Reverend

has written 2 SperlingViews. Currently, Reverend is living in Chicago, IL and has a little something to say:

A beautiful city, but much corruption and crime Posted On: 11/30/2010 11:31:41 AM

I'm looking to move out of Chicago after living here my whole life. I agree with Tiger...there is much segregation and a lot of the city is going down. Many great attractions and a vibrant nightlife, but you if go a few blocks in the wrong direction it's gang infested. Even nicer neighborhoods have plenty of crime. I think the main problem is the city is overcrowded. You also see a sad cycle of people having child after child in the streets & raising them within gangs, poverty, etc. I'm just tired of it. It's a shame too because it really could be a great place to live.

I guess it depends what you're looking for. Downtown, North Loop, West Loop(to some extent) are really nice, but very expensive. Everything surrounding is patchy at best. Bucktown/Wicker park has a great selection of bars/restaurants/theater, but high crime rate as well. Most people I know have had their apts/homes broken into and a few have been robbed at gunpoint. It's not enough to simply say "well, just don't go into that part of town" because first off, that's not a remedy. Secondly, the "bad" part of town is growing quickly.

Those of you who don't see the violence/crime, you must have never ventured out into different areas of the city....take a ride to garfield park, (west) west town, pilsen, a lot of the south side. All of these areas have plenty to offer, but when you see gangs standing on the corner/streets complete with sporadic gunfire, you're completely missing out on what should be a great area. Even the area around midway airport is going downhill fast though Daley tries to impress visitors with...?? flowerbeds? Come on. I've seen entire neighborhoods turn into garbage with gangs, graffiti, crime boxes, homeless jumping on your windshield at every expressway exit. There's a red light camera at every other intersection so the city can make even more money, but we never see improvement as a result of increased revenue. Corruption is the norm.

Chicago suburbs are an entirely different story. Most are very nice to live in if you want a more quiet, family oriented lifestyle. You're looking at what should be a 15-30 minute commute to the city, but it's triple that because of the horrid traffic. Metra trains are nice, but stop running around midnight or so...

City public transpo is ok if you live near a train line. Buses are slow.

I feel sorry for people who own homes with the constant tax hikes (on everything).

Winters can be bitter, but it builds character (at least that's what I tell myself)

I know people from Chicago will have a fit when they read some of my negative comments. We will fiercely defend our city as if it cares....Believe me when I say I'm sad about it, but I've given up.

Aside from my negative comments, it is does have a lot to offer if you have some cash and you're able to find a safer area...maybe a secure building w/parking (prepare to pay extra). People are pretty friendly for a big city. I've frequently read/heard people are rude, but that has never been my experience. It's the kind of place where people will smile back, give you directions and maybe even buy you a beer. But then you turn the corner and some homeless guy robs you OR you have a ticket on your windshield for some bogus violation.

re: Zombies - 11/24/2010 Posted On: 11/29/2010 12:26:39 PM

Hello,
I've never been to Portland, but looking for someplace new to move. I heard some good things about it so I was looking for more info. I've lived in Chicago my whole life. After reading your review, I'm wondering what places you've lived in that you did like. My options are pretty wide open, though I'm used to a bigger city not fond of small town life. You mentioned you've lived all over. Any recommendations in the US or another country?

Thanks,
mary