Neighborhood suggestions (other than LP/LV) (Chicago, Lincoln: apartments, neighborhoods, college)

[Michael Scott]

Hey all,

You've probably seen me post here a few times. I'm moving Chicago in September, and flying up this coming week to take a look at places. I'm a recent college grad working for a client-serving company, so I need my car in case clients are in the suburbs (non negotiable, at least till I figure out my client base). I'm looking in Lincoln Park and Gold Coast, but with my budget (don't wanna go over $1300 WITH parking, be it street or garage), I'm thinking I might be best served looking elsewhere.

I dont want to sacrifice lifestyle to save on rent, as I'm moving to Chicago specifically to experience an urban, young, city lifestyle. Thats why I'm looking at LP and GC. That said, I know that other areas, particularly the west/northwest are experiencing an influx of the 20s crowd and becoming gentrified, and considering I know very little about Chicago, I'd love advice on what other areas I should look at that may give me more bang for my buck, better parking, but still have the urban walkability, access to PT, bars, coffee shops, restaurants, etc, that a single 23 year old male would want. I will say, if this helps, that I really do not at all like the frat scene and things like that. I want to be around young people but not ones that still wish they were in their fraternity. I am staying away from the Wriggleyville area for this reason.

I'm looking into Wicker Park, Bucktown, and have an opportunity for a place in Ukrainian Village. The first two I heard are great but I know very little about UV. Similar deal with Logan Square and Roscoe Village. Basically I am open to hearing areas that I may be ignoring at my own expense, but still have a 20s crowd and walkability.

Hopefully this post had some sense to it. Would love any input before flying up in the coming days.

[NealIRC]

Chicago has fraternity neighborhoods?

Or maybe it's hipster neighborhoods you want to stay away from?

Imo, once you find apartments, then narrow it down. Finding apartments by price. Once you visit several places then report back to us on their locations and such.

[justalicious6989]

Maybe Uptown? Perhaps Logan Square? I live in Logan Square and it does have a very Hipster scene, it's much less than say LV or LP

[Michael Scott]

My impression (based on reading on here and other sources) would be that the west/north west is a bit more "hipster", but I haven't really heard people describe LP or LV as hipster, more along the lines of "fratty" especially near wriggleyville in LV. I don't love describing neighborhoods in such sweeping generalizations but that's just what I've heard and read. Anyway, to address the poster, it's the frattier types I'm not a huge fan of, though I certainly don't love OVERLY hipster either. Lol this is turning into such a vague reply. Like I said hard to describe things using such vague terms and sweeping generalizations.

[Michael Scott]

The area in UV that I have an opportunity for is on Augusta, with the nearest cross street being Damen. Can you kind folks tell me how this area is? Would you recommend it for a recent college grad? The price point is great but as I said I don't wanna make major lifestyle sacrifices in the name of price.

[squirrels]

Originally Posted by NealIRC

Chicago has fraternity neighborhoods?

Or maybe it's hipster neighborhoods you want to stay away from?

Imo, once you find apartments, then narrow it down. Finding apartments by price. Once you visit several places then report back to us on their locations and such.

He ruled out LP and is looking into Bucktown. I think if anything, he's seeking out hipster neighborhoods.

[jdiddy]

Originally Posted by Michael Scott

The area in UV that I have an opportunity for is on Augusta, with the nearest cross street being Damen. Can you kind folks tell me how this area is? Would you recommend it for a recent college grad? The price point is great but as I said I don't wanna make major lifestyle sacrifices in the name of price.

One of my favorite parts of the city.

[Ace Rothstein]

Originally Posted by Michael Scott

The area in UV that I have an opportunity for is on Augusta, with the nearest cross street being Damen. Can you kind folks tell me how this area is? Would you recommend it for a recent college grad? The price point is great but as I said I don't wanna make major lifestyle sacrifices in the name of price.

You are about 3/4 of a mile to the nearest L station but otherwise it is a great area.

[Michael Scott]

Originally Posted by squirrels

He ruled out LP and is looking into Bucktown. I think if anything, he's seeking out hipster neighborhoods.

Definitely haven't ruled out LP, it's one of my target neighborhoods. LV/wriggleyville however I'm not really interested in. I'm not necessarily seeking out hipster areas but I just don't want too fratty (or too hipster for that matter).

[jdiddy]

Originally Posted by Michael Scott

Definitely haven't ruled out LP, it's one of my target neighborhoods. LV/wriggleyville however I'm not really interested in. I'm not necessarily seeking out hipster areas but I just don't want too fratty (or too hipster for that matter).

Its Wrigleyville. And I wouldn't rule out West Lakeview (especially if you're willing to look at Roscoe Village - look west of Southport) or East Lakeview (which provides the 'young, urban' city experience as well as any neighborhood in Chicago.