Would you live in Orlando or Chicago?

[Pletch]

I have to decide between accepting a job in either Naperville (Chicago) or Orlando (East side). Somewhat equal opportunities and salary. I was really excited about Orlando (of course), but Naperville has been rated in the top 3 places to raise a family for years. I keep thinking Fl=fun and sun, Chicago=culture and cold. What would you do?

 

[chisnpeke]

Since you're already in Florida I'd go with Orlando.

 

[of the seas]

Since I'm right next to Naperville, I would say Orlando. It has been a terrible winter here. Tons of snow and many below zero days. Naperville is a nice town and I LOVE Chicago, but we only have a lake, not close to an ocean! The cost of living is WAY higher in Naperville, so if it's the same pay, you would definately be better in Orlando. We also have very high taxes.

 

[diznygirl]

Since I hate cold weather, I'll say Orlando.

Good luck!

 

[pirateslifefourme]

I havent heard too many good things about the Disney park in Chicago, so im thinking Orlando but thats just me. Disney and Warm > No Disney and cold.

 

[FINFAN]

I live in Naperville, been here almost 19 years...my DD attends college in Sarasota. She has no plans on returning back home if she can help it. I agree w/her.
To be fair, however......if weather is NOT a top priority for you, and you can afford to travel to WDW from here, then it isn't too bad. If you want, pm me about the company/area...I'll help you out with any questions you may have.
Congrats on 2 job offers! You say the salaries are fairly equal, I am thinkng you would be living larger on that in Orlando then Naperville...just in housing cost alone. Do you have kids?
one big thing to keep in mind is, IF you decided to leave the job in either place, which area offers you a btter chance of finding a new job fairly quickly? Which area is more marketable for your career? Also, look into renting in either place at first, I think it can take 1-2 years to truly get comfortable w/your surroundings to decide wher to buy.
ETA: Don't want to scare you off, Naperville is fine , especially if moving to the MidWest. DD will go wherever a career is...but she has grown very fond of the tropical living and nature in Sarasota. I am dying ot know what field you are in that offers similar salry in both Naperville an Orlando. Also, I tend to prefer the west side of Orlando, but ebig in Gainesville, it is hard to not take the Orlando position...unless relo is covered!


Pam

 

[JR6ooo4]

Where are the rest of the family and friends? and then you have to ask "Do you want to see them regularly, or not! Hehehehehehe

Mikeeee

 

[Phedre]

I'm from Naperville. I was born there and lived there pretty much all my life. I love it and Chicago but I can't take the cold any more and want to move somewhere warm. But honestly the summers here are beautiful, the schools in the area are good, the town is lovely and close to Chicago which is fun. If I can't live in Florida, there is no where I'd rather live than Naperville

If you aren't into snow, think FL. If you don't mind the cold... Naperville is a great choice

 

[meliss8599]

Naperville is a wonderful community in which to live. They have a Riverwalk every summer, it is tree-filled, the homes are beautiful, there are nice shopping areas, a great downtown district, excellent schools, and the homes keep their value. If you would be relocating to the Chicago-land area, Naperville really is the place to be. It's been highly rated in Family Fun magazine as well.

That being said, the winters here are absolutely brutal and if I had family in the Orlando area I would probably move to the warmer climate.

 

[pr surfer]

Having spent so much time in my life in and around Orlando, I'd say Naperville.

 

[Cool-Beans]

Orlando, Orlando, Orlando. Didn't even have to think about that one. Chicago is fine, but Orlando is warm.

 

[Glenn]

Have you visited Naperville or the Chicago area? Im from Chgo but have friends in Naperville. Its a nice place, many corporations are centered there or in nearby burbs. Youre close to chgo with both airports, the citys cultural places & events and the burbs also have plenty of museums & fun things to do. If your into sports the park district has alot of programs & then you also have various major & minor sports teams in the area. Yes it does cost more to live here & we do have winter to endure. Like one person here asked which place would be better for you professionally & for family? Hope you can make a trip up this way to check things out, just bring a coat.

 

[Macca1111]

They've had a really bad winter in the Chicago area...while my sister has been complaining when it hits 40 in Orlando. I'd personally go with Orlando. Good luck in your decision!

 

[dolphindan1]

I would live in Chicago...Why cause the Summers are long long long and hot hot hot in Florida...you can expect 9 or so months of really hot weather and then about 6 months with alot of humidity...unbearable in my opinion...Chicago will have bad winters this is true but not as long as the heat in Florida...

JMHO....I hate the heat I can get warm but you cant get cool

 

[Metro West]

Since I hate cold weather, I'll say Orlando.

Good luck!

 

[NMAmy]

After the unending winter we've had this year, I would absolutely go with Florida. By spring, I might have changed my mind but today in Michigan we'll have a high temperature of 15. Warm sounds wonderful.

 

[Pixiedust34]

I hate cold weather and I love Mickey Mouse. This one is a no brainer for me. I'd pick Orlando!

 

[DMickey28]

Where are you from?
Where is your family?
How old are you? 20's, 30's, 40's ... don't need a specific number!!
Are you married?
Do you have kids?
How old are your kids?
What type of activites do you like to do as a family?
Have you lived places besides Gainsville before?

I have lived in both places, as well as other parts of florida, the midwest and New England. I can give you better advice if I know the above.

 

[marathonmommy]

You're asking this question on the DIS Boards! I think the answer is a pretty obvious one. Go ask on a Wrigley Field Fan Site and the answer might be a different one.

 

[sunlver]

Well considering I lived in the Chicago suburbs for 29 yrs before moving to Va Beach. I would move to Orlando in a heartbeat

I hate cold weather, I hate snow and ice and all that winters bring. I would be happy never to have to live in those conditions again. My dream job/livin area would be close to Disney ... I dont want to be too close to encounter all the tourist traffic, but close enough to make weekend trips.