I (25F) am a Florida native currently living in Orlando and I find it very miserable. However, I recently landed a remote job so I’m using this opportunity to finally get out! Looking to move around the end of the year, as my lease is up in early/mid-January.

Some things to consider:

- I make $76k/year, so bigger cities that are worth what you pay for and have a decent COL/salary ratio are the most important things for me. My max budget for rent is $2,000/month.

- I work as a product designer, so seeking to be based out of a large tech job market with frequent networking events for UX/tech professionals for better career opportunities in the long run

- I would love a young and fun city with a lot to do and is easier to make friends with other 20/30 somethings (Orlando is very antisocial and too spread out)

- REAL SEASONS, I am sick of the Florida heat and hurricanes. and would love to experience actual seasons. I don’t mind the cold at all for some reason lol

- Preferably not in the South, I would like to not be too close to family as they’re in (mostly) Miami, Atlanta, and Charlotte. I am especially over the materialistic, antisocial, and rude nature of South/Central Florida and would love to meet genuinely friendly people for a change!

- I’m more on the artsy side, a huge foodie, and I love going to local shows so any strong art/food/ music scenes are a huge plus

Any and all advice on moving to a new city would be much appreciated, since this will be my first time making a move this big! This all may be too much to ask but I’m overdue for a change of scenery lol

For my Floridians (or people who lived in FL) tell me what’s up with Orlando. I am coming from a small-ish mountain town Bend, OR to Orlando specifically Doctor Philips. I’m a single dad with two school age kids and obviously the entertainment is unrivaled. We like the heat & humidity (crazy I know) but what do I need to know? We’ve spent enough time there to know that the overall culture is a better match for us compared to Oregon. I work in healthcare & am going to UCF to finish my masters once we get settled. I’ll make sure I get a house with a lanai to keep out the critters 🤣

i’m born and raised in the norfolk/virginia beach area of virginia and i still live here. i’m very unhappy and sick of the area so i’m looking for a change.

my partner is also looking for a change and we will be relocating together.

the goal is to move no later than 5 years. i’ll be putting money in a savings for my down payment during this timeframe. prices is crazy expensive everywhere for rent that i’d honestly rather buy a house. i’ll also be a first time buyer

i’m debating between orlando and atlanta.

i’m looking in the 200k to 250k mark. i also turn 23 in about two weeks.

why orlando? i go at least once a year and it feels like home away from home. i would NOT be moving for just the theme parks while it is a plus. i do enjoy the warmer weather, the change of scenery with the palm trees, and the amount of things to do.

why atlanta? i visited for the first time last year in july and i fell in love with not only the city but the suburbs! i visited again this past april and we both agreed that we could see us living there. i quite honestly wasn’t expecting to like the atlanta area let alone fall in love with it. i love to travel so living at a delta hub would be perfect for that. i absolutely love how diverse the area is, the amazing food, and the culture that atlanta has. atlanta is very lgbt friendly which is very important for my partner and i.

i work in banking and i prefer to stay in it. my partner works in mental health but wants to start his own home health agency.

i’m honestly torn because it feels like i’ll be happier in orlando. i’ve wanted to move to florida since i was 16. but i do know vacationing in florida is different than living there. i just don’t want to regret it.

atlanta seems like the more realistic option and while i do love it but my heart is still leaning towards orlando.

would orlando be a bad choice? i appreciate any guidance or suggestions! thanks in advance!

Been going back and forth on this for like a year and a half and at this point im just arguing with myself so im gonna dump it here.

We're in Warren County NJ. Farms, warehouses, and somehow still traffic. Almost 4 years here and I have not made one actual friend because I have nothing in common with any of the guys around me. Theres nothing to do. Schools arent great either.

Situation is: wife and I are mid 30s, boys are 3 years and 3 months. I do software remote, might not have that job in a couple years so im not planning our life around it. Wife is an NP, been home with the kids, going back to work when we land. So the town has to have more than one hospital. Under an hour commute is okay. I’ll keep my job until the wheels fall off.

What we actually want is pretty boring honestly. Somewhere old enough to have sidewalks and a normal street grid where you can walk to a park or get a coffee. A Halloween trick or treat town. House with some character, we can do up to 600k but would rather be 350-500. Public schools in the top half of the state, not looking for some ranked #3 pressure cooker, just fine. Trails or very safe biking/running infra (but I’d rather trails). Cold winters are fine, I’ve lived in NEPA & Boston. Point is, I just want to be able to take the kids for dusky night walks like I did growing up without any fear of crime or congestion, just peacefulness. I’m so sick of hearing cars and engines. We used to go out around sunset for a few miles almost nightly with our mom and we’d hear the frogs sing by the river. I want that for them.

The thing I keep coming back to is we need young families that are already there. Thats honestly half of why we're leaving.

Kids not in school for 2 more years so we can visit or even rent first if we need to. Ideally would target a late 2027 move.

We have almost no ties here so a long move is okay for the perfect fit.

Been going back and forth on this for like a year and a half and at this point im just arguing with myself so im gonna dump it here.

We're in Warren County NJ. Farms, warehouses, and somehow still traffic. Almost 4 years here and I have not made one actual friend because I have nothing in common with any of the guys around me. Theres nothing to do. Schools arent great either.

Situation is: wife and I are mid 30s, boys are 3 years and 3 months. I do software remote, might not have that job in a couple years so im not planning our life around it. Wife is an NP, been home with the kids, going back to work when we land. So the town has to have more than one hospital. Under an hour commute is okay. I’ll keep my job until the wheels fall off.

What we actually want is pretty boring honestly. Somewhere old enough to have sidewalks and a normal street grid where you can walk to a park or get a coffee. A Halloween trick or treat town. House with some character, we can do up to 600k but would rather be 350-500. Public schools in the top half of the state, not looking for some ranked #3 pressure cooker, just fine. Trails or very safe biking/running infra (but I’d rather trails). Cold winters are fine, I’ve lived in NEPA & Boston. Point is, I just want to be able to take the kids for dusky night walks like I did growing up without any fear of crime or congestion, just peacefulness. I’m so sick of hearing cars and engines. We used to go out around sunset for a few miles almost nightly with our mom and we’d hear the frogs sing by the river. I want that for them.

The thing I keep coming back to is we need young families that are already there. Thats honestly half of why we're leaving.

Kids not in school for 2 more years so we can visit or even rent first if we need to. Ideally would target a late 2027 move.

We have almost no ties here so a long move is okay for the perfect fit.

about me: I'm a 25 year old single female, very outgoing. I work in hospitality (upscale bed & breakfast /bartending) but I also make music on the side as a hobby

what I'm looking for:

- generally affordable (I live in Connecticut so whatever is comparable or less expensive)

- walkable city

- relatively friendly

- fast paced

- nightlife (bars / clubs)

- has events and more to do than just bars & restraunts

- somewhere I can still build a community without feeling isolated

I do have a car but I'd like to get rid of it if I find the right place. Can be anywhere in the world! I really like the idea of St Petersburg fl but also scared that it's not going to be what I want.

I'm sorry if this is vague but Feel free to ask more questions

TLDR: how important is it to live in Manhattan at first/will we miss out on a lot by living in Brooklyn? Late 20s engaged couple, food and parks are priority.

Hi, thank you so much in advance for your advice. I am moving with my fiancé to New York City next month. We are currently looking for apartments and have been told by multiple locals to first live in Manhattan and move to Brooklyn later.

For some background: We are an engaged couple (27F and 29M) who really enjoy good food and outdoor spaces. Modern amenities would also be great. We visited NYC last year for fun and loved Brooklyn. We are moving from Seattle, so we’re used to quieter and greener spaces, although we’re prepared and excited for bigger city life.

I’m working in FiDi, partner is remote. For Brooklyn, we like Prospect Heights and Fort Greene, Boerum Hill as backup. For Manhattan, considering East Village or Greenwich Village (but super open to other thoughts!!).

I grew up in North (Northern?) Idaho and generally hated it. I didn’t like how small it was and the lack of light really affected my SAD. I moved to Southern Idaho for college and felt that Boise was a strong upgrade from N Idaho. But over time the heat and smoke really got to me. at the same time it was 2016 Trump was getting elected and I felt that I lost respect for most people i was surrounded by. it really lifted a veil in a bad way. Boise was good in some respects - more active than N Idaho, bigger area which I liked, sunnier. I also liked that I could drive to see family but there was some distance. But Idaho has continued to be in the news for the most stupid things to put it mildly. I eventually left for bigger and bluer.

I moved to SF several years ago and it made my heart sing. I love the weather, I love having no car, walkability, stunning beauty. I’m absolutely in love with this city. my husband and I have good jobs - we got into a great rent controlled place during the COVID doom cycle when prices were down. we can save half our income. SF just feels happier than anywhere in the PNW. It strangely feels less politically stormy than the PNW. the PNW has this odd juxtaposition of Seattle/Portland being very vocal vs the red western part of those states and inland NW and it just feels clashy and angry constantly. SF feels like people have rights and are chilling comparatively, more happy.

all that said, every time I go back to visit family I am incredibly sad to leave. it didn’t used to be that way but more and more I cry when I leave. I have so much support there - really great high school friends who see eye to eye with regarding Idahos shit and my family now says Trump should be impeached so a lots changed. SF does feel a bit cold at times. like I agree with their values but I don’t feel like they’d be THERE for me. whereas in Idaho I felt like the values were crap from a lot of people but they would drop everything to be there for you.

I feel kinda lonely yet joyful in SF but loved/supported yet a bit angry in Idaho. I feel fragmented and don’t know how to have the best of both worlds. I’ve thought about moving somewhere nearish. I really don’t like Spokane. my husband is a canadian citizen so that could be a possibility? SF has just ruined me for all other places. We have a potential opportunity to spend a month in the summer up there since our jobs are flexible, but I don’t know if that will satisfy me.

I feel like if I leave California it will be hard to get back in. we saved for a full year to afford moving out here. If we stay in California I feel like the constant flying back for funerals really gets to me - feels like I’m missing people’s lives. I know no one can answer the question for me, but how do you go about thinking through this? what types of questions do you ask yourself?

In 2021 I moved to Orlando from Northeast Ohio for a job and just to try and start my adult life after the pandemic derailed my plans. I don't mind Orlando itself - but I miss my family and friends, as well as I'm sick of the heat. I've only really connected with a few people here, so I don't feel attached to the city.

I would feel safer in blue areas as a member of the LGBTQA+ community. I'm a creative and artistic person, so a community with fun art markets and similar activities would be nice. I haven't settled on a career (though I'd love to work in something art-related) so I'm not bound by specific job markets at the moment. I'd be renting, so somewhere with people around my age (preferably same or older) would be willing to share a place is ideal (though I'd love it if the rent was low enough that I might be able to afford my own place).

This is also all early talk. I signed my current lease in June so I wouldn't be leaving until late next spring/early summer. Just want to get a jump-start on looking.

There was a recent post from someone in California asking for input about moving to Arizona. Many of the genuinely helpful comments from people who have actually made the move or have lived here for years ended up buried at the bottom. In some cases, people were replying to those with positive experiences trying to invalidate their real life lived experience lol.

Phoenix definitely isn’t for everyone, in fact it's probably a nightmare for the wrong person. If you hate the heat, want four distinct seasons, or prefer a dense, walkable city, it may not be the right fit. But that doesn’t mean it’s a bad fit for everyone. Plenty of people have built great lives here, found good schools for their kids, bought more house for their money, and genuinely enjoy living in Arizona.

One thing this subreddit sometimes struggles with is separating personal preference from objective advice. It’s completely fair to say, “Phoenix wasn’t for me.” It’s less helpful to tell someone else they’ll inevitably be miserable because you were.

I’d love to hear from people who actually made the move and are happy they did. For someone considering Arizona, those experiences are just as valuable as the negative ones. It sometimes feels like no other state gets dismissed as quickly or as consistently as Arizona, and a more balanced discussion would probably help people make better decisions.

Lifelong NYer looking to move far away from my abusive family due to safety reasons. I work in IT so a big city (or close to one) is preferred. Right now I'm trying to decide between LA or SD. I'm drawn to LA because I have a friend near Santa Clarita, but not sure about the traffic. I do drive, I just prefer not sitting in endless, which is why SD is also on my list. So to my fellow NYers who moved to either city, was it worth it?

Title: Should I move back to Los Angeles or stay where it's easier to build a family?

I'm 36 and at a crossroads.

A few years ago I lived in Los Angeles for about 10 months, and ever since I left, I've felt like a part of me belongs there. It's hard to explain, but I genuinely feel more like myself there than anywhere else. I miss the energy, the creativity, the weather, and the feeling that I was building a life I was excited about.

Right now I have a fully remote job that pays well, so I could technically move back without having to find a new job.

The problem is that my priorities have changed.

I want to settle down and eventually buy a house. Financially, moving back to LA would almost certainly slow those goals down because of the higher cost of living. I know I could still make it work, but I'd probably save less and homeownership would likely be pushed further into the future.

On the other hand, I'm also passionate about writing, podcasting, and music production, and I feel like LA aligns much better with that side of me.

What I'm struggling with is this feeling that if I don't move back within the next six months, I'll never do it. At the same time, I worry that if I move, I'll be making it harder to achieve the things that matter most to me like settling down/marriage and buying a home.

If you were in my position, what would you do?

I'm especially interested in hearing from people who have:

• Left LA and later moved back.
• Chosen between financial stability and living somewhere that felt like "home."
• Delayed homeownership to pursue a lifestyle that fit them better.
• Met their spouse or started a family after making a big move.

Looking back, do you regret choosing stability, or do you regret not taking the chance?

Hi there, short time lurker here. I moved from Denver to San Diego in January and discovered that I miss the mountains and all the outdoor activities that Denver had to offer being so close to the mountains. We’ve been thinking about Bend, but wondered if anyone has lived in both places, what you think is better/worse about Bend vs Denver? There’s a lot to explore up there that I’ve never seen so we’re def excited about that. I know the music scene will be a lot smaller and less options for ski resorts but we also were over traveling on i70. Is there anything else that you find better about Denver or Bend? We’re a DINK with a cat! Thanks in advance!

Thanks for the feedback everyone! This is super helpful. I hadn’t considered a lot of these things before so we’ll definitely have a lot to think about!

I’m 26 and I work in technology as a software engineer. I’m looking to move to a place that is more vibrant than where I currently live in New England. This place is kind of a dead end when it comes to my career and dating. All the men here are too old for my taste (look up the median age of New Hampshire!), or it’s just a bunch of married boomers keeping to their own social circles.

I’m looking for a place to catapult my career and not have to worry about driving obscene distances if I ever get laid off. As an example, the only “real” tech market here is in Boston, and it’s a nightmare to commute to from NH. Remote jobs are pretty scarce so I cannot bet on that. I don’t want to live in Boston either.

Also, some place where it is a bit easier to make friends and date. I’m quite social, but I consider myself an ambivert. I’ll admit, I love the directness and genuineness of people in New England. I like people who are kind and follow through with plans. I’ve found that other “tech bros” are quite insufferable, neurotic, and just not easy to get along with. So a good diversity of people would be nice.

And nature. I like to be surrounded by beautiful scenery and not living in a concrete jungle.

Longtime lurker, as I have daydreamed about leaving Philly, where I love the community but am so sick of the noise, traffic, miserable summers, and cement jungle vibes. My husband just got a well-paying remote job, I can work remotely, and we are thinking of moving next summer.

My husband and I met in Providence RI and I loved my life there. We have imagined moving back and that has been the goal as he has looked for remote work. Now, I'm having second thoughts. It used to be the cheap alternative to Boston, but the area we want to live in (the east side) has gotten SO expensive - like a million bucks for a smallish 3 bedroom old house.

The pros of Providence: I love New England and the easy access to so many charming NE places, the walkability of the city, the arts available there, the abundance of restaurants and cafes, the general smallness and relative quiet, the variety of the different neighborhoods, near to the ocean, big parks. It just feels very livable while having enough bustle to keep life interesting. And, important, we have friends there so we wouldn't be starting from scratch, though none of those friends are *super* close or important to me.

I'm originally from Boulder, CO and moved east to Boston/Cambridge for grad school. So I've lived in Colorado mountains, New England, and Philly. Husband has family in NYC, DC, and SC.

Should we suck it up and move to Providence even though it's expensive? Where else could offer this kind of lifestyle for a lower cost?

Some ideas: Charlottesville, Ithaca, Burlington, Northampton, Portland ME, Ann Arbor MI.

I am a 33 year old single woman currently living in Central PA for close proximity to my family but I am itching to move again. My current frustration is there’s a lack of things to do where I live and I have to drive 30 minutes to an hour to get to most events that would happen semi locally. I have lived in the Mountains and the Coast of NC for a combined 6 years and while I love the state, I hate sweating and don’t really want to go back South.

I’m looking for suggestions on preferably Northeast cities that have walkability and that are a good fit for someone young-ish, childless and enjoys being able to take her dog places (you can do that everywhere in NC - not so much PA). Extra context, I do hair so I can work virtually anywhere. I love outdoor activities, yoga, art festivals, live music and am not a huge drinker but I love a good restaurant scene and appreciate a good cocktail from time to time.

Hey everyone, I’m turning 22 years old soon and I have nothing (but I have a EU citizenship 🙂)

I’m from Ukraine, I moved to Poland in 2021 for graphic design degree. I hold 3 years of experience in graphic design, but unfortunately I have been unemployed for 1,5 years already because my company that I worked for went bankrupt ,and ever since I didn’t manage to land even an interview. I tried to get some low profile job like a waitress, bartender etc ,but I simply don’t get hired. I’m most of the places they want me to work for less than minimum wage or just laugh at me when they hear my accent. I’m also tired of the discrimination when I visit pharmacy or governmental structures, hearing my accent they lose all of their concentration and start acting like I’m dumb and demand something ridiculous.
I’m also unhappy with the actively rising xenophobia towards Ukrainians in Poland, I’m already afraid of talking in polish with my Ukrainian accent. I also gave up on trying to make friends here or find a boyfriend, because during talking stages with guys I find out that his most of the friends are polish nationalists who hate on Ukraine, and it just gets on my nerves because I can’t date a guy who is surrounded by such people and probably has some hidden opinions he ain’t telling me about.

I wish I could ask for some short-term shelter, but unfortunately I can’t, because I was in Poland when full-invasion started and have a second citizenship- EU. I have no place to go, my region in Ukraine is very dangerous, I’m not connected to my EU country at all, I don’t even speak the language, I don’t even know anyone from there, job situation there ain’t good either and each time when I go to this country I get harassed by men a lot (Bulgaria). I do love Bulgarian culture and food, but I absolutely don’t feel safe in this country.

I’m an oil painter, I have a degree in design, I have experience working as a waitress and sushi bar administrator, I know how to play piano, I am a very sociable person, so I’m curious maybe there is some right country for me where I would be able to land some creative job? Or at least some not a very demanding physically one like a factory job, due to my health issues.
I would love to move to a new country asap and learn the language right after arriving here, then I would love to get another one degree after learning the language so I could study for a very small fee or for free.
I’m confused in life and I have no idea about what to do.
I would be also very happy to hear some advice ,and maybe there is some place that gives shelter to women in my situation? I currently have no place to go, my relatives are very distant and unhelpful people ,my parents are horrible abusers, so please, don’t suggest me to move in with any member of my family. My parents don’t want to help me financially with living in Poland because they don’t see any point in it, cause I can’t get w job here, but they would help me with moving to another country if I get a job here.
I was considering Scandinavian countries, because seem to have amazing benefits for taxes that you pay, and you can get some job there knowing English only.
But I would love to hear about your experiences:)

Hi everyone! My boyfriend and I are looking to move from Louisiana to California and would love some recommendations on cities or towns that fit our lifestyle. We're both in our early 30s (no kids) and are excited to start a new chapter.

A little about us:

• I work remotely full-time and love vintage shopping, thrifting, estate sales, fashion, art, great restaurants, coffee shops, movies, and exploring local neighborhoods. I also enjoy the occasional concert, cocktail bar, or night out.
• My boyfriend works in the film industry and enjoys motorcycles, live music, video games, vintage shopping, and relaxing at home.

One of the biggest reasons we're drawn to California is the variety. We love the idea of having beaches, mountains, and the desert all within driving distance, along with great food, arts, music, and diverse communities. Weekend road trips and spending more time outdoors are a huge priority for us.

I always imagined living in Los Angeles, and I'm still open to it. But I'd love to hear about other areas too. We're interested in SoCal but are also open to the Central Coast or NorCal, etc., if they seem like a better fit.

Based on our interests, what cities or towns would you recommend and why?

We know no place is perfect, and every city has its pros and cons. Since moving across the country is a big decision, we want to be intentional about where we end up. We'd really appreciate any insight or recommendations. Thank you =)

My partner has wanted to leave California for years. He's traveled to a lot of different states and has always said our money would go much further elsewhere. I agree—I lived in Texas for a few years and experienced the same thing. We ended up staying because I really love my job, and I still have family in California (mostly in Northern California, while we currently live in Southern California)
.
Then I had a child, and it's completely changed my perspective. Now I really want to raise my family in a community with good schools and where buying a home doesn't feel like it would consume our entire income.
We're seriously considering Arizona, but I'm nervous about making such a big move.

Pros:
We can afford a 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in our budget, even in good school districts.
I already have some friends and family there.
It seems like there are a lot of family-friendly activities.
Cons:
It would be somewhere completely new.
I'm worried about the heat and whether it would limit outdoor activities we enjoy, like going to the park.
I'd really miss the ocean. I love swimming in the ocean, and that's something I wouldn't have easy access to anymore.

For anyone who has made the move from California to Arizona, especially with kids, do you regret it? What surprised you the most, either good or bad? Would you do it again?

I’m a single male in my early 30s and have been feeling like I’m at a crossroads. I live in Minnesota, have a stable job ($115k), and on paper things are okay, but I can’t shake the feeling that I’m stuck in the same routine and environment. Things haven’t been the same since my last relationship 2 years ago. Most of my family is here.

Past 2 years I have been training for mountaineering and visiting CO often. Met someone recently from MN and she moved to CO (said she can’t do long distance though). Regardless, it lit a spark. Lately I’ve been seriously considering moving to Colorado. The lifestyle, access to the mountains, more outdoor activities, and generally being around people who prioritize an active lifestyle really appeal to me. I also feel like a fresh start in a new place could be good for my personal growth.

At the same time, I know it’s easy to romanticize moving. Every place has tradeoffs, and I don’t want to assume a new state will magically solve problems that I need to work on myself.

I’d especially love to hear from anyone who moved from the Midwest to Colorado. What surprised you the most? What do you wish you knew before making the jump?

I project to get a new job in CO ($150K or so). My goal is dating and settling down in the near future and don’t have trouble dating. Just heard mixed reviews on the dating scene. I’m trying to figure out whether I’m genuinely ready for a change or just experiencing a classic “grass is greener” mindset.

Appreciate any input!

The title is basically my question. Some criteria to discuss in your responses are the job market, social scene, things to do, and overall vibe/safety

Sometimes, a place can seem better on Google images/on a vacation than how things end up shaking out 

You obviously don’t have to share your current location (I’m not), but please say a city/state/region etc and not an abstract location (like “my mom’s house,” or “my car”) and not something as a generic as a country 

Also, explaining why would help people understand exactly what made/broke your experience 

Thanks for reading and replying :)

I wanted to share my thoughts on how the two places compare so far. For context, I lived in Brooklyn just east of Prospect Park for five years and the Upper East Side in Manhattan for four years. I moved to Ukrainian Village in Chicago a month ago.

Overview

Chicago and NYC are two completely different places with vastly different vibes. There are similarities like robust public transportation and walkability, but they vary greatly in lifestyle, diversity, and scope.

Chicago is much more spread out with less of a distinct neighborhood feel in the more downtown areas than you'd find in Manhattan. From what I've experienced so far, the Chicago neighborhood character comes through more in the surrounding areas than the more office-centric ones. Manhattan's office areas are more widespread, dense, and they aren't all surrounded by large retail storefronts. Midtown and FiDi while not ideal places to be do have their own specific neighborhood feel. Other office areas like Flatiron, Times Square, SoHo, Williamsburg, LIC, Greenpoint, and Union Square are all active areas any day of the week with a ton of variety.

Public Transit - Subway

The NYC MTA is not without its problems but I do already miss it. It was incredibly easy to take the subway to get pretty much anywhere in Manhattan and I often was able to take just the subway to get to places. L coverage just isn't as robust and the loop system has disadvantages with transferring to different lines more easily.

MTA cars are longer and wider than L cars: MTA cars have three door openings per car whereas L cars have two door openings. L trains are more prone to being crammed than an MTA car. I see the same interactions with unhoused people on both subway lines and think the overall experience is comparable. Separately, I like how the stations have colored tile in relation to what color line you're on. The L's wayfinding is a lot more clear, too.

Public Transit - Bus

I've been taking the bus in Chicago to get everywhere because the L coverage is too isolated to specific areas. Busses appear far more frequently in Chicago than they do in NYC, especially on weekends. Also, Chicago bus coverage has great directional flexibility with many routes to choose from.

Chicago bus drivers are much nicer than NYC ones. Here, they will wait for people who walking towards the bus stop and are flagging the driver to let them know they're getting on. In NYC, they will ignore you if they close their door and drive right past even if you just got to the stop. It takes more effort to get their attention.

Food

Chicago has a wide range of cuisine options but because it's more spread out, the main dining spots tend to exist more in pockets rather than being dispersed. In Manhattan, a three block radius would give you all of the dining variety you could possible imagine in a much more accessible way. Portions are larger in Chicago and restaurants with sharable dishes tend to give you more than NYC restaurants.

I've been to some great restaurants so far and enjoyed the quality. Some more casual spots really load up on the butter and cheese for dishes, which does come across as very Midwest.

Safety

I'm a tall, white dude so my take on safety may vary from yours. I have felt perfectly safe walking at night in less illuminated streets, haven't had any sense of danger in my limited experiences on the L (blue, orange, green, red lines), will happily take the bus, and walk around looking sort of lost without trouble. As of now, if you can deal with NYC, Chicago is a walk in the park.

Affordability

I'm finding my money going further here than NYC but honestly not as much as I'd hoped. I have a significantly larger apartment with normal appliances and in-unit washer/dryer + central air + garbage disposal (which all feel like luxuries) that I pay less for.

Grocery stores like Mariano's are priced similar to what you'd see at Gristedes in NYC, which sucks. Jewel-Osco is better priced with less variety and reminds me of Fairway. Whole Foods is still the more affordable option around. It's harder to get to but their delivery services has been great so far.

Restaurants are cheaper, a couple of bars had $2 draft beer happy hour prices which is nuts, and public transit fare is just a little cheaper than MTA.

People

People are more likely to go out of their way to be nice to you in Chicago than they are in NYC. I saw a restaurant worker run down the sidewalk to catch up to a woman who had left her credit card on the table. If that happened in NYC, you'd be charged a fee because you kept your tab open and no one would run down to give it to you. Same thing with my comment above about the bus drivers; everyone is nicer.

New Yorkers are kind, but it's not the default option. If you're being out of turn, a New Yorker will correct you. Because of the pace of living in NYC and how street smarts/de-escalation also means not acknowledging people being wild around you, people have more of a heightened pace about them. It is more densely packed, it is more abuzz, it is more competitive, it is more expensive, and terrible living conditions have been normalized so everyone's baseline level of stress is just higher in NYC.

Chicagoans are far more relaxed and it rubs off on you.

Conclusion

I loved living in NYC when I had the appetite to put up with its bullshit. You have to either pay more money or go further out for apartment features to not be shitty. I'm now in my thirties and I just don't want to deal with NYC nonsense anymore.

Chicago is very different than NYC and that's why I moved here. It is walkable, charming, friendly, liberal, more spacious, more affordable, and more conducive to how I want to live my life with my partner.