. what's important in a city for you? What types of things would you be looking for? By the way, what part of Chicago do your parents live and do you think you would also live in that neighborhood?