I’m very lightly thinking about the idea of moving to Chicago for a job opportunity within my same company. I currently live in Phoenix, although I’ve spent 20 plus years in the midwest, mostly in Ohio.
I think I know what I’m getting into as far as weather. Cold and grey winters, hot and humid summers, fickle springs, and usually nice fall weather.
I’d like to live without a car. I think this is possible as long as I live and work in the city itself. If I live in Wrigleyville and commute to an area close to the CBOE, is that easy enough to do carless? Using public transport does not bother me at all.
Yeah man, carless is really the best way to live in Wrigleyville. The commute from Wrigleyville to downtown will be about 30-45 minutes door-to-door (depending on where exactly in each place and what time you go), and you can get everywhere you’d want to get without a car (most often more easily than with a car). There’s a Straight Dope Chicago forum here–it doesn’t get much traffic, but you will get more specific answers.
I used to live on the North side and commuted to both the downtown area and the suburbs via public transportation. It was definitely doable, although somewhat miserable in the winter.
I loved living in Chicago though. Great food, always random fun stuff going on.
Wrigleyville to the CBOE is less than 7 miles; honestly you can bike it much of the time (going by the Lake front bike path will possibly add a little bit). That said the Red Line (subway) will get you virtually door to door. Either will be less than 45 minutes (the subway ride itself is under 25 minutes). Carless is definitely the way to go. When you really need one there are I-Go and Zip Car locations all around there.
Chicago is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with an endless supply of museums, restaurants, culture, food, night life, etc. I say go for it!
And if you ever want to spend a few hours in the capital of your new state, Springfield, send me a PM and I’ll gladly show you around.