where to live? (Chicago, Elgin, Oak Park: apartments, to rent, loft)

[Luna2828]

My husband and I are planning on Moving to Chicago sometime this year... probably near the end of the year.

We are from the Northwest Burbs, in our mid/late 20's and do not have children. We are looking to rent for a year or two before we buy to make sure the city is for us (I know we will love it).

I am just having a hard time placing us in a neighborhood. I will be working in the loop, he will be commuting outside of the city, with a car. We will need parking. He loves loft-y style places, while I just want a nice apartment - loft or otherwise.

We want a neighborhood that has lots of young professionals, great resturants, grocery stores, things to do and is safe. I want us to have the best "city living" experience possible! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Neighborhoods I am considering: Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lakeview, West Loop, River North, and South Loop.

I should also note, we have about $1300 a month to spend on a 1 bedroom.

[linicx]

Lincoln Park would probably fill the bill. Parking can cost as much as $400 a month.

[aragx6]

To where will the hubby be commuting? Once yuo answer that we can give better suggestions.

[Luna2828]

Oooh... sorry! Hanover Park...

[tonythetuna]

Try west Lake View,Roscoe Village,North Center,and Lincoln Square.

[chitown85]

Avondale. Not as expensive as Lincoln Park, downtown, etc. Also puts you right on the Kennedy for husband to commute to Hanover Park. Avondale has some nice apartments and some newer construction. Also is 20 minutes from downtown on the L.

[tonythetuna]

Originally Posted by chitown85

Avondale. Not as expensive as Lincoln Park, downtown, etc. Also puts you right on the Kennedy for husband to commute to Hanover Park. Avondale has some nice apartments and some newer construction. Also is 20 minutes from downtown on the L.

I would not say Avondale has lots of yuppies and great restaurants. It may be an ok place for me or you to live in, but I don't think that is what this person is looking for.

Originally Posted by Luna2828

We want a neighborhood that has lots of young professionals, great resturants,

[sdillinger]

Bucktown / Wicker Park should be #1 on your list. Matches all your requirements, plus only a minute of two from the Kennedy which will save a lot of commuting time.

[Drover]

Ah yes, slight variation on the same basic and oft-recurring theme: someone wants to live in a hip city neighborhood and commute out to the suburbs via the Kennedy/Addams. Each time this dilemma comes up, my answer is the same: good luck.

The less distance traveled on the Kennedy, the better. And the less distance traveled on surface streets to get to the Kennedy, the better still. The reverse commute on the Kennedy is brutal because you have the express lanes working against you. Living even 2 miles further toward downtown on the Kennedy can add 20 minutes to your commute.

With that in mind, find a "compromise" neighborhood somewhere in the northwest to far northwest side. I would suggest Irving Park, Mayfair, or Jefferson Park. This gives you direct and quick access to the Logan Square, Bucktown or Wicker Square nightlife spots via the Blue Line train, plus relatively easy bus access to Lincoln Square, Lakeview North Center/St. Bens, and/or Lakeview, depending on whether you live closer to the Lawrence or Irving Park/Addison bus lines. Or better yet, it's a short jaunt by car to these areas (after rush hour anyway) if you don't plan to booze it up and you don't mind paying metered parking in many of these areas -- even then, only before 9pm. And living in an upper NW-side neighborhood will make commuting on the Kennedy almost tolerable.

[Irishtom29]

If the old man works in Hanover Park then Oak Park might be good. Just take the Eisenhower out to Lake St or that Elgin-OHare thing.

Oak Park has (or has easy access to) the proper "young professional" stuff.