Chicago or Evanston? (Lincoln, Davis: apartment, for rent, neighborhood)

[phil122]

I have a job in Evanston and I was wondering where I should live: downtown Chicago, or Evanston. I am looking for a place where I can experience a bustling nightlife/social life. I was wondering if Evanston is as vibrant a place as Chicago. Is it convenient to take a train from Chicago to Evanston? For example, is there a train stop from the Hilton Orrington in Evanston to downtown Chicago? Also would I need a car?

[marothisu]

* Evanston is a rather walkable suburb that has a good quality of life, although the prices to rent may not be less expensive than parts of Chicago. I think you may be misunderstanding Chicago. While the "downtown" area (i.e. River North) is vibrant, it is in no way the only vibrant place of town or for that matter even the most. There are many areas of town where you could live and experience nightlife that are vibrant.

* Evanston depends on where you live for the car. Some areas no, but some areas yes.

* Yes, it is convenient to take the train from Chicago to Evanston, but again depends on where in Evanston you'll be working?

* I think this depends on what type of budget you're looking at? And what kind of nightlife/life you're looking at. Evanston is in no way a bad place and it's a good alternative to Chicago but some areas of Chicago are just way better for nightlife and what not. Evanston is decently solid for a suburb though. You probably don't want to live in downtown Chicago too because the commute via train isn't short, but if you're okay with that and can afford it...

[phil122]

I will be working near the Davis Street Metro in Evanston. What parts of Chicago besides downtown do you suggest that have a vibrant night life? I am also looking a convenient spot with grocery stores and a good deep dish pizza spot.

[marothisu]

What kind of nightlife are you looking for exactly? And what's your budget? lol Deep Dish Pizza.

[phil122]

A nightlife where I can barhop on the weekends and become anonymous so I am not seen as a regular. My budget is around $1000-$1500 for renting an apartment. I just need a simple but "comfy" place where I can experience Chicago, but at the same time have the convenience of the train and grocery store.

[marothisu]

Yes, but what kinds of bars? A good area would probably be Lakeview since the commute to Evanston from there is not terrible. If you're big into sports, then you probably want to be around Wrigleyville (i.e. Wrigley Field). Lakeview East which isn't far from there has less bars (some) but is only 3-4 blocks away from Wrigley Field.

[phil122]

bars where you can easily meet people..bars with laid back people, bars which are not too pretentious. Bars where you can walk in with your jeans and polo. also the place should not be too dangerous.

[marothisu]

95% of bars in Chicago you can walk into with jeans on, and I'd say 85% you can even wear a tshirt into. Go to Lakeview/Wrigleyville. The Belmont stop is for Purple, Red, and Brown lines. Purple goes right up to Evanston.

And this is also Chicago. If you limit yourself nightlife wise to one neighborhood, then you're doing it wrong. If you live in Lakeview for example, you can easily get on the train and be in Lincoln Park in 5 minutes at even more bars. Or go 15-20 minutes to Gold Coast or River North, or go West to Wicker Park/Bucktown, etc. Some people go bar hopping all around town. Maybe start in Wicker Park, then get to River North, then by 3am you're in Lakeview/Wrigleyville. There's bars all around many parts of this city.

[nana053]

Originally Posted by phil122

I will be working near the Davis Street Metro in Evanston. What parts of Chicago besides downtown do you suggest that have a vibrant night life? I am also looking a convenient spot with grocery stores and a good deep dish pizza spot.

You can probably live anywhere along the red line as the purple line (which is the Evanston portion of the red line really) is quite close to the Davis street metra line.

In Evanston, right along that area, you have Whole Foods and Giordano's. You also have a myriad of good ethnic restaurants. As for night life, it would probably mostly be college night life though there are a few bars. Evanston has some expensive clubs and bars like The Celtic Knot, World of Beer, The Cellar, the Rhythm Room and Tommy Nevins Pub. Jt's Bar and Grill is a sports bar. There are more, but I can't say how good they are or if they would be too expensive for you.

In Chicago, I would say staying along the lake and the red line - you have Rogers Park, Edgewater, Uptown, Lakeview, Lincoln Park. I would probably not go much further south because the commute gets longer, but that may not bother you. The plus is also that you are near the Lake (I love the Lake).

[phil122]

With any of these places, is safety an issue?