|
12-27-2007, 11:53 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
27 posts, read 34,924 times
Reputation: 14
|
|
Above or Below the Chicago River (to live)
This may be a really stupid question, but is there a big difference in living above or below the Chicago River? My wife and I are moving to Chicago in about 2 months and I'm checking out what all the different neighborhoods are like on line (I have not spent any real time in Chicago and am looking forward to seeing in person). I'm going to be working on North Columbus and want to live somewhat close to work (within 20 minutes). We live in a luxury building right now and want to continue to have this lifestyle but we also want to live somewhere in walking distance to shops, restaurants, parks, etc. I've looked at some buildings right below the river and the buildings look nice but I'm concerned that there isn't much around them.
|
|
12-27-2007, 12:20 PM
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
212 posts, read 186,179 times
Reputation: 41
|
|
If you're looking east of Michigan Ave, then I would choose north of the Chicago River. And really anywhere between Oak St., Lake Shore Drive, the River and Michigan Ave. should be fine for you. Lots to do and see and many of the day-to-day services you'll need.
Plus, you will certainly be able to walk to work easily.
Glad to have you!  |
|
12-27-2007, 01:23 PM
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Chicago
2,990 posts, read 1,772,437 times
Reputation: 736
|
|
Lakeshore East, the area south of the river, east of columbus, and north of the Park is set to undergo some major development over the next few years, some of which has already begun. So I'd beckon to say its a safe guess that the number of shops in restaurants in 5 years will dwarf what that area has today. In terms of park space, I don't know if you can find another area in the city with more accessible parkland. Not only is it on the doorstep of Grant/Millenium Park, but has its own beautifully landscaped park in the center of its boundaries.
So, if you are looking for a longterm buy, I would take this into consideration. |
|
12-27-2007, 02:45 PM
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
1,277 posts, read 1,293,143 times
Reputation: 208
|
|
The South Loop area is booming beyond belief. Daley is working miracles in that area and I can see that area becoming the next Lincoln Park in the next decade. Might be worth considering as it will bring you a nice return in equity. |
|
12-27-2007, 04:31 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
27 posts, read 34,924 times
Reputation: 14
|
|
|
thanks for the advice everyone.....fyi, my plan right now is to rent for a year and then buy (either in the city or a close suburb). Niether my wife or I have spent any time in Chicago so I'd like to get to know the city before we buy.
|
|
12-27-2007, 06:38 PM
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Jonquil City (aka Smyrna) Georgia- by Atlanta
11,822 posts, read 6,260,320 times
Reputation: 2410
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tribeca
This may be a really stupid question, but is there a big difference in living above or below the Chicago River? My wife and I are moving to Chicago in about 2 months and I'm checking out what all the different neighborhoods are like on line (I have not spent any real time in Chicago and am looking forward to seeing in person). I'm going to be working on North Columbus and want to live somewhat close to work (within 20 minutes). We live in a luxury building right now and want to continue to have this lifestyle but we also want to live somewhere in walking distance to shops, restaurants, parks, etc. I've looked at some buildings right below the river and the buildings look nice but I'm concerned that there isn't much around them.
|
If you live above the river, you can stay dry. If you live below the river, you might get wet. Every once in awhile they accidently drill a hole through the bottom of the river and flood every basement in the Loop so you really don't want to live below the river!
|
|
12-27-2007, 06:45 PM
|
|
The Piper at the Gates of Dawn
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Chicago
10,721 posts, read 6,959,953 times
Reputation: 1031
|
|
|
I am not sure what you mean by above or below the river...
|
|
12-28-2007, 08:28 AM
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Jonquil City (aka Smyrna) Georgia- by Atlanta
11,822 posts, read 6,260,320 times
Reputation: 2410
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Avengerfire
I am not sure what you mean by above or below the river...
|
I think "above" refers to north of the river and below to "south" of the river. |
|
12-28-2007, 12:28 PM
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
3,484 posts, read 2,471,479 times
Reputation: 1471
|
|
|
Honestly there isn't much difference. The river is small enough that it's not really a barrier to traffic/movement. Most people just ignore the river or look at it and like the views.
I'd go more off neighborhoods. I tend to like the areas around Streeterville or Gold Coast if you want to be near downtown. The south loop is nice though, and very up and coming.
|
|
12-28-2007, 12:31 PM
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
1,631 posts, read 1,608,615 times
Reputation: 384
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Avengerfire
I am not sure what you mean by above or below the river...
|
hah i had the same thought.."they have condos underwater now? what will they think of next!" |
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
|
|
Welcome to City-Data.com forum! Make sure to register - it's free and very quick! You have to register before you can post and participate in our discussions with 700,000 other registered members. User profiles and some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your free account you will be able to customize many options, you will have the full access to over 15,000 posts/day about local topics and you will see fewer ads. 
Linear Mode
