[Chris]

Hello you lot,
I know I haven't been around much lately. So much has been happening. We were recently informed that in order for my husband to be promoted, we must move to either Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, or Atlanta. As most of you know, I'm originally from the UK, and have only lived in New York City where I trained, and here in Florida.

I must say that I've grown accustomed to the climate here, in addition to having my husband's family nearby. My husband is leaning towards Boston, and we've been hearing some fantastic things about Boston and the surrounding areas. The cost of living seems so prohibitive. I was wondering if any of you have lived or presently do live in or around any of these cities? If you have any information I'd appreciate you sharing it with us. This is a big decision for us, and I'm totally baffled as you can see. Thanks for your help.

All the best,
Chris

[watsonsh]

Hi,

We have never corresponded before but I saw your post. I lived in NYC for 13 years and one day up and moved to Chicago where I spent 4 years. I now live in LA but miss Chicago dearly. It was a fabulous place to live. Would be happy to share anything and have many friends there I could introduce you to.

Good luck

[VIRGINIA]

Sorry Chris, can't be of much help here. I have lived in a number of different cities, but Atlanta is the only one of these that I have actually lived in. I absolutely thought it was the most wonderful place to be at that time, but it has changed a lot. This was many years ago.

I do know that, naturally being very large cities, each of these places will have a lot to offer culturally. I have visited Boston and loved it.

Good luck in making this decision. It is a big one.

Virginia

[Chris]

Hello Shelley and Virginia,
Many thanks for your replies. We plan on visiting all four cities in the next few weeks to make our final decision. I shall keep you apprised of our final decision, and would be grateful for any pointers you could provide.

All the best,
Chris

[doydie]

I watch House Hunters on HGTV and I love to see all the communities surrounding Atlanta. It just seems so beautiful and full of culture and heritage.

[lady_express_44]

Hi Chris,

I live in Vancouver, but have traveled most provinces (Canada), and states (US). I've also lived in NZ and Australia for several years.

I went to Chicago in Sept/06, and thought it was an amazingly beautiful and friendly city.

Georgia/Atlanta is nice, but it's my experience that you really want to be from the south in order to "fit in". JMHO.

Good luck on your move!!

Cherie

[Nola]

I'm sorry you've already been to Atlanta. I would have suggested you check out the Emory University area, in Decatur. It's a lovely area, very much a nice place for families but still close to the city. Health care would be excellent with Emory right there, and there are some good schools and colleges. Decatur is a sweet town -- a small town surrounded by the city -- with easy access to plenty of culture, art, and parks.

The comment about needing to be from the south is pretty accurate, but in a university area like Emory you find so many transplants the culture is very eclectic.

The Shepherd Center is a major benefit for people with MS.

However -- the weather is hot. Summer is awful. A big consideration for people with MS.

Where else: Chicago is a lot of fun, with the best ethnic restaurants. You have to love the lake. If you're looking for family neighborhoods, there are plenty of good areas. Be sure to look north at Evanston and check out Northwestern. But the weather is the worst you can imagine -- really awful winters and really horrible summers.

On a subjective note, I also thought the surrounding area was oppressive -- there seemed to be no end to "Chicagoland" -- suburb after suburb and perpetual car dealerships and malls and highways . . .

You are also considering Boston: Great choice for all sorts of reasons, especially as a Brit. But you already know that. Concerned about prices? Well, you get what you pay for.

Enjoy your visits. Good luck with the decisions.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Nola

I'm sorry you've already been to Atlanta. I would have suggested you check out the Emory University area, in Decatur. It's a lovely area, very much a nice place for families but still close to the city. Health care would be excellent with Emory right there, and there are some good schools and colleges. Decatur is a sweet town -- a small town surrounded by the city -- with easy access to plenty of culture, art, and parks.

The comment about needing to be from the south is pretty accurate, but in a university area like Emory you find so many transplants the culture is very eclectic.

The Shepherd Center is a major benefit for people with MS.

However -- the weather is hot. Summer is awful. A big consideration for people with MS.

Where else: Chicago is a lot of fun, with the best ethnic restaurants. You have to love the lake. If you're looking for family neighborhoods, there are plenty of good areas. Be sure to look north at Evanston and check out Northwestern. But the weather is the worst you can imagine -- really awful winters and really horrible summers.

On a subjective note, I also thought the surrounding area was oppressive -- there seemed to be no end to "Chicagoland" -- suburb after suburb and perpetual car dealerships and malls and highways . . .

You are also considering Boston: Great choice for all sorts of reasons, especially as a Brit. But you already know that. Concerned about prices? Well, you get what you pay for.

Enjoy your visits. Good luck with the decisions.

Hello Nola,
Thank you for your lovely note. Yes, we've already been to Atlanta, and after this weekend it's looking a lot better to me simply because of the weather. Can you guess where we were this past weekend? CHICAGO! I've never been so cold in my life. But, what a lively city. We stayed downtown the first night we were there because I had never seen the city, and went to a wonderful restaurant and "tried" to walk around, but it was so cold and windy, I didn't last long.

The next day we spent looking at homes in the suburbs, and although the areas seem nice, the weather put a huge damper on my decision as well as the fact that each suburb seemed to blend into the next.

Next stop; Philadelphia. We shall see. Thank you all for your thoughts and suggestions. I shall keep you up to date on our escapades in the cold north. Stay warm you lot.

All the best,
Chris