South Shore (Chicago, Rock Island, Atlanta: apartment, for rent, condos)

[peachaggie]

I'm relocating to Chicago from Rock Island, IL by way of Atlanta. Does anyone have information on living in the South Shore neighborhood?

[Manigault]

It depends on if you're a student or gainfully employed, if you have school-age kids; if you are able to stand an urban atmosphere, if you have a car. Lots of ifs. What's your question? I have a lot of information on South Shore but you need to narrow the inquiry a little.

[peachaggie]

I guess I would like to know anything there is to know. Mostly, if the neighborhood is comfortable enough to live in? I am single with no kids. Yes, I will be bringing a car, but I plan to take public transportation to work downtown. I am also gainfully employed. So far, I have driven thru South Shore a couple of times and I am considering buying a condo there. It looks like a possible area for investment and I would like to know what people familiar with the neighborhood think.

[Manigault]

Condos appreciate in areas like Hyde Park and on the north side than they do in South Shore. One big factor is the association where you expect to live. Are the utility bills shared? Are they paid up to date? South Shore has several different areas. If you can, choose a condo on South Shore Drive or east of the street. Its probably best to keep north of 75th street.

Transportation in the area is good but expect to get gorceries and hardware from 'big box' purveyors. Dry cleaners in the area kinda vary as to capabilities. There's not much variety in the way of restaurants. However, the area is very close to the lakefront and some nice parks. Public schools are just average for Chicago.

[newyorkdoc]

I'm looking at an apartment on 2373 E. 70th St. Can anyone tell me how is this area?

[Manigault]

That's close to the commuter train station to the downtown. Not a lot of street parking in that area. Its within walking distance to the South Shore Cultural Center which is great fun during the summertime. Also within walking distance of two golf courses. Great area for bicycling. Chain groceries, hardware stores, health club, you're gonna drive three or four miles. Good bus transportation, though. Some new construction around there, too at 71st street. Very little ethnic diversity. Close to dry cleaners and fast food joints. I would consider a car advisable but one could live without a car around there.

[Lookout Kid]

There is some absolutely BEAUTIFUL housing stock available in South Shore for good prices. Every now and then I see a beautiful house listed for an affordable price down there and start to drool. I think the area is relatively safe, but has these little crimewave spikes occasionally like Kenwood or Hyde Park.

[Siv]

I grew up mostly in Rock Island and now live in South Shore. It is a beautiful community. It has easy lake access and good public transportation- about 20 minutes downtown by train. Public schools in the area are not great.

[mel2000]

South Shore is a very high crime area and is under-policed given the rate. I had my car broken into so many times that I had to pay for parking in another building's lot. While the street called South Shore Drive looks OK and safe, you'd better be extremely careful when turning onto a side street. I wouldn't recommend that any non-black person move there.

[MIL]

My company does some property management in the South Shore area. We have 2 and 3 bedroom condos for rent and also will have single family homes soon. If you want, I can send you contact information to get additional details.