Moved to Chicago for med school, but we are really wanting to leave. Looking for a LGBTQ friendly city/state for two healthcare workers. Bonus points for decent gun laws.
I really loved Chicago when I moved here and thought I’d live here forever, but the quality of life here has declined significantly since 2025. My partner has lived here much longer is looking to leave as well. She has a sibling who is transgender, so this is a consideration. I’ll be entering residency soon.
Her: 35F registered nurse, lives in the nicer part of the south side of Chicago (Beverly)
Me: 27F MD student, living in Lincoln Park.
What I still like about Chicago: LGBTQ friendly. People are generally nice. It’s in a blue state with decent healthcare protections. Great architecture. I wouldn’t say the weather is terrible. I like seasons! Cold winters and hot summers.
What I used to like about Chicago: it’s _was_ a walkable city but over the last couple of years the trains and buses have become very unsafe which means I’m driving a lot more. Also people smoke on the train and if I smell like smoke in the clinic, I have to go home. My rotations take me to Melrose Park from time to time as well and that’s a very long drive.
What we’ve never liked about Chicago: constant taxes and fees. We don’t mind high taxes, but less surprises would be nice.
My partner has a child and the schools here are very bad with lots of violence in the classroom. She’s currently considering private schools which is going to stretch us until I’m out of residency.
Healthcare salaries are very, very bad here. Particularly for nurses.
Wants: nature would be nice. We like being able to get into city, but we both also like nature. Chicago can be very grey most of the time. We’d love to own some land in the future.
Stretches: partner does competitive shooting, but also said she doesn’t have to keep doing it. Illinois laws make it somewhat difficult and they’re becoming more and more restrictive. Not the end of the world. She also does archery.
Moves we’re considering:
- Philadelphia or somewhere else in Pennsylvania
- Some place in Michigan
- Oregon/Washington/PNW
- New York City/State