Are There Downtown Chicago Apts with some 40-50 yr olds? (for sale, real estate)

[OrangeAndBlue]

Yes, there are plenty of older people in the downtown highrises. Most would be in:
- buildings that are condo / not rental apartments (you can usually rent a condo from an owner though)
- Streeterville
- Gold Coast
- Lakeshore East / New East Side
- The Loop near Millennium Park

Most of the nicer buildings in those areas are pretty expensive, but finding a 1BR for $2,200 even with parking should be very doable.

[Chicago76]

Another area to look might be the West Loop around Greektown if you need good access to the Kennedy. I'd guess the breakdown in our building is:

15% 25 to 30, which most being grad students or professionals.
35% 30s
50% 40 and up, with more 40 and 50 somethings but people up to retiree age.

You can get a 1+Den in the W Loop for maybe around $1400.

[Drover]

Has nobody pointed out to you what a suicide-inducing commute it is from downtown to Schaumburg and back? By the sound of it, your husband has already been doing it for 3 months, am I correct about that? How is it he hasn't expressed a desire to slit his wrists yet?

[millennialmom]

Originally Posted by Vlajos

I would think most buildings downtown have a good mix of 40-50 yos.

This is what we thought. We found a place in a highrise with an awesome view of the city. We're paying $2,200 including parking. It's all 20 and 30 somethings. I've only seen a couple of people over 40. We rode down the elevator one night with the mother of one of the residents. Our daughter was with us. She just assumed we were visiting her.

[millennialmom]

Originally Posted by Chicago76

Another area to look might be the West Loop around Greektown if you need good access to the Kennedy. I'd guess the breakdown in our building is:

15% 25 to 30, which most being grad students or professionals.
35% 30s
50% 40 and up, with more 40 and 50 somethings but people up to retiree age.

You can get a 1+Den in the W Loop for maybe around $1400.

This would work. We're just looking for a good mix.

[millennialmom]

Originally Posted by Drover

Has nobody pointed out to you what a suicide-inducing commute it is from downtown to Schaumburg and back? By the sound of it, your husband has already been doing it for 3 months, am I correct about that? How is it he hasn't expressed a desire to slit his wrists yet?

Yes, he's been doing this since beginning of April. He leaves around 6:15am and makes it in about 40 minutes on the Kennedy. Little bit longer coming back in the evening. He usually takes 290 back in to the city and averages 1hr/1hr 10.

I'm not sure how long this will last but since we have an opportunity to live in the city, we want to do it for now. It's a welcome change from suburban life, where we raised our family. The uniqueness of this experience justifies the commute, for now. As empty nesters, we're really enjoying downtown.

[millennialmom]

Originally Posted by OrangeAndBlue

Yes, there are plenty of older people in the downtown highrises. Most would be in:
- buildings that are condo / not rental apartments (you can usually rent a condo from an owner though)
- Streeterville
- Gold Coast
- Lakeshore East / New East Side
- The Loop near Millennium Park

Most of the nicer buildings in those areas are pretty expensive, but finding a 1BR for $2,200 even with parking should be very doable.

Do you have a recommendation on a source to use to connect with condo owners?

[andrew61]

Originally Posted by millennialmom

This is what we thought. We found a place in a highrise with an awesome view of the city. We're paying $2,200 including parking. It's all 20 and 30 somethings. I've only seen a couple of people over 40. We rode down the elevator one night with the mother of one of the residents. Our daughter was with us. She just assumed we were visiting her.

I'm just amazed that so many people in their 20s can afford that kind of rent.

[andrew61]

Originally Posted by millennialmom

Do you have a recommendation on a source to use to connect with condo owners?

You might try the apartment rentals section on craigslist. Include the word "condo" in the "search for" box, along with any other search terms you'd like (particular neighborhood, etc.).

Chicago craigslist - city of Chicago - Apts/housing for rent

[CoolSocks]

Originally Posted by Drover

Has nobody pointed out to you what a suicide-inducing commute it is from downtown to Schaumburg and back? By the sound of it, your husband has already been doing it for 3 months, am I correct about that? How is it he hasn't expressed a desire to slit his wrists yet?

Thank you, I was wondering about this. I commuted from Evanston to Northbrook and even that drive was usually over an hour-long on the way home and completely wiped me out at the end of the day. A commute to Schaumburg from downtown seems like it'd be horrible.