Customer Reviews

Newcomer's Handbook for Moving to and Living in Chicago: Including Evanston, Oak Park, Schaumburg, Wheaton, and Naperville (Newcomer's Handbook for Chicago)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm around 30 and single, about to move to Chicago for a job, and bought this book while I'm considering what area. The most useful thing this had was for each neighborhood, a 2-3 page summary of what the area's like, what it's historically been famous for, what types of businesses you find there. That type of information is available in other places, though.

THe single most useful thing was a couple of sentances at the end of each neighborhood summarizing that it's 'best appreciated by serious urban-dwellers', or 'great for family but not much to do', or 'an interesting place that, because of crime issues, is not for everyone, you should visit before you choose to live here' (not real quotes, just examples)... *this* was the information I really needed. And it was only a few sentances.

Aside from that information about neighborhoods, the other 2/3 of the book included information about moving (done that many times in my life) and how to evaluate an apartment and deal with a landlord (done that plenty, too), information about schools and daycare and places that kids would like (have none, so another chapter or two I didn't read), and where to find home furnishings and groceries (focused mainly on where to find the major shopping centers, which I'd think would be obvious).

Basically, it's a book that, had I been shopping in a bookstore, I would've thumbed through, found the sentances I needed, and put back on the shelf. Maybe if I had kids, or hadn't been finding myself a new apartment and moving myself into it every few years, the book would be more helpful. But hey, just because I say it's not news doesn't mean you already know it, too - get the book if you think this would be helpful in your situation.

I bought this book the second day I was in Chicago. I wish I'd bought it before my move! This book was extremely helpful in not only orientating me with the basic neighborhoods/geography of the city, but it was a great reference when it came time to do all that administrative stuff associated with moving. It tells you where the DMV, post office, library, police station, everything (!) is. It tells you where to get your parking stickers - wish I'd known that right away since I got a parking ticket my first day in the city! This book is a great guide for anyone moving to Chicago, even those of us who are experienced movers but need information beyond how to find a place. I've only had my copy 3 weeks, and it's already dog-eared.

I got this before my move to Chicago and it was really helpful having all the information in one place. I still use it and highly recommend the sections about children. If you have kids and are moving here, you will really appreciate the suggestions.

This is the greatest book that I have ever read.