When I came to Chicago, not on a Coo, but as new hire in 94. We rented for 2 years. Made sure we got in the area, school district, etc... that We wanted, Then we bought a house. Based on what the woman told us when I was hired on and we had questions about layoffs here in Chicago, she informed us that they were minimal, because this was a major freight area, and just to consider this a prison sentence with no parole. So, it just is a presonal preference, some can't stand apts., maybe prefer a condo or renting/buying a house, right off the bat. My bother-in-law worked for such as MCI, ATT Worldcom, and such, and they always went from one house to another, each state that they moved too, but more than once, they ended up moving in with friends, when their house sold faster than they were able to find one, or could build. So, you have to just figure out what options you prefer, and go from there. Good Luck to all those on the move!