https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:05:35 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2461499 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 19:59:22 +0000 SLR 2461499@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yellowbird: Good luck! Not sure if you are planning to move to the city or suburbs, but I'm in the NW burbs if you have any questions about that area. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2461478 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 19:15:24 +0000 Greentea 2461478@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yellowbird: YEA! OMG I am so happy for you! I think you'll love it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2461474 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 18:58:38 +0000 yellowbird 2461474@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you so much everyone for weighing in. This has seriously been difficult. We have officially decided on Chicago. I know the weather sucks, but I feel like it's where we are supposed to be. I will be messaging some of you for some further help! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2461346 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 14:35:30 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 2461346@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I can't speak for Chicago since I've never been, but I love love San Diego! We go there a couple times a year for short, local family trips. The beaches and weather are fantastic year-round... I think there's plenty to do - Gaslamp District, Coronado Island, Balboa, La Jolla (and downtown La Jolla), SD Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Sea World, Legoland, Carlsbad (the flowers in Spring are gorgeous!) &amp; the Carlsbad outlets. It's such a great place to raise a family! </p> <p>Like others have mentioned - you can get snow, mountains, oceans, whatever... all within a short radius! It's 2 hours to LA, 1 hour to Orange County, 1 hour to Mexico, and 5 hours to Vegas. Plus if you like Mexican food, it's the best Mexican food you'll get anywhere in the U.S.! The lack of seasons does suck sometimes, but the only season I really long for is fall (it seems like spring and fall lasts such a short amount of time in most places anyway). I am happy just visiting rather than living in snow. You pretty much just get spring and summer weather all year in SD (I would say 7 months of spring and 5 months of summer weather). Plus, no humidity! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2461343 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 14:32:04 +0000 Mrs. J 2461343@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Champagne: it's actually currently 17, not -7 in Chicago. We are cold but not THAT cold today!</p> <p>Eta: I just realized you are looking at Celsius haha </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2461342 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 14:29:52 +0000 Mrs. J 2461342@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Modern Daisy: what part is deserted? I feel like the neighborhoods are so vibrant. The Loop shuts down early, but it's really a business district. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2461329 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 14:00:33 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2461329@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've been to neither. But: </p> [attach=2620/16/o2jwsx.338x600.image.png] [attach=2620/16/o2jwsy.338x600.image.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2461321 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 13:22:35 +0000 Modern Daisy 2461321@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Even though San Diego is a tougher place to live because it is way more expensive I would choose it because of the weather. Chicago is also expensive so it's not like you'd be getting much of a break and the weather is terrible. The traffic is also very bad coming from the airport. And while it does have some cool restaurants I kind of feel like the city has a deserted feel most of the time. Of course I am not from either area so maybe I'm wrong but those are my 2 cents!<br /> I recently moved out of a very expensive area (NYC) for a more affordable one (philly) but weather is the same and my family is here so the other factors didn't really matter! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2461318 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 13:13:44 +0000 kodybear 2461318@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I saw this link and thought of this thread.<br /> <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/melissaharrison/california-burritos-for-life#.kqDnvk5Ar" rel="nofollow">http://www.buzzfeed.com/melissaharrison/california-burritos-for-life#.kqDnvk5Ar</a></p> <p> I live in San Diego but grew up on the east coast. Although people are right about there not being any seasons, I absolutely don't miss the snow! I grew up in one of the snowiest cities in the us and after 15 yrs here in SD, don't miss it one bit. We live in the northern part of San Diego and pretty rarely hear about bad crimes in our area. Some of the best schools in the nation are here. I'm biased but we love it here! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2461160 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 07:16:20 +0000 Mrs. Confetti 2461160@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Chicago dweller here. We live in the north suburb and had our first while living in Lakeview. Re: crime, hugely variable depending on neighborhood. I would stay on the north side and pay tons of attention to schools when looking for a place should you stay in the city, as CPS schools aren't known for being universally outstanding (understatement of the year - there are a handful of excellent choices and the easiest way is to just be zoned for them rather than going through the lottery system). If I were moving here with an almost kindergartener, I would move to Evanston or Oak Park where you are very close to the city (on the El system even) but with the convenience of suburb amenities and generally safe overall. </p> <p>But as much as we live Chicago, I would teleport myself to San Diego for the month of Febraury each year. I love seasons (summer in Chicago cannot be beat and fall is beautiful) but winter is long and even the mild ones like we are having can get pretty old... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2461159 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 06:59:18 +0000 ChitownRo 2461159@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I live in the Lincoln Park neighborhood on the north side of Chicago. The above crime stats seem to be reflective. Keep in mind that Chi is crazy segregated...Most murders and violent crime are in the south and west side neighborhoods. But, even living in the expensive north side, there def still is crime. In fact, we had a rash of break ins on our street a few months ago. And muggings in the neighborhood too. People are up in arms about both with neighborhood safety meetings w police/politicians bc everyone is used to our neighborhood being safe. Nonetheless, I LOVE Chicago and living near the lake. Of course, winter is brutal but I like having 4 distinct seasons </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2461149 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 03:09:25 +0000 SugarplumsMom 2461149@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yellowbird: <a href="http://city-crime-statistics.findthedata.com/compare/88501-89553/San-Diego-vs-Chicago" rel="nofollow">http://city-crime-statistics.findthedata.com/compare/88501-89553/San-Diego-vs-Chicago</a></p> <p>According to that site, murder rate in SD is 39 vs. 414 in Chicago; robbery is 1456 vs. 11,815. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2461145 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 02:14:05 +0000 sometimesshesings 2461145@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs.Pinecone316: I'm with you! My DH and I met in San Diego during college. We both really liked it there, but we got sick of the weather-less climate and lack of green trees. We moved up to the Bay Area, but we're always entertaining the idea of moving to places with a good balance of culture and a more reasonable cost of living, like Chicago. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2461131 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 00:05:05 +0000 rattles 2461131@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I lived in Chicago in my 20's and then married and had DD1 there. I love it! We moved to Texas for the lower cost of living and to be closer to my family, but I wouldn't hesitate to live there again. I loved the beaches, parks, architecture, museums, restaurants and people. I didn't love how long winter was, but I did love the seasons and the rituals that came with them. I never felt unsafe while there, fwiw. I lived in East Lakeview and Andersonville/Edgewater, and DH's family is in Geneva/St. Charles if you have questions about specifics. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2461106 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 22:50:46 +0000 Mrs. J 2461106@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yellowbird: I love Chicago. I grew up in the suburbs, went to college in the city, lived in the city when I got married, and moved back to the burbs when we had kids.</p> <p>I love how much there is to do in the city and the burbs, from the culture to the food.</p> <p>I always felt safe. Are there neighborhoods I wouldn't live in? Most certainly yes. Would you have to live in the city proper or would the burbs be an option for you? Happy to talk about different areas since I grew up NW burbs, went to high school on the north shore, lived in a western neighborhood and now live in a Western burb. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2460936 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 17:24:24 +0000 Greentea 2460936@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yellowbird: I live a few hours north of Chicago and my family is from Wilmette and Evanston. I think the Midwest and GL region in general have so much to offer. Wisconsin is super outdoor with tons and tons of lakes and hills and is just a couple hours north, I love "Ocean Michigan" and I genuinely love Midwest college towns (Madison, Ann Arbor, Evanston). I like the culture of the Midwest (friendly, family values- not that SD doesn't have those things, but it is just a different culture). I also like taking the L in Chicago and find it a walkable city. I am excited to see what you decide and how you like it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2460919 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 17:06:53 +0000 avivoca 2460919@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yellowbird: I think because you live in the eastern half of the US, you will see more news about Chicago than San Diego. But murder and crime happen everywhere. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2460916 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 17:01:12 +0000 yellowbird 2460916@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Greentea: most of my family think I am crazy for even entertaining the idea of Chicago but I am drawn to it!</p> <p>@ChiCalGoBee: so helpful!! I will definitely have more questions for you when I decide!</p> <p>@meredithNYC: @LatteLove: @Mrs Green Grass: @birdofafeather: @SugarplumsMom: @Mrs.Pinecone316: thank you all for weighing in! All of the perspectives really help.</p> <p>Ultimately it does not come down to only what place I would enjoy living in more but just SO many factors. </p> <p>Would any of you care to comment on crime and relative safety of either city? It seems like a lot of people get murdered in Chicago at least I that's what I see in the media. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2460800 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 13:21:52 +0000 Mrs.Pinecone316 2460800@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ok just want to give a different perspective..I guess I am the odd one out that lives in Southern California and HATES the weather. If you love the seasons be prepared to be super disappointed in SD. SoCal is dry, even with this big "El Nino" we are supposed to be having its only rained a couple times this winter so far. You won't get the lush green landscape other states get unless there is a good sprinkler system around. It ruins the holiday feel for me when it is so warm for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It really depends what you like. I was born and raised here but lived in other states during college so after experiencing seasons I miss it. But that could be a pro for you! I can't really weigh in on chicago I have only ever visited once. But my family is all slowly moving out of California one by one because its just too expensive, traffic is getting worse and worse and just isn't the lifestyle we want for our family. But there is a lot of fun stuff to do in San Diego. I've just realized that I love California a lot more when I visit and not when I am living here.</p> <p>Super excited for you though, its great having options:) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2460794 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 13:09:32 +0000 SugarplumsMom 2460794@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>San Diego! The weather's great year-round, schools are good, beaches all around, mountains are close-by. It's a relatively safe city with a small town feel. I was raised in SD and miss it tons. There's a lot of culture, but you'll have to venture out of your immediate neighborhood and find it -- but commuting is the norm in SD. The commute is the only thing I don't miss. </p> <p>You just missed restaurant week, but the next one's coming around in a few months :happy: <a href="http://www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2460768 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 12:10:29 +0000 birdofafeather 2460768@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I mean, it depends on where you live in SD, but the weather can't be beat, people are awesome, we only went to local restaurants when eating out (north county SD). There's hiking, biking, surfing, snow, desert and proximity to lots of other so cal places. Cons are high cost of living with not the competitive salary, but your husband shouldn't have an issue getting a job at all!</p> <p>My mom grew up in Chicago and my dad the burbs but I haven't been back out there in years so I couldn't comment on the true differences, but all I'll say is there is a sun tax in SD that I was happy to pay! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2460760 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 11:45:19 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 2460760@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wait, San Diego has culture! Balboa Park, The Old Globe Theater, the La Jolla Playhouse....museums at Balboa Park are free for residents the last Tuesday of every month. And there is a ton of theater. Symphony. Opera.</p> <p>Also international flights do fly from San Diego, but many connect through LA...doesn't mean you have to drive up there.</p> <p>I've lived in San Diego for all but 6 years of my life and I have family in Chicago so I've been to the city many times and the suburbs. I've always liked Chicago and everyone was really friendly.</p> <p>San Diego is a fantastic place to live. Within two hours you have beaches, snow, mountains, desert, Mexico... Neighborhoods are mostly typical suburbs, but there are some that are beach cities and some urban areas with hipster parents and bars with kids playgrounds inside. </p> <p>The weather really cannot be beat and there are great schools. Gas is expensive and so is housing, but you can research that and see if it works. Obviously not everyone in San Diego makes tons of money...and pretty much all of my friends own houses, just toward 30 rather than right when they got married. Let me know if you have any other specific questions.</p> <p>Eta: San Diego is less spread out than Chicago, so truly most areas are always 20-30 minutes away. I remember it taking an hour to get to downtown Chicago from my cousin's house. In San Diego it's not over 30 unless you move pretty far north or east. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2460754 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 11:08:39 +0000 LatteLove 2460754@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I grew up in the Chicagoland area but have lived in San Diego with my husband for the last six years. I would absolutely pick San Diego over Chicago for quality of life! The weather, the sunshine, the access to beaches, mountains and deserts. Cost of living is certainly higher but if that isn't your primary concern, San Diego wins every time! I love visiting Chicago but I don't think I'd ever move back - even though it's where my whole family is! The plus side to Chicago is that there are a lot more cultural opportunities (museums, arts, etc) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2460753 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 11:08:06 +0000 meredithNYC 2460753@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yellowbird: Okay, well, I have never been to San Diego - just heard wonderful things about it. I have been to Chicago plenty of times and absolutely love it, but the winter weather is certainly rough. You really do have two places at opposite ends of the spectrum!</p> <p>Oh, and I guess for work options, my assumption is that Chicago would probably offer more? Though I suppose it depends on your husband's line of work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2460751 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 11:05:26 +0000 Ree723 2460751@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm from Chicago and have visited SD many times. From a cost of living perspective, I'd say Chicago is the winner, although it's still not cheap. For quality of life, I'd pick San Diego. You cannot beat the weather there and Chicago winters are brutal!</p> <p>As for living and raising a family in Chicago - I grew up in the city, in a very normal, middle class neighbourhood (very popular with police officers, firefighters, and teachers who have to live within city limits). The racism and close mindedness of many neighbourhoods in Chicago is not something I'd want to raise my children in (you couldn't pay me all the money in the world to raise my children on the south side of Chicago, where I was raised, and my parents agree they wouldn't live there again if given a chance to do it over). That being said though, there are some very, very lovely suburbs in Chicago that have a decent amout of diversity, culture, and a nice little village feel to them that would be a lovely place to raise a family. Schools are a crapshoot, just like a lot of other places in the US - some city schools are brilliant, others (majority?!) are struggling. Some suburbs have amazing school districts, others not so much. </p> <p>In general, I'd say the south side and south suburbs are pretty boring and would not be exciting in the least. Western suburbs (Oak Park, Elmhurst, River Forest etc) are full of a lot more character. North shore suburbs are pretty pricey and exclusive. </p> <p>Traffic is abysmal but I think SoCal traffic is even worse. There are a lot of cultural things to do in Chicago, but they are mainly downtown and not the easiest to get to if you're living in the suburbs. As for location on a global scale, I think Chicago is better as it is the hub for several of the major airlines, which means loads and loads of flights to anywhere and everywhere in the world. London is 7.5 hrs direct from Chicago, vs nearly 11 hrs direct from LA. SD has their own airport, but for any kind of major international flight, you're looking at driving to LAX, which is a pain (I've had to do that several times). </p> <p>I don't live in the US anymore but being from Chicago and having been to SD many, many times (my brother was a Marine based out there for nearly ten years), I thought I'd weigh in! Where are you based now? ETA: just saw your above response, </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2460748 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 11:03:15 +0000 ChiCalGoBee 2460748@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yellowbird: I am from Chicago but live in San Diego so I had to reply!! There are so many factors, but a few pro/cons</p> <p>Pros of San Diego:<br /> 1) it is gorgeous here year-round. I was outside every day when I had a newborn which was so good for both of us!<br /> 2) Great schools (at least in the suburbs where I live)<br /> 3) Very family friendly. There is so much to do as a young family (parks, beaches, theme parks)</p> <p>Cons:<br /> 1) it's expensive here. Not sure where you're coming from but it is pricey.<br /> 2) You're in a bit of a culture desert. Yes, there are a few museums downtown, but (especially compared to Chicago) we feel like there isn't a whole lot culture-wise.<br /> 3) Lots of strip malls and chains for food in the suburbs versus unique restaurants.</p> <p>Chicago Pros:<br /> 1) So much to do in the city and suburbs alike. Museums, parks, and some of the best restaurants in the country, IMO.<br /> 2) Excellent schools in the suburbs<br /> 3) Lots of cultural activities both downtown and in suburban neighborhoods </p> <p>Chicago Cons:<br /> 1) Winters are hard, but I'm sure you know that<br /> 2) Traffic can be bad headed downtown, but San Diego has the same issue!</p> <p>I love both places for so many reasons. I'm typing on a tablet so sorry I couldn't include more! Either way, please reach out if you have questions about neighborhoods no matter where you decide to move as I'd love to help! Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2460747 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 11:02:31 +0000 Greentea 2460747@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I love Chicago- obviously CA has many draws, but so does Chicago! The cost of living would be more affordable in Chicago, I would think. I think for me I would maybe secretly choose Chicago- the Great Lakes region has a lot to offer, Chicago is diverse and being in the center you can get to a lot of cities pretty quickly. A lot of great universities. I could go on forever. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2460744 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 11:01:07 +0000 mauxie 2460744@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>San Diego!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2460743 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 10:58:40 +0000 yellowbird 2460743@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meredithNYC: I live in the mid atlantic region </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/living-in-san-diego-or-chicago-any-locals-able-to-weigh-in#post-2460738 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 10:35:55 +0000 Jess1483 2460738@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I lived in Chicago for a couple years, but I was young and single and lived in a not great neighborhood (and worked in an awful one). My memories aren't so fond, but I also think they were really skewed. It's a very segregated city. There are parts of the city I loved, though, and I think living in one of those areas would have been really great. Sorry that's not more helpful. </p>