Great places to live for job opportunity?

[UrsusArctos]

I was wondering what the hot spots were for people looking to get a full time job in the world of illustration. I know that the bay area is a hot spot, but what about other cities? I am really interested in living in Chicago- anyone know if there is much full time illustration work there? What about other cities?

[Seedling]

It used to be that if you wanted to be a freelance illustrator, New York was the place to live, so that you could physically visit the various publishers. But now we have e-mail and cheap phone service. Live somewhere inexpensive and commute via computer and fax.

[UrsusArctos]

Can you e-commute though with a steady job? I am all for freelance- and I am definitely going to be doing a lot of e-commuting... I guess I am a little confused on this. Are most illustrators able to get by purely on freelance e-commuting, work at home jobs? I was thinking that first you'd work for a firm... like a small graphic design firm and be the house illustrator.. or something. Is that generally not the practice?

[Seedling]

Sorry, I don't know anything about firms.

[Dave Kendall]

No firm would allow you to go to work in a dressing gown or under wear so no good for a freelance illustrator. It's the perk we all desire.