Chicago or New York?

[mauriposa]

Posted: 5/2/08 at 11:41pm

I need some advice, so I'm looking for it in all places. I've been offered spots at Ph.D. programs in both Chicago and New York - something I never thought would happen - and now I have to choose between them. Both schools are pretty good, and I think I would do well at either of them, so I'm down to choosing between cities.

A little back story: I've lived in the Chicago suburbs all of my life, and I'm pretty comfortable here. Also, all of my family is in the area, and they've repeatedly expressed their desire to have me stay . . . But ever since I was little, I've dreamed of living in NYC. I've wanted it so long that I can't remember ever wanting to live anywhere else.

When I was applying to Ph.D. programs in both cities, I knew it could come down to this, but now that I'm here, I really don't know what to do.

I know that this is a personal decision, but I would appreciate any input any of you could offer, especially if you've ever lived in either city.

[Kasie]

Posted: 5/2/08 at 11:46pm

Go to New York, mauri. If you don't like it, then you can always move back to Chicago. That's just my advice though...I have never lived in either city, unfortunately.

[verynewyorkcurious]

Posted: 5/2/08 at 11:54pm

New York can get pretty overwhelming, but there is just no city like it. I've never lived in Chicago, but I visited a couple of times a while back. It's alright.

Ask yourself if you need a change. You should visit New York before you decide.

[LePetiteFromage]

Posted: 5/3/08 at 12:01am

Updated On: 1/23/09 at 12:01 AM

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 5/3/08 at 12:04am

I would say think about New York. I've lived in both and while I ultimately think Chicago was a better fit for me, I'm also a big believer in people getting from where they came, if only for a few years.

I moved to New York when I was pretty young, just out of college. It was a roller coaster of a time and a lot of it was pretty brutal, but I don't regret my time there.

[lakezurich]

Posted: 5/3/08 at 12:07am

While I do love it here in Chicago, if being in New York has been a dream of yours go for it!

[jakebloke]

Posted: 5/3/08 at 8:21am

If you've always dreamed of living in NYC, then this may be a great opportunity to make it happen. It doesn't mean you're stuck here for life, but at least you made your dream a reality. Nothing worse than that feeling of should have, or what if? For me, the only problem moving to nyc, is that it kinda spoiled me from living anywhere else. I have a hard time seeing myself happy living anywhere other than here. But that's just me.

Posted: 5/3/08 at 12:09pm

Chicago or NEW YORK? Why even ask!? Anyone who is anyone LIVES in New York.

[lakezurich]

Posted: 5/3/08 at 12:16pm

Well, you've obviously NEVER heard of Oprah...

[SNAFU]

Posted: 5/3/08 at 12:21pm

Who?


I moved to NYC to give it a try, figuring if I didn't like it I would leave. That was in '73 and I am still here!. Is it hard to live in NYC? Yep! expensive? Bet your ass! Worth it? Most definitely!

[george95]

Posted: 5/3/08 at 12:23pm

I was born and raised in Chicago until the age of 24. I never in a million years would ever have considered living anywhere else--ever! EVER!

But then....

I was offered a full-ride graduate program here in NYC.....and now I've been here for 7 years, and now I would never ever EVER go back to Chicago! I LOVE New York!

All my family and most of my friends are still in Chicago, and I still go back many times a year. But, every time the plane touches down in Chicago, all I can think of is "man how long til I can go back to New York??"

[lakezurich]

Posted: 5/3/08 at 12:24pm

Well, granted she's not THAT famous, but I figured all of you in NYC would have at least heard of her.

[mauriposa]

Posted: 5/3/08 at 1:11pm

Thank you all for your input. It really seems like a no-brainer, since NYC has always been my goal. But when it comes down to it, it's really hard to take that leap.

[Mamie]

Posted: 5/3/08 at 2:32pm

I'm just afraid that if you don't go to NY now, you may end up regretting it for the rest of your life. The time to take the big step is now - while you're young and your major responsibility is to yourself. It sounds like you have a loving, supportive family who will be there if it doesn't work out.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 5/3/08 at 2:37pm

'Anyone who is anyone LIVES in New York.'

"New York is the center of New York"

[LePetiteFromage]

Posted: 5/3/08 at 5:20pm

Updated On: 1/23/09 at 05:20 PM