Possibly moving to Chicago, best area? (Lincoln, Madison: look for a job, safe area, income)

[scottykick]

I'm not going to make a long drawn out story, I'll just give the basic info and what I am looking for.

Saftey:It's a relative term to begin with, but a safe area, somplace where as long as I use common sense at most hours of the day, things should be problem free.

Rent: Between $900-$1500 / 1BR or studio

Transit: I'm more comfortable without a car, being from NYC and living in Brooklyn. So areas with access to mass transit, and walking distance to day to day needs.

Interests: I'm a huge baseball fan, and from all accounts Cubs games are a good time, so I'd like to check out Wrigley as well as the Cell, also is their mass transit access to Bulls & Blackhawks games? I also like Independent wrestling shows, I am invloved in a small fed out here in NY and like the vibe of the smaller crowds and watching up and comers trying to make it, I know SHIMMER runs shows in the suburbs of Chicago, and ROH does events in the area from time to time. I'll have to look into it and see waht other promotions are out there.

Job: I'll be working from home, so commuting is not an issue, I may look for a job for additional income once I get settled in though.


Thanks in advance for any info

[Avengerfire]

Well if you like baseball try to find a place near Wrigley in Lake View. (Some ads might say "Wrigleyville" for the area close to the park.)

[scottykick]

That was actually my starting point, a co-worker just went out to Chicago for work and said the area is cool.

[JerichoHW]

You sound like quite the sports fanatic, anything within a few miles of Wrigley should do you fine.

[chirack]

Only warning, do not bring a car into the area around Wrigley. You will find very little parking for it. Mass transit in the area however is great.

[Drover]

There is mass transit to Bulls and Blackhawks games. Unfortunately trains don't drop you off right at the gate like they do for Wrigley and the Cell -- closest trains get is about 4 blocks away. But that's not too bad. Buses roll right by the UC.

[It'sAutomatic]

You can live anywhere in the city with that budget. Transit is pretty useful in Chicago everywhere unless you live in the outskirts. I think you'd enjoy Lakeview, Lincoln Park, or Wicker Park/Bucktown. Logan Square or Ukrainian Village are nice too if you like a more laid back feel, but still walkable and with things to do.

I can't say I've ever heard of or seen any small wrestling events around! And yes, the United Center is crossed by the Madison and Damen bus lines, and two train lines are a few blocks away.

[scottykick]

Thank you all for your info, the locations you have mentioned are some of the areas i have come up with in my own research. It's always good to get locals POV