u/futurebro

Hi ! I'm considering leaving nyc after 10 years, and moving to Chicago at the end of the summer. I have a few questions. I would especially love to hear from anyone who is familiar with nyc.

Im really struggling with where to live. I'll be 34 and I go out dancing/drinking 1-2 times a month normally. I'm not a huge partier anymore and I dont need to be in the center of nightlife. But I also dont want to live somewhere that is too sleepy or just families etc. I've never lived in a gay neighborhood before so the idea of living in Boystown/Andersonville is interesting, but I cannot imagine living in Hells Kitchen cuz it seems to be young white muscle gays and very nightlife focused, so I assume Boystown is similar ? I also know that the red line neighborhoods seem to be very gay, but I have seen the blue line neighborhoods (logan square, bucktown, wicker park) called the "brookyln of chicago" and that is much more appealing to me. But my idea of brooklyn is like hip and spacious coffee shops, interesting restaurants, interesting people, artsy and very queer. Maybe that means something else in Chicago ?

I also would really like to live in a diverse neighborhood. I stayed with a friend in Uptown for awhile and it seemed to be all white people everywhere I went. Same when i visited Andersonville. I know segregation is a huge topic but what I love about nyc is everyone is mixed up. I dont want to just see white people everywhere I go. I also selfishly want to be around diversity, cuz my dating history has been mostly black and latino lol. I've heard Rogers Park might be good for this ?

I've also become super spoiled in nyc. I live in lower manhattan and rarely take the subway. And I could stay in my neighborhood and get everything I need. So i'm trying to get used to the idea of having to commute 40 mins to go somewhere again haha. But living in an area with all the stuff you could need is super appealing.

In nyc, areas I have lived in and really like include Bushwick, East Williamsburg, Washington Heights and Astoria.

So as a 34 year old, short n thicc white cub, who likes performing arts, the gym (also taking gym suggestions), good food, and would like to be around some handsome non white queer guys...where would you suggest I live? And if anyone has advice on how to hit the ground running when I move to make connections and friends let me know !

I'm also interested in hearing from anyone who has lived in chicago AND nyc, and if you feel like dating is any different? I'm praying that chicago gays are a little less flakey lol. Thank you!

I dont think I've ever been to a "rave" before. I've been to plenty of parties at like 3 dollar bill, boxers, hush etc. But these places usually have a dj playing mostly pop music. Im also gay and prefer to be around a mixed or queer crowd. The idea of being around a bunch of frat bros is uncomfy. I do however, want to expand my tastes and do more dancing. Im open minded.

I got invited to go to WHY NOY NOW on may 23. Im 99% going cuz a cute guy invited me. Can anyone give me the vibe of this party? My guy will def be rolling, but I only drink alcohol.

Idk if this is important, but I'm a masculine early 30s gay guy. I dont need a party to be circut gays or super queer to enjoy it, but I mostly just done want to feel unsafe dancing or kissing a guy on the dance floor.

Do you think this would be a fun party for someone like me who wants to kiss boys, stick to alcohol, dance, and hasnt done something like this before?

I'm also open to any recommendations for future parties you think I might enjoy.

Sorry if this post is super annoying!