[twister244]

Let's just be real for a second....

If property taxes and a stable local government were dictating factors that determined whether someone would live in a city, Chicago would not be the 3rd largest city in the country with a massive economy.....

Many of us are here for jobs... and we love the city. Was my decision to purchase a condo in Chicago the most financially efficient decision from an investment perspective? Maybe not, but I now have access to a city that eclipses so much that any other place I have lived offered. That's me. For someone like IIRC, they obviously don't value city life as much as some of us, so it's an easier decision to pack up and leave. Many others (and companies) clearly disagree though, and continue to invest here for various reasons.

Yes, Chicago and Illinois absolutely need to work on addressing the issues it has, no doubt. But not let's pretend the city is on the verge of complete collapse at any given second. Yes my opinion is heavily biased, but that's because I love Chicago and I want to see it succeed in the long term.

Also - For all the talk of high property taxes, the grass isn't greener on the other side.... My place I just purchased in Logan Square would be much pricier in Denver, and out of my reach even with lower taxes. Denver has become a great example of how the affordability pendulum can swing violently for completely opposite reasons. Yeah, they have low property taxes, but limited supply and massive demand have pushed prices to incredible levels for a city of that size. Go the the coastal cities and you have high prices there too.... with higher taxes.