Anyone live in Chicago or Nashville?

[carol_marie]

ack:

I was in Chicago a couple days ago on vacation, and I was suprised at how friendly the people in the city were! In other big cities that I’ve visited, people pretty much ignore you.

However, this friendliness did NOT extend to the highway! In many spots, the flow of traffic was at LEAST 20MPH over the speed limit. People were making gestures because I was “only” driving 15MPH over the limit (and I wasn’t even blocking the passing lane!) I also find the highways to be rather confusing (exits not announced until it’s too late to get into the correct lane…and in one case, there were no signs to announce the upcoming closure of the left lane…I went around a curve, and there were the cones…surprise!)

Hi ack,
Yep… I agree with you here! When we first moved here I was so freaked out by the crazy FAST drivers. They actually pass people on the far right lane which is reserved for the off ramp. Scary.

 

[punisherthunder]

I’m kind of leaning toward Nashville after doing some research because the cost of living is not as high of that as Chicago. But I’m a little discouraged that Nashville doesn’t have such strong knit Catholic communities, which is something I would like. For me now, my parish is a very, very good source of friendship and everyone is kind and welcomes one another. From what I get, Chicago is like that.

 

[bkdianne]

punisherthunder:

I’m kind of leaning toward Nashville after doing some research because the cost of living is not as high of that as Chicago. But I’m a little discouraged that Nashville doesn’t have such strong knit Catholic communities, which is something I would like. For me now, my parish is a very, very good source of friendship and everyone is kind and welcomes one another. From what I get, Chicago is like that.

Yes I am from the Nashville Tennessee area…we have a wonderful Catholic Community here.

 

[bkdianne]

I converted to Catholicism when I lived there at St. Joseph’s church in Madison (a suburb). There weren’t many Catholic resources in the area as there just aren’t that many Cathoics.

–Hi there, I was raised at St. Josephs’ school and church!!! Isn’t it the most beautiful Catholic Church you’ve ever seen? The crucifix is the second largest in the United States! It is truly awesome there!!!

Personally, I don’t like Nashville. But then many of my reasons have to do with personal things and experiences over my life. There do seem to be a lot of narrow minded self-righteous people there and some are anti-Catholic,

–Who cares what other people think, right?

You should visit and stay at least a few days. Drive around in the surrounding counties as well so you’ll know what it’s like outside the city.

Yes, do come visit!!! )) I am partial to Roberson County myself, as that is where I reside!

 

[chicago]

BlestOne:

And I suppose you don’t think that Daily has Bloggie in his back pocket? Oh…Do you think I am a farmer or unsophisticated?

I KNOW Daley doesn’t have Rod in his back pocket. They are practically political enemies. In fact, a lot of Republicans have liked the fact that Rod has been independent of the mayor.

I have no idea if you are “a farmer or unsophisticated”. Nor would I frown upon you if you were either or both. I only know that you used stereotypical anti-Chicago rhetoric in an earlier post. And that you clearly don’t appreciate that not all “Chicago politicians” are on the same page in some sort of city conspiracy to bilk the rest of the state.

 

[chicago]

punisherthunder:

I’m kind of leaning toward Nashville after doing some research because the cost of living is not as high of that as Chicago. But I’m a little discouraged that Nashville doesn’t have such strong knit Catholic communities, which is something I would like. For me now, my parish is a very, very good source of friendship and everyone is kind and welcomes one another. From what I get, Chicago is like that.

I would say that it probably is really a parish by parish thing. Every parish has it’s own unique character. You might find that you fit in wonderfully to one, but not so great into another. I guess the good thing about Chicago is that it is, traditionally, a very Catholic city with a strong sense of self and communities which have pride and last. And there are parishes every few blocks to a couple of miles. So if you don’t like one parish, you can always easily head down the road. It also is an immigrant haven, so strong communities are traditionally built around that. Yet, Chicago is also traditionally progressive. As such there is something of a rich variey in the flavor of Catholicism. A spot for everyone, I suppose. But some may like this while others may not.

Personally, I’d agree with what some others have suggested. Visit both places, taste and see, then you’ll have a better idea of what is a better fit for you.

 

[CARose]

One thing that I found when visiting family in Chicago is that there seems to be a much more blatent racism in Chicago than I’m familiar with in California.

My mom’s cousin (in his late 60’s) from Cincinnati told me I was full of it when I commented on the fact at a family gathering a few years ago. He insisted that racism was a universal issue due to mistreatment and mistrust of all parties involved and he insisted that things were the same even in CA.

I continue to beg to differ.

For those from the area, what are your thoughts? Have the racial issues that were rampant in Chicago a few years back lessened any? Are people comfortable with ethnic differences when those differences include neighbors who look significantly different (especially skin color or even skin tone)?

CARose

 

[Island_Oak]

CARose:

One thing that I found when visiting family in Chicago is that there seems to be a much more blatent racism in Chicago than I’m familiar with in California.

My mom’s cousin (in his late 60’s) from Cincinnati told me I was full of it when I commented on the fact at a family gathering a few years ago. He insisted that racism was a universal issue due to mistreatment and mistrust of all parties involved and he insisted that things were the same even in CA.
CARose

Having never lived in CA, I can’t offer an apples to apples comparison of the two cities.

Chicago is probably one of the most self-segregated large cities you can find–in the sense that neighborhoods can usually be defined by their ethnic/religious make up (ie Italian, Irish Catholic, Polish, African-American, Greek, Guatemalan, Lebonese, etc.) However, people choose to live that way because of tradition, proximity to family, work, church, ties to friends/neighbors, other community groups, etc. It reflects a gravitation to what is familiar, not an attempt to exclude or escape from those who are different. It actually yields a wonderfully diverse community because there are so many ethnicities and each has a distinct personality, traditions, etc. as opposed to total integration where those unique traits are lost. In the mix of city life: employment, commerce, transportation, etc… I find it to be tremendously open, friendly, tolerant and the people willing to judge you on your conduct and character and not on your skin color, religious affilation, ethnicity or country of origin.

 

[CARose]

I’m glad to hear that your experiences suggest a welcome attitude towards all people. My grandparents neighborhood went through a significant change (and reduction in home prices) when those of color began to move in, and those who had lived there for a long time rushed to leave in response. My grandparents resisted the white flight, but never forgot how their neighborhood was “invaded”. It always made me sad to hear their stories. (Although a part of me felt that those who rushed to leave deserved whatever reduced price they got on their homes. What kind of reason is that to move?)

But this goes back a ways, so most of those involved have probably passed on. I pray that those who have followed have left behind such attitudes.

CARose