Hamish Redmond INChicago P

Free summer concerts, a stellar sports scene and cheaper gas and groceries help explain why former Aucklander Hamish Redmond has stayed in Chicago 25 years longer than he planned to.

What inspired your move, and how long have you been there?

I owned a software company in Auckland and business from the United States was steadily increasing. In 199596, we sold the business to a Chicagobased software company and part of the deal was that I come and work for them for at least two years. Some 27 years later, I am still here!

What do you do there?

I was a software engineer in the Equity Option Trading markets, but retired at the end of 2022 and work only part-time now.

What are the biggest advantages of living there?

Chicago has all the advantages of being a very large city. Everything you need or could want is readily available. Chicago is also a great sports city and has several iconic sporting franchises in the Cubs, Blackhawks, White Sox and Bears football team. It is also a very flat city and has great bike-riding facilities, parks and beaches along Lake Michigan.

Any disadvantages?

Chicago, somewhat unfairly, has a reputation for being one of the most violent cities in the US. In all the years we have lived in the city, we have never had any issues. However, street crime, car jackings and

muggings – particularly late at night – are still a problem. You just have to be careful and aware of your surroundings.

How expensive is it compared to New Zealand?

We have not been to New Zealand since 2017, but based on that visit, I would suggest it is cheaper – particularly for groceries, gas and consumer goods. In the US, you must provide your own medical insurance and, depending on the size of the family, this can be quite expensive.

Rents and property prices are probably comparable, but property taxes (what you would call rates) are considerably more expensive here than what I remember in New Zealand.

How do you spend your spare time?

From watching the Chicago Blackhawks win three Stanley Cups and the Chicago Cubs win their first World Series in 108 years in 2016, we always find plenty to do.

Now that I am retired, we spend a lot of time enjoying what the city has to offer, including regular sporting events, bike riding and activities at the gym. Last year, we purchased two ebikes, which really make cycling an easy and relaxing experience.

What is the local delicacy, and would you recommend it?

If there’s one Chicago food that’s the best known, it’s Lou Malnati’s deep-dish pizza. Composed of a thick crust, zesty tomato sauce, personalised toppings and a behemoth layer of cheese, the deep-dish dares to be different. This is followed by Portillo’s Chicago-style hot dog and the Italian beef sandwich.

I do enjoy deep-dish pizza on occasion, am always ready for a Portillo’s hot dog, but am not a fan of Chicago-style Italian beef.

Best after-dark activity?

Chicago has a vibrant nightlife with many fabulous restaurants. The River North area has a host of nightclubs, as well as blues bars such as Buddy Guy’s and Kingston Mines, where you can hear some great blues music – which Chicago is famous for.

Best time of year to visit?

Summer is a great time to visit. You can take in a baseball game and hang out at the beach. Over summer, every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday there is a free music festival at Millennium Park, where you can sit on the lawn and listen to wonderful concerts.

Expat Tales is a Stuff Travel series featuring Kiwis who have made new lives for themselves overseas. If you’d like to take part, email us at travel@stuff.co.nz

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Hamish Redmond appreciates the Windy City’s ‘fabulous restaurants’ and excellent bike-riding facilities. He worked on and around the trading floor of the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) for around 20 years. A Cubs fan, Hamish recommends visitors take in a game at historic Wrigley Field if they can.