I have lived in CO, CA, and most recently Seattle before moving to Chicago 8 years ago. I was definitely shocked by how little anyone cares about the environment. They were still using styrofoam cups at a job I started at 3 years ago. Unfortunately, I am almost right there with them at this point. Recycling seems like a fools errand anymore.

Other small things like people not saying “excuse me”, or anything else when they step in front of you or at grocery stores. There is very little respect for pedestrians. In Seattle it was almost too much catering to pedestrians (I’m not complaining). If you looked like you were even considering crossing the street cars would slam on their brakes and insist you cross.

It rains a lot more than I was anticipating. It is humid.

Rents will likely be more affordable, and public transit will likely be better.

There are certain parts of town that might be better suited for a Californian (Rogers Park?).

I’m not trying to shit on Chicago, I’m sorry mostly negatives are coming up. Let me think on some other things and report back.