Boston to Chicago (Lincoln: to rent, neighborhood, theatre)

[Lookout Kid]

Yes, East Lakeview is certainly the center of gay life in Chicago, and has a slightly Manhattan feel close to the Lake. However, if you just want to visit the nightlife but not live in the thick of it, any of the surrounding neighborhoods would work out too. I really love the eastern edge of Lincoln Park right along the park, ponds, zoo, etc. If I could live anywhere in the city, that's where I would be (I've long sinced gotten over my anti-lincoln park reservations that plague some young sarcastic hipsters). But, for a Chicacgo/New York comparison, here are some neighborhood analogies (although these neighborhoods aren't really exactly the same):

Chicago's Gold Coast is similar to New York's Upper East Side
Chicago's Lincoln Park is similar to New York's Upper West Side
Chicago's Wicker Park is similar to New York's Lower East Side
Chicago's Ukranian Village is similar to New York's Williamsburg
Chicago's western River North is similar to New York's Soho
Chicago's Lakeview is sort of a mix of the Upper West Side and parts of Greenwich Village and Brooklyn

Of course, I've always felt that most Chicago neighborhoods remind me more of Brooklyn neighborhoods than Manhattan neighborhoods, with the exception of the areas downtown and directly along the near north lakefront. The first time I went to Brooklyn I felt right at home! It's a very similar vibe to Chicago, and similarly gritty with posh neighborhoods mixed in.

[jimbo13]

i live just south of boystown at broadway/barry and love the neighborhood. everything i need is just outside my front door and it's pretty cheap. i pay only about 725$ for my studio with a parking spot...

[JBVChicago Newbie]

I moved to Chicago in June and love it! I find the ppl are friendly there are endless areas to learn and explore! I considered Boston for some time but Chicago fits this Michigander better than NY or Boston!

[chicago_bound]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

Yes, East Lakeview is certainly the center of gay life in Chicago, and has a slightly Manhattan feel close to the Lake. However, if you just want to visit the nightlife but not live in the thick of it, any of the surrounding neighborhoods would work out too. I really love the eastern edge of Lincoln Park right along the park, ponds, zoo, etc. If I could live anywhere in the city, that's where I would be (I've long sinced gotten over my anti-lincoln park reservations that plague some young sarcastic hipsters). But, for a Chicacgo/New York comparison, here are some neighborhood analogies (although these neighborhoods aren't really exactly the same):

Chicago's Gold Coast is similar to New York's Upper East Side
Chicago's Lincoln Park is similar to New York's Upper West Side
Chicago's Wicker Park is similar to New York's Lower East Side
Chicago's Ukranian Village is similar to New York's Williamsburg
Chicago's western River North is similar to New York's Soho
Chicago's Lakeview is sort of a mix of the Upper West Side and parts of Greenwich Village and Brooklyn

Of course, I've always felt that most Chicago neighborhoods remind me more of Brooklyn neighborhoods than Manhattan neighborhoods, with the exception of the areas downtown and directly along the near north lakefront. The first time I went to Brooklyn I felt right at home! It's a very similar vibe to Chicago, and similarly gritty with posh neighborhoods mixed in.

Wow thanks for the comparisons! When I was in Chicago last month I was only there a few days so didnt get to really explore too many different neighborhoods. Im planning a trip next month where I can stay for 5 or 6 days and really check out the different areas. Thanks again!

[chicago_bound]

Originally Posted by JBVChicago Newbie

I moved to Chicago in June and love it! I find the ppl are friendly there are endless areas to learn and explore! I considered Boston for some time but Chicago fits this Michigander better than NY or Boston!

Hi JBVChicago: Glad to hear you are enjoying Chicago! My impression when I was there last month was also that people were friendlier there, more so than Boston anyway. So it sounds like you definitely dont regret your move, can I ask what made you finally decide Chicago over Boston or NYC? Im sure one thing was the cost of living right? Had you explored Boston before? Just curious Chicago to me seems like the NYC of the mid-West, but without all the hassles.

[chicago_bound]

Originally Posted by jimbo13

i live just south of boystown at broadway/barry and love the neighborhood. everything i need is just outside my front door and it's pretty cheap. i pay only about 725$ for my studio with a parking spot...

Hi jimbo, when you say south of boystown, is that still boystown or a different neighborhood? How much are 1BR's there approximately? thanks!

[Avengerfire]

I would live in E. Lake View as a gay man. In fact, I live in E. Lake View and I am not gay. Lake View is the place to be if you are single;gay or straight.

[Windy City John]

Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville are the 2 hi-def locals-- Roscoe Village, Lakeview are nice but don't have the umphhhh of the first two--

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Windy City John

Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville are the 2 hi-def locals-- Roscoe Village, Lakeview are nice but don't have the umphhhh of the first two--

John, "Wrigleyville" is in Lake View! Wrigleville is not an exact defined area and the term did not even come to use until about 20 years ago. The far north end of "Lincoln Park" is in Lake View as well.

[Windy City John]

you're right however the cache of LP and Wrigleyville still hold a bit of panache even though borders do cross and mingle