Reviews & Comments
Bowie, MD
re: Watch out for Crime and Racism - 8/26/2006 -
10/20/2009My previous comment rebuttled the last half of the original posting. Know this, crime should not be linked to race. Historically, governments have been known to disinvest in communities schools, policing and development when minorities attempt to make a better way for themselves. There's always a bigger picture to be taken into account.
Burnham, IL
Making it work -
2/2/2008There are many suburbs outside of Chicago. This is the one you mention and everyone is like, where is that? The notion would bring one to think the town is located somewhere far out. I find it to be a well kept little secret. There is nothing to this town but, affordable homes and that's just fine being near a city like Chicago. Burnham is right on the southeastern boarder of Chicago. It's close to major highways, you can get downtown in 15 to 20 min. You can find any and everything you want in Chicago, PERIOD.
Aside from Chicago, Burnham is only a minute or two from Hammond, IN which has cheaper gas, less sales tax or even no tax on items that Chicago/Cook County/the State of Illinois would tack on a tax to. Casino's are also in nearby East Chicago and Portage Indiana. River Oaks shopping center is a straight shot south about 2 miles.
There is little to no economic base in Burnham. There is little to no choice for schools. The town shares or borrows a lot of it resources from Chicago and other nearby towns.
This is a diverse town of nice modest homes. If you're not all wrapped up in the status quo, it is a great place to live. All of your basic needs are nearby. It's not a rich town, but it works.
Chicago, IL
Good, Bad, Beautiful -
1/11/2007Chicago is a absolutely beautiful city, overall. The landscape and attractions are wonderful. This, coming from a person who has lived here all their life (30 yrs). I mention this because we often do not take in & appreciate our surroundings when we constantly experience them.
I love the seasonal guides available from the city that outlines free or low cost attractions & events in the city (save money dating).
Unfortunately, a good education guarantees nothing here. You'd better have something lined up before you arrive or have a very solid work history. But then again, employers seem to adore candidates who do not originate from Chicago. Anywhere USA except another large city with a bad reputation. (It could be a minority thing, whatever it is I don't get it.)
There are some neighborhoods that are racially segregated on the surface, but it is directly related to income, lack of employment and unfair lending practices.
I adore this city. You can always find something, a live atmosphere or a peaceful setting. Despite all of this, I have to leave. I have had the hardest time finding employment here. I am made to feel as though I have a criminal record. I possess a graduate degree and I'm a very well rounded individual. I keep getting the cold shoulder in the Windy City. I can't continue to bleed money to hang on here. My parents came here for prosperiety and opportunity and I must leave for the same.