Hi All,
Just wanting to continue my original thread - now as a 39 yo!
I have a big life change coming up at the end of August. I asked my company for a transfer to Chicago, and they agreed, so I will be starting in Chi in September 2018.
I'm going from working in the Houston office (a dressy, stale, corporate environment) for 4+ days/week, to working from home 90-100% of the time -- the Chicago office is casual dress (!!!). I'm happy about this change because I'm much more productive working from home, and don't get sucked into the office politics, which are especially toxic and mind-numbing in the Houston office... Just picture lots of white crusty men in suits, no technical skills, but a lot of mansplaining... AI am also excited about downsizing my corporate attire and having much more flexibility.
In Chicago, I'll also be nearby my immediate fam, who all live in Chi, which is why I asked for the transfer.
There are several downsides to this move: I hate winters in Chicago; gray, sad, slushy, dark, bitter cold days... I hate state income tax. I dislike the Chicago accent (sorry, just sounds a bit tone deaf to my ears). My company is not paying for my move. Chicago is a HCL city compared to Houston -- I'm paying no state income tax currently, but will be paying almost 5% in Chicago. Rents are especially high in the neighborhoods I would like to live in: wicker park, boys town, Lincoln square, etc.
I'm debating buying a home or multi-unit in the western areas of the city that are less dangerous, or Humboldt Park, but haven't lived in Chicago in over a decade, so not in tune with the various neighborhoods. I may need to rent a while until I'm familiar again.
Recent real estate news on Chicago is also concerning... I believe 15+% of Chicagoans owe double what their home is worth (?) so they aren't selling even though many would like to, until the market appreciates; the market is currently where it was pre-bubble burst in 2008 I believe. Please correct me if you have any intel on the current Chi RE market... Or have any recommendations on where you would move as a single MMM 39 y/o with two large 70 lb mix breed dogs (one looks pit-ish).
At present, I make $109K base, $20+K annual bonus, have zero debt, perfect credit and rental history, am 4 years away from FI. My company matches 401K contributions at a ridiculous 9%. I am not in love with my job... it's a soul suck most of the time. I have a great reputation and could find another job immediately. I was considering leaving, but starting all over at a new Corp seems even more soul sucking and just doesn't seem worth it. It's taken me 5+ years to navigate my current environment. I am on great terms with my old employer in Chicago, which was a .com startup, a place I loved. They have been acquired, but by another .com, so apparently the work environment is even better than it was back in the day. They are located in the same building as my current company. I've been thinking I could always revert if the urgency/misery strikes.
In any case, would love to hear advice from my fellow MMM and chicagoans. My current rent in Houston is $1,160 for a beautiful, light-filled apartment with all the amenities (in unit W/D, Pool, Gym, onsite dog park, beautiful grounds, palm trees & grilling stations, etc.) and a perfect tree top view of the entire Houston city skyline. I do live in a tiny space: a 1B/1BA 567 SF apt -- this was by choice as I wanted to save on rent, but also liked the amount of windows, view, and beautiful 8'X8' balcony I'm writing from while lounging in my hammock. I know $1160 sounds excessive to some... I'm MMM, but not to the point of not coming home to a place I love/enjoy. I'm a 4 block walk/6 min drive to work. Can also walk to Whole Foods, and many other spots....
I guess I'm starting to mourn the move/decision even though it's the change I need at this point. Houston is a transient city. I've been here 5+ years, and all my original friends have moved on. I've been an expat before, and lived in this type of environment, but want the consistency of having "my people" around always... Though Houston is a good place, I do get tired of the heat, pickup trucks, guns, local houston accents... I want a walk-able city where I can take public trans and be around people who have MMM values -- not constantly upgrading trucks, cars, homes, the use of plastic bags and not recycling... I'm appalled by the waste I see in Houston! I've also recently converted to a plant-based diet which does not gel with the Texas mindset.
Still, I do love the beautiful sunlight here, Texas sky, lifestyle. It's been an amazing 5 years and I love the life long friends I will take with me... Plus my Texas rescue dogs/aka dog foster failures!