Moving from San Fran to Chicago - Looking for Advice on Safe Neighborhood(s) (Quincy: apartments, rentals)

[SF to Chicago]

Hello,

I have read several threads on this topic, yet I am still pretty confused which is why this post.

I am moving with spouse and parents to Chicago for a new job (will be working in the Loop - close to Quincy/Wells train stop on Brown Line). We are trying to find an apartment on rent that would not be more than 20 -25 min. commute (by public transit) from the Loop (ideally by train - would like to avoid buses).

Also, since parents will be living with us, we would like to live in a very safe neighborhood (top priority - no kids so indifferent on school districts).

I would really appreciate your thoughts on where we could live that would meet the above 2 criteria. There are a lot of apartment listings in West Town but I have read mixed reviews regarding safety there (more negative than positive). If you live in Chicago and have a good idea of neighborhoods, I would be very grateful for your kind advice at your convenience.

Many thanks!

Best,
Ash

[chet everett]

Budget???

If your "time radius" is your only criteria along with "safety" it probably makes sense to expand your search well beyond "West Town"....

Parts of Lincoln Park near the Brown line might be my top choice though this is among the pricest part of Chicago...

[SF to Chicago]

Thanks Chet.

We are budgeting $2.5-3k (max) for a 3BR/2BA.

What areas would you recommend beyond West Town? I am completely new to Chicago so any advice would be helpful

Thank you!

[glass_of_merlot]

Are you going to work at the Sears Tower?

[chet everett]

$2500 probably will not be enough to get you into the pricest 3br / 2 ba rentals near the Brown line in Lincoln Park but it would be the nicest combination of safety / quality of life. You could also look in River North and Old Town, but those are also very pricey parts of Chicago too...

If you look toward West Town / Ukranian Village you won't have much to worry about real safety issues but depending on which Brown line stop work is closest to you may have a less than ideal commute situation.

Another option to consider, that would absolute maximize your budget while helping you stay very close to work and likely giving you some excellent options for apartments is to consider areas like Printers Row and the greater South Loop.

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by SF to Chicago

Thanks Chet.

We are budgeting $2.5-3k (max) for a 3BR/2BA.

What areas would you recommend beyond West Town? I am completely new to Chicago so any advice would be helpful

Thank you!

Most of West Town is fine to be honest - the stuff you read was probably from a handful of years ago. There may still be some weird areas, but Ukrainian Village, Wicker Park, etc for the most part is fine. It may be stretching it to 30-35 minutes but I'd really look at an area like Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, or Roscoe Village (North Center) along the Brown Line. Safe areas and enough to do. Do you have any other criteria for where you want to live as in the type of neighborhood or is safety just the only thing you care about?

[It'sAutomatic]

If you don't care about being in a "cool" neighborhood, McKinley Park near the Orange Line will give you a lot for your money. The Orange Line goes through chill/boring/safe family neighborhoods if you're into that.

[Larry Siegel]

Originally Posted by It'sAutomatic

If you don't care about being in a "cool" neighborhood, McKinley Park near the Orange Line will give you a lot for your money. The Orange Line goes through chill/boring/safe family neighborhoods if you're into that.

The OP has plenty of money. $2500-3000 will not get you into the "top of the top" buildings, but it will get you a much nicer apartment than anything you'll find in SF for that price.

For those familiar with SF, McKinley Park is kind of like Daly City without the charm.

[emathias]

Don't discount buses, they're more reliable than the ones in San Francisco and would allow you to live in the Taylor Street neighborhood which is nice and would probably be enjoyed by both you and your parents.

I like McKinley Park, although there's not a lot of excitement there. The park itself is a great park, and it is fairly convenient to necessities. The north part of Bridgeport would also meet your criteria, as would Pilsen. You might (might) be able to find an older three-bedroom in Lincoln Park that would be in your price range, although it would be a challenge, but you might have students for neighbors and at that price it would be unrenovated anytime in your lifetime.

Another option would be to live near the Ravenswood stop on the UP-North Metra commuter line at the intersection of Lawrence St. and Ravenswood St. You'd have access to regular commuter rail service for a pretty speed commute during regular hours, but also access to the Brown Line Damen or Montrose stations for off-hours transit service (but it would be more than 25 minutes when you needed to use the Brown Line). That would put you closer to much of Chicago's traditionally Indian/Pakistani community along Devon Avenue if that's at all a consideration (I'm thinking more of your parents in that regard, and making assumptions based on your name).

[Aleking]

+1 for the Ravenswood metra stop suggestion