Where To Live? Urban vs. Sub(urban)
Posted on September 22, 2006 by Him and tagged housing
On my last post, both Gigi and Chitowngirl both suggested that we look for housing in the suburbs of Chicago. Their prevailing reason is, of course, the lower cost of housing. But the square footage of housing isn't the be-all-end-all for reasons to live somewhere. Personally though, as long as we don't have kids, I don't want to move to the suburbs.
On the contrary to Chitowngirl's comment that we're not south siders, I grew up in the near southwest suburbs of Chicago. Heck I'm even a White Sox fan. I've seen what there is in the burbs. And I don't particularly like it.
Here's a few reasons why I love living in the city so much:
- On the first day we moved into our apartment, our upstairs neighbor welcomed us with Ann Sather cinnamon rolls. We've been good friends ever since.
- On Sunday mornings we go to the corner liquor store to buy a newspaper. The Mediterranean owner calls Her "sweetheart" which we both find endearing. He even offered save a newspaper for us if we come in late. We have yet to take up that offer.
- I don't need to own a car. I sold may car a few months ago and now rely on public transportation. When we need to go on grocery trips or out of town, we use Her car, which we only put >10,000 miles a year on. Everything in the burbs is too scattered to not own a car.
- I don't have to drive home from the bars. Whenever I drive by a bar in the burbs I see parking lots. That is seriously not a good combination.
- My friends live all around me. Not only that, there are thousands of social events in the city that would put me in touch with people my age, with my interests. The burbs are less friendly socially.
- Running outside is safer, or at least, more scenic. And no one walks in the suburbs! And if they do, it's dangerous.
- There seems to be more volunteer opportunities that put me in direct contact with the less fortunate. That's my favorite way to volunteer.
- The cuisine offers more that Red Lobster, Applebee’s, and Outback Steakhouse. I can eat Japanese, Indian, Chinese, Mediterranean. French, Spanish, or American food without having to travel more than a mile.
Yes, a 1,000 square foot condo in Chicago may cost $300,000. What price would you put on culture, convenience, and community?
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personal finance advice | Sep 22, 2006
It's a tough one and one where you have to really understand what you like and dislike about both. Although there are a lot of things I don't like about the suburbs, there are also things that are nice about them. I think it comes down to personal preference and the current situation that helps dictate which is better for you.
Average Joe | Sep 22, 2006
I agree with PFA, it's all about personal preference. I too grew up in the southwest burbs. Even with kids not being a consideration for a city move, and the fact that I work in the city, I have no desire to live there. I'm a stone's throw from the sticks where we are now in the far west burbs and I love it, even with the commute as bad as it gets at times. Again personal preference.
Personally, my biggest problems with the city are, it's too crowded (again perhaps because I'm used to the space of the suburbs) and two, the sheer number of ignorant people in the city. I know there are those in the burbs who can be and are complete idiots. However, in the city, more people means more idiots. Not a day goes by I don't see something I have to shake my head at and just say, "I'm glad I don't see that out where I live." There is a huge difference in the amount (or I should say lack there of) of common courtesy seen in the city compared to that in the burbs.
Yeah, you can tell I'm fairly opinionated about the subject. Didn't mean for that to be a rant. We have a fair number of friends who live in the city and enjoy our time when we drive into the city on a weekend. But also quite happy to return home.
The trick to living in the burbs is knowing where the mall is at and how to avoid it on weekends. Yeah, Fox Valley (next to Naperville) is nightmarish.
Julie | Sep 25, 2006
Have you looked in the Jefferson Park neighborhood? We bought a house in Portage Park about 3 years ago. It was much cheaper than other neighborhoods, but a nice area where I feel safe. It doesn't have the same amout of bars/restaurants/excitement as other Chicago neighborhoods, but it's not far from those places. It's kind of a trade off - but I'm happy with the choice we made.
Wow…let’s just say that I wish you the best. I don’t know if I am taking this post the wrong way but I have great pride in the South suburbs. It is my home and yes, it is actually safe to go and run outside. In regards to you not being South Siders, I didn’t mean to offend and I actually said that you are “probably” not south siders since you are looking for downtown living elsewhere and that equates more to the northern suburbs. I place huge value on culture and love Chicago because of the diversity it has to offer. Best of luck to you.
Elmo | Sep 25, 2006
You guys kill me sometimes. I have read your blog for awhile, and I always wonder just how committed you are to living a debt-free life, despite the name of your blog. I don't know you, and I hate making judgements on people - least of all people I only know from what they post anonymously on the Internet - but, maybe the medium is meant just for that? I don't know how you could be considering taking on an additional $250+k in debt, with the amount you already owe. If you are considering buying a house with less than 20% down, then you cannot afford the house (or condo, or whatever...). There is a reason that mortgage companies require 20% - it is the level at which they believe you can afford the purchase, and they won't be burned should you not afford the loan. Folks suggested moving to the suburbs to help you with your problem - excessive debt + desire to buy a home. Your answer is a rant about why you wouldn't want to live in the suburbs? Whether you see it or not, you come across as having a great sense of entitlement (everything should happen now...with little consequence or hardship...because we work hard and deserve it). Life just ain't that way. Danger ahead, folks.
I'd just like to echo Chitowngirl's comments. Running in the burbs is great, I feel safe running in the streets (or on the sidewalk). I also love going to the forest preserves or parks. Usually they are not too neck to neck with people that I'm fighting for a chance to pass. With PFA comment about being dangerous, I have yet to not have a car stop for me. The midwest is nice like that.
I never have to worry about pulling into my garage when there's a street festival.
I feel safer waiting at all hours in an empty Union Station that I do for 10 minutes sparsely populated El platform.
I work in the city and participate in the Sport and Social Club during the week. I also visit many more of the suburban festivals. I personally think I get more of a variety living in the burbs. 1. I hear about more of the happenings and 2. I also hear about the Chicago events.
My food options are just as countless as in the city but 5 miles more away.
"What price would you put on culture, convenience, and community?" None, but the point is you can get it anywhere and I get just as much in the burbs.
Ok - I can't help but chime in in favor of the 773! A few points:
- I, like Him and Her, could never live in the suburbs. I would be really stifled there. I like the uniqueness of the city, the energy, the diversity, etc.
- I also could never live in the suburbs because of the lack of cultural institutions. I love the opera, vast theater options, and having hundreds of restaurants, all unique, at my fingertips.
- As for the question of kids, I grew up in the city, for the most part. I never felt like this was any kind of sacrifice. My sister and I learned a lot early on about street-smarts, how to be world-minded, and always felt free to express ourselves creatively. However, I did live in Lake Forest for a while in my youth as well, including my freshman year of high school, and I will tell you right now, I've never lived somewhere so... isolated in terms of beliefs and values. The goal there was always to conform to some ideal image of suburban perfection, and I hated it. Not to mention the fact that burb kids drive to parties, and are much more likely to either get a DUI or crash while driving drunk. City kids take cabs.
I love the city. It's my heartbeat. So, I totally understand, Him and Her!
Jen | Sep 27, 2006
I was a south sider for eight years before my then-boyfriend-now-husband dragged me, kicking and screaming into the burbs. Oak Park, to be exact. It's not as bad as you might think. We just bought over the border in River Forest, but in a half-mile radius there are: one El stop, a Borders, a Barbara's, a Jewel, Whole Foods, Walgreen's, Gap, Old Navy, two Starbucks, a movie theater, Pier 1, Paper Source, etc. We looked at a fantastic one bedroom condo, 1100 sq ft, for under $200k in the same area, before settling on our teeny 950 sq ft two bedroom for $185k.
Some days, I regret leaving the city, but that's a mental thing. Downtown Oak Park actually offers us more amenities than if we had stayed in my little south side neighborhood.
Our credit union let us put down 10% without paying PMI. It's definitely something to look at.
RP | Oct 5, 2006
I gotta give a (belated) shoutout for Oak Park: friendly folks, and some real bargains on the east side of town and in vintage condos. Interestingly enough, it's way more diverse than (say) Wicker Park - I started freaking out the last time I visited friends there because everyone on the street was white and 20-something.
The further out suburbs really do scare me, though. I don't want to be anywhere without sidewalks and public transit.
blair christensen | Sep 22, 2006
For years I have been adamant that I would never move to the suburbs. I enjoy living in an urban area (Chicago in this case) far too much and I can't even fathom living in the suburbs. And yet I think my resolve may have softened recently - and it pains me to admit that. I cringe whenever I look at the prices in Chicago. Ultimately I don't think I'll end up in the suburbs but I think I do need to rethink what I what and what I am willing to pay for it to stay in Chicago.
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