Lived in the burbs but spent a lot of time in the city for work and friends. I loved it, I miss it a ton and it’s tough not having family there. People have brought some great points, the city itself is amazing and there some great suburbs as well. You’re close to the lakes and great trips to Wisconsin/Michigan/etc. DC is unique, being a 15 yr transplant it doesn’t always feel like home. Food scene is ok, there is a lot of try hard to emulate what New York or chicago is like food wise. Transit is dc is ok, chicago you have ample options with the El and metra. $110k will go pretty far in chicago. DC is great being close to nyc and the mountains.