Need advice on moving to Chicago

[ChiGuy2.5]

Your budget allows you to afford most 1 bedroom apartments in Chicago. If you live downtown in gold coast or river north/old town you will get a gym and an option to be close to many asian americans. You will have plenty of safety since you essentially have to be loaded to live there. Easy access to public trans and plenty of restaurants/bars. It would be easy to hop on the red or blue in order to get to O'Hare or midway. Parking in downtown is expensive, usually you would rent a spot for around 150-200 a month. Unless the unit includes it which you may be able to find.

If you live in Wicker Park you will have easy access to public trans, but not AS easy as downtown. Although the access on the blue line is perfect for flying out of O'Hare, it would be a little longer to midway. Wicker park is more of a neighborhood feel than downtown is. It also has lots of good bars and restaurants, but much less Asian American residents. Wicker park would definitely be cheaper as far as budget goes, but you would need to walk to a gym as well. Street parking is free.

[Chicago76]

The only other thing I can think of that might hit all of the items on your list is a smaller 1BR around Greek Town.

You could hit all of the items on your list (including the Indian one...lot's of Indian med/grad students live there thanks to UIC + the professional community). Gyms, restaurants, safety, and blue line access are all there. Only hang up might be price. You might get a 1BR for $1400 that includes indoor parking. So if your parking+rent limit is maybe $1400, this might be doable.

Other than that, you're going to need to compromise somewhere, and Wicker Park seems like a good bet.

[souryab]

Thanks for the great advice guys. I am going to Chicago tomorrow and keep all your recommendations in mind.

[aragx6]

^Best of luck!