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gorocks99's avatar

gorocks99

Senior Member

10,760 posts
Jun 3, 2010 10:53 AM
Not a visiting thread, but a moving thread -- moving away from Boston in September to Chicago; anyone that lives there now have advice on neighborhoods in which to live? I have a few in mind based on recommendations (Andersonville, Logan Square, Bucktown) but would love any first-hand experience you have.

For the record, I think the 'burbs are out as my job is downtown and my girlfriend is going to be going to grad school at DePaul's loop campus.
Jun 3, 2010 10:53am
S

SnotBubbles

Jun 3, 2010 11:32 AM
gorocks99;377841 wrote:Not a visiting thread, but a moving thread -- moving away from Boston in September to Chicago; anyone that lives there now have advice on neighborhoods in which to live? I have a few in mind based on recommendations (Andersonville, Logan Square, Bucktown) but would love any first-hand experience you have.

For the record, I think the 'burbs are out as my job is downtown and my girlfriend is going to be going to grad school at DePaul's loop campus.

How much dough are you willing to spend? Gold Coast would be the best, but if you're not Oprah....

North Side: Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Old Town, Lakeview, and Roscoe Village. (Wrigleyville is great too...plus you'll never get bored).
South Side: Beverly, Hyde Park
Jun 3, 2010 11:32am
gorocks99's avatar

gorocks99

Senior Member

10,760 posts
Jun 3, 2010 11:33 AM
Looking for a 1BD place in the range of $800-$1200/month, preferably around $1000. The North Side is where we're leaning, I'll be working right around the Merch Mart. Did some walking around Roscoe Village the last time I was out there, it's a nice place. Is Wrigleyville really "collegey"? Used to live in the college-dominated area in Boston and while it's cool, kinda want to get away from the house parties every night, broken beer bottles all over the sidewalks type of areas.
Jun 3, 2010 11:33am
S

SnotBubbles

Jun 3, 2010 11:47 AM
You can find something safe and clean for that price...but that is on the low end of rent for Chicago. I'd honestly look at Gold Coast. You're close to the city, but it's safe. Also by the lake and beaches for entertainment. Good luck...I love the city and wish I could convince my wife to move back that way!

Try this site to find an apartment in your price range...should be helpful: http://www.chicago.com/apartments/

Also, this site will show you the crime rates of possible neighborhoods: http://chicago.everyblock.com/crime/locations/neighborhoods/
Jun 3, 2010 11:47am
S

SnotBubbles

Jun 3, 2010 11:50 AM
Here, I found you a place. :)

This whole thread is really making me itch to move too....need a roommate? I'd be divorced and paying child support on 3 little ones...but I think it's going to be worth it! :D

http://www.chicago.com/apartments/apartment/?id=1012640
Jun 3, 2010 11:50am
gorocks99's avatar

gorocks99

Senior Member

10,760 posts
Jun 3, 2010 12:26 PM
I know that one day Snotbubbles and I are gonna to become roommates on top of a mountain, and there's going to be flutes playing and trombones and flowers and garlands of fresh herbs. And we will chatter till the sun rises. And then his children will form a family band. And we will tour the countryside and you won't be invited.
Jun 3, 2010 12:26pm
chicago510's avatar

chicago510

Original Chatterer

5,728 posts
Jun 3, 2010 12:32 PM
You've seen the light! Your soul will thank you for leaving Boston for the GOAT city in the world.

Can't really comment on downtown, I've only lived in the 'burbs as a youngin.
Jun 3, 2010 12:32pm
C

cbus4life

Ignorant

2,849 posts
Jun 3, 2010 12:34 PM
Lakeview.
Jun 3, 2010 12:34pm
Belly35's avatar

Belly35

Elderly Intellectual

9,716 posts
Jun 3, 2010 12:36 PM
My daughter lives in Lakeview area for the past 2 1/2 years and loves it ... I enjoy that area also ...just less that 30 train into Chicago
I have been to Chicago alot so if you want or need a question ask I willl help you or will contact my daughter
Jun 3, 2010 12:36pm
jpake1's avatar

jpake1

Senior Member

2,389 posts
Jun 3, 2010 12:46 PM
I live in the subs so I can't really help you out with the places downtown. Good luck with everything though!
Jun 3, 2010 12:46pm
mths_2013's avatar

mths_2013

I'm awesome

269 posts
Jun 3, 2010 12:48 PM
My advice to you; ignore the whinny Cubbie fans.
Jun 3, 2010 12:48pm
mucalum49's avatar

mucalum49

Senior Member

1,639 posts
Jun 3, 2010 12:49 PM
Check out http://www.hotpads.com it isn't a Chicago specific site to search for apartments but it has a lot more places than your typical rent.com type sites. I vote for Wrigleyville, the gf and I are trying to move out there once I graduate in August.
Jun 3, 2010 12:49pm
Bigred1995's avatar

Bigred1995

Ohio Chatter - CFO

1,042 posts
Jun 3, 2010 12:55 PM
I know you said that you think the 'burbs are out, but if I were you I'd reconsider. There are some great communities that fall on the rail line and in a lot of cases would be a very quick commute into downtown. If I ever move to the Chicago area I think I'd look into moving to Naperville.
Jun 3, 2010 12:55pm
gorocks99's avatar

gorocks99

Senior Member

10,760 posts
Jun 3, 2010 1:06 PM
It's not that I have anything specifically against suburbs, but I like local places I can walk to ... local coffee shops, local restaurants, local bars ... and don't want to have to drive lots of places. I know I'll have to move to the suburbs eventually, when I get kids and whatnot, so I'm trying to stave it off as long as I can.
Jun 3, 2010 1:06pm
gorocks99's avatar

gorocks99

Senior Member

10,760 posts
Jun 3, 2010 1:12 PM
mucalum49;377972 wrote:Check out http://www.hotpads.com it isn't a Chicago specific site to search for apartments but it has a lot more places than your typical rent.com type sites. I vote for Wrigleyville, the gf and I are trying to move out there once I graduate in August.

Thanks for that site -- better than rent.com and craigslist for sure.
Jun 3, 2010 1:12pm
BigAppleBuckeye's avatar

BigAppleBuckeye

Senior Member

2,935 posts
Jun 3, 2010 2:14 PM
SnotBubbles;377897 wrote:You can find something safe and clean for that price...but that is on the low end of rent for Chicago. I'd honestly look at Gold Coast. You're close to the city, but it's safe. Also by the lake and beaches for entertainment. Good luck...I love the city and wish I could convince my wife to move back that way!

Try this site to find an apartment in your price range...should be helpful: http://www.chicago.com/apartments/

Also, this site will show you the crime rates of possible neighborhoods: http://chicago.everyblock.com/crime/locations/neighborhoods/

+1 ... while I am not as enamored with Chicago as others, the Gold Coast is a great neighborhood. Love the energy there, lots of bars and restaurants, young vibe.
Jun 3, 2010 2:14pm