River North vs. Streeterville (Chicago, Ogden: to rent, hotels, neighborhoods)

[sacredmimi]

I'm looking to rent a living place at either River north or streeterville, (close to the mag. mile), but I couldn't really find a thread talking about both (It's always one of them compared mostly to the Gold Coast) in terms of reviews and what each neighborhood has to offer.

I'm in an early 20s who is into an active nightlife, various things to do nearby (restaurants, stores 1-3 blocks of walking) and the view.

FYI, I'm not a fan of the Gold Coast area (although it arguably has more things to do, which I put as one of the preferences...) because I didn't really like the architectures and views as much as the two neighborhoods mentioned (based on streetview of Google maps), and I prefer to take the CTA buses in michigan ave than trains.

So, please help me decide
Much appreciation in advance.

[NOLA101]

River North, by far. Streeterville isn't a neigborhood, really.

[UrbanCheetah]

River North for sure. Streetville is very similar to the Gold Coast on regards to vibe just it has more to do and more touristy. River North IMO is better.

[steeps]

RIVER NORTH TOP PICTURE ...STREETERVILLE BOTTOM PICTURE ABOUT 2012.

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by sacredmimi

I'm looking to rent a living place at either River north or streeterville, (close to the mag. mile), but I couldn't really find a thread talking about both (It's always one of them compared mostly to the Gold Coast) in terms of reviews and what each neighborhood has to offer.

I'm in an early 20s who is into an active nightlife, various things to do nearby (restaurants, stores 1-3 blocks of walking) and the view.

FYI, I'm not a fan of the Gold Coast area (although it arguably has more things to do, which I put as one of the preferences...) because I didn't really like the architectures and views as much as the two neighborhoods mentioned (based on streetview of Google maps), and I prefer to take the CTA buses in michigan ave than trains.

So, please help me decide
Much appreciation in advance.

River North easily, and as a Gold Coast resident I can assure you that you can get excellent views. I have great views and I have friends who do too. There is newer architecture down near Chicago Avenue which now has a number of residents in their mid 20s to mid 30s. It's also a little cheaper, right near Michigan Avenue and near the Red Line. Honestly the location I'm in, in the Gold Coast, is quite awesome.

[UrbanCheetah]

No I meant that Streetville is more touristy than GC.

[marothisu]

I do agree with that. Streeterville has a lot of hotels so it's very touristy

[Curlyhead]

Streeterville isn't really a neighborhood like someone said before, but I wouldn't live there just based off the lack of close transportation. Personally, I would hate walking blocks to the redline or a bus that runs all day. There's way more good bus lines in River North to take you where you need to go. I'm someone that always late, so I need transportation right next to my apt. And while buses may be cleaner, they take WAY longer to get to places in the loop and north side where people work, especially in the morning and afternoon rush hour. Not to mention that Chicago is freezing cold and you do not want to me standing at a bus stop when it gets like that, or worse when it rains and snows. Most these stops don't even have roofs or a bench. I think you should live as close to the red line as possible since its one of two 24 hr lines in Chicago, the other being the blue line. Though really, I'd suggest Gold Coast, its way better than River North IMO.

[sacredmimi]

Thanks guys! decided to settle in river north!

[YoChicago]

I suspect that people who say Streeterville isn't really a neighborhood haven't spent much time on the ground there lately.

It's very much a neighborhood, with some attractive parks, lots of restaurants and bars, a new Whole Foods, a new Pinstripes, river frontage, the scene along the Ogden Slip and so on.

Is Streeterville touristy? Sure, to some extent. But then so is the Hard Rock / Rain Forest/ Portillo's etc. stretch of River North.

Streeterville north of Chicago Ave is very different from Streeterville south of Chicago Ave, and River North has about six very different sub-areas. Talking about these neighborhoods as if they were homogeneous makes no sense at all.