Best Neighborhood in Chicago for Young Professionals (Lincoln, Irving: condos, neighborhoods)

[PsychDoc]

Hi-

I just turned 30. I'm looking to move to Chicago. I'm a straight male and looking to move to a neighborhood filled with lots of young, single professionals (lots of single women). Money won't be an issue. Any advice? I've lived in NYC before, and I'm basically looking for the equivalent of Hoboken to NYC.

Thanks in advance.

Oh yeah, should I bring a car? I've heard conflicting thoughts on this.

[sbd78]

I'm not familiar with Hoboken but Lincoln Park is always a great choice, as is Gold Coast, Old Town, Lakeview (Halsted street between Belmont and Irving Park is a gay neighborhood, but the rest of Lakeview is generally straight), Wrigleyville, Bucktown, and Wicker Park. You really won't need a car. If you want a car, prepare to pay for parking. Many highrises offer parking garages for a monthly fee. Sometimes 2 and 3 flats will have parking spaces in the back alleys for a fee or rarely, included in the rent. Street parking can be tough in the more popular neighborhoods (although there are some exceptions), especially those close to the lake.

[lenniel]

Try Lincoln Square. Lots of brand new condos with premium details. A great strip of bars/rests, shops, parks between Wilson/Lawrence on Lincoln. Parking isn't bad, it's 20 minutes (non rush hour) to Ohare and an L stop makes for a quick trip to the Loop.

[CarolinaBredChicagoan]

Based on what you've said, I'm thinking Old Town.

Cars are useful, but not essential, and can be a pain in the ass in a lot of neighborhoods unless you have a garage space.