You can ask anyone that knows me, Chicago has been my favorite city since I was very young. I’ve always wanted to live here.
I’ve said it many times before, “I think I want to move to Chicago…” and it just never happened. This time, when I told my friends and family, “I am moving to Chicago” their response was mixed, but it mostly ended with, “finally!“
On August 14th, I finally did it.
I started a year of experiential learning with Experience Institute (you can learn more about that here). I’ll be in (and out) of Chicago for at least a year. So here I am, in this big, beautiful city.
Here’s what I’ve enjoyed so far…
Yes
- I can walk or ride my bike almost anywhere.
- The train is a quick walk from my place and only 3 stops till i’m in the middle of downtown.
- The summer/fall weather is ideal.
- Friends! I’ve met so many great new friends from my program.
- There’s something to do every day/night.
- Safety. I’ve never felt unsafe.
- People are surprisingly friendly.
- Tacos, donuts and really good coffee are everywhere.
- There’s a great coffee shop at the end of my street.
- Rooftops. I’ve spent more time on rooftops in the past month then in my whole life.
- Lake Michigan
No
- Winter is coming…Everyone keeps talking about it and warning me.
- I don’t have enough time to do everything I want to do in the city before it gets cold.
- Most things are more expensive.
- I don’t know the best places to go for things like sheets, fans or stools for my dining room… I spend a lot of time at Target.
- I bank with First Tennessee and surprisingly, they don’t have those in Illinois. It makes dealing with finances a little more tricky.
- I’m now more reliant on someone else’s schedule (public transportation) because I don’t drive as much.
- If I drove more, there’s very rarely free or affordable parking.
- and traffic…
and here’s to month 2!
If you know anyone traveling through Chicago, I’d love to host them! You can send them to my AirBnB listing.