Relocating from the UK! (Chicago, Lincoln: apartment, leases, condos)

[gzpdon]

Originally Posted by mwj119

Don't do furnished. If you're being asked to relocate across the globe, it should be an easy conversation with your employer to receive a relocation package. If that cannot happen, buy the necessities when you get here.. Furnished places, in my experience, are kind of a bust, are limiting, and will be over priced.

SO.

Focus on Lincoln Park and Old Town. I lived in Eugenie Terrace, which sits right over the southern tip of Lincoln Park itself. There are football fields/courts/pitch (is that correct?), baseball and softball fields, farmer markets, etc. Lot of activity and intramurals. You'll also have walking access to North Ave. beach, which has become the epicenter of summer activity in the city. More importantly, Wells street is just one black behind Eugenie, and with that comes all sorts of bars, restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, etc. aimed at the 25-35 year old crowd. It's my personal favorite for convenient and local nightlife, with Hubbard St. and the Gold Coast just a mile away. You'll also have all of Lincoln Parks offerings in the neighborhoods directly west/north of the building. Just a really nice location.

Eugenie offers a beautiful and updated gym on the top floor, complete with a sauna, a rooftop pool with loads of BBQs and parties in the summer, and a recreation room with some of the nicest views in all of Chicago. The building has both indoor and outdoor parking options if you decide to purchase a vehicle. The tenants while I were there were great- Met a lot of fun people my age.

https://eugenieterrace.com/

Should be able to find a nice, sizable studio within your budget, maybe even a 1 bedroom.

Wow, this actually looks pretty perfect! Thanks a bunch.
The 1-beds are pretty much out of my budget the studio apartments look spot on.

From what I've heard I should be looking for south-facing windows if possible - any recommendations?

[mwj119]

Originally Posted by gzpdon

Wow, this actually looks pretty perfect! Thanks a bunch.
The 1-beds are pretty much out of my budget the studio apartments look spot on.

From what I've heard I should be looking for south-facing windows if possible - any recommendations?

South facing gives you dynamite views of the city. East facing gives you great views of the water and park. West facing gives you the sunsets. Honestly, Chicago is a city of views.. There's going to be no shortage of that anywhere. Just looked for you- Saw some studios on the 17th floor. Obviously, the higher the better.

Either way, you have the top floor (~45th floor) to use any time. It has a bar, work lounge, lounge, the pool, grills, etc. Honestly, Chicago is a city of views.. There's going to be no shortage of that anywhere.

DM me if you have any questions on Old Town/Lincoln Park. BTW, fun fact: Second City, where many of the Saturday Night Live crew started, is directly behind Eugenie. It's one of the best/most infamous comedy clubs in the world.

[gzpdon]

Looks like I'll have a week to find a place, any recommendations on being efficient in my search etc would be great!

[gzpdon]

Going to try and book some viewings, does anyone have any other high-rise apartments in Chicago Downtown / Lincoln Park that they would recommend? Thanks!


PS. I incredibly underestimated the Chicago winters....

[knitgirl]

Originally Posted by gzpdon

Going to try and book some viewings, does anyone have any other high-rise apartments in Chicago Downtown / Lincoln Park that they would recommend? Thanks!


PS. I incredibly underestimated the Chicago winters....

This weather is not typical of Chicago winter, the normal high temp in January is closer to freezing.

[HollyhockGarden]

gxpdon -- Hello and welcome to the U.S. I'm a mom to "Munchkins" your age and want to say it does sound like you are making wise choices. I live out in Arizona, but do have relatives in the area you are looking, and they enjoy living in the area. The Eugenie, that was recommended, looks perfect, with a fabulous location. I would definitely check it out.

You can also use an Apartment Finder Service at no cost to yourself. Just Google "Apartment Finder Service Chicago" and you will find several to choose from. They may have a little bit more inside information pertaining to clients making international moves.

It is true that a south facing unit will have the direct sunshine, but do not let that overly influence you if you like everything else about the building and the unit. You will adjust to the view, and will know if the apartment is going to work.

By the way, this is an unusual cold spell and it will not last. It will get warmer.

I hope you find something you like, and good luck with your new job!

[OyCrumbler]

Originally Posted by gzpdon

Going to try and book some viewings, does anyone have any other high-rise apartments in Chicago Downtown / Lincoln Park that they would recommend? Thanks!


PS. I incredibly underestimated the Chicago winters....

Go to Uniqlo and buy some heattech clothing!

[lakmich]

Originally Posted by gzpdon

Going to try and book some viewings, does anyone have any other high-rise apartments in Chicago Downtown / Lincoln Park that they would recommend? Thanks!


PS. I incredibly underestimated the Chicago winters....

I moved from a colder place in the US than Chicago. Right now, the current weather is far more common 5-6 hours north. If you buy a good down insulated jacket with Gold/Silver Primaloft you'll be fine. I'd recommend climbing belays since they are meant for unpredictable cold and wind. Check out Black Diamond or the Swiss company Mammut. Many people have Canada Goose as you will see, but they charge a premium for NA manufacturing and also use animal products if you are against that sort of thing.

As far as living, I would live as close to the Blue Line as possible. It's the best train in the city. The only bad thing is that it gets packed during rush hours, but if you live downtown that won't matter. Also, other than the Red Line (unless heading north past Fullerton), the rest are pretty darn slow.

[tkz4]

How often do you need to travel? If you need airport access then I agree that easy Blue Line access would be handy. But keep in mind a lot of places you are looking have a decent bus connection to a Blue Line station. I also agree that the Red line is great for connecting a lot of appealing neighborhoods and attractions.

Also, depending on your interests, there are some great neighborhoods closer to the Loop. The near north (River North, Streeterville) and West Loop are both becoming really appealing residential options that are really booming in terms of new residential population.

[gzpdon]

Originally Posted by HollyhockGarden

gxpdon -- Hello and welcome to the U.S. I'm a mom to "Munchkins" your age and want to say it does sound like you are making wise choices. I live out in Arizona, but do have relatives in the area you are looking, and they enjoy living in the area. The Eugenie, that was recommended, looks perfect, with a fabulous location. I would definitely check it out.

You can also use an Apartment Finder Service at no cost to yourself. Just Google "Apartment Finder Service Chicago" and you will find several to choose from. They may have a little bit more inside information pertaining to clients making international moves.

It is true that a south facing unit will have the direct sunshine, but do not let that overly influence you if you like everything else about the building and the unit. You will adjust to the view, and will know if the apartment is going to work.

By the way, this is an unusual cold spell and it will not last. It will get warmer.

I hope you find something you like, and good luck with your new job!

Hello! and thanks for the warm welcome and reply. I'll be checking out Eugenie and North Clark 2555. But I've also gotten in touch with Chicago Apartment Finders and they'll be taking me to a few places.

Originally Posted by lakmich

I moved from a colder place in the US than Chicago. Right now, the current weather is far more common 5-6 hours north. If you buy a good down insulated jacket with Gold/Silver Primaloft you'll be fine. I'd recommend climbing belays since they are meant for unpredictable cold and wind. Check out Black Diamond or the Swiss company Mammut. Many people have Canada Goose as you will see, but they charge a premium for NA manufacturing and also use animal products if you are against that sort of thing.

As far as living, I would live as close to the Blue Line as possible. It's the best train in the city. The only bad thing is that it gets packed during rush hours, but if you live downtown that won't matter. Also, other than the Red Line (unless heading north past Fullerton), the rest are pretty darn slow.

Phew, I arrive early next week, the weather seems to be much more... temperate, which is awesome news. I have some pretty standard winter clothing - a decent jacket I take skiing, thermals and super cosy snow boots . Hopefully they'll do me justice! I've heard that a lot - I'll definitely aim to live new the Blue line if I can. Luckily I'll be working from home so worst case, I won't be travelling to the city too often anyway. Thanks for the reply!

Originally Posted by tkz4

How often do you need to travel? If you need airport access then I agree that easy Blue Line access would be handy. But keep in mind a lot of places you are looking have a decent bus connection to a Blue Line station. I also agree that the Red line is great for connecting a lot of appealing neighborhoods and attractions.

Also, depending on your interests, there are some great neighborhoods closer to the Loop. The near north (River North, Streeterville) and West Loop are both becoming really appealing residential options that are really booming in terms of new residential population.

I'll likely be able to taxi to the airport as they'll be business trips. Otherwise I won't need to travel much at all... Luckily it'll be remote working (also quite lonely potentially) so there won't be a constant need to go into downtown or anything. I think I've tunnel-visioned on Lincoln Park because a) it looked amazing when I visited and b) I think the main reason to live downtown for most is for the commute - which I wont' have. But still - I'll definitely give the Loop high-rises a peek if possible. Living near central in any city can be pretty handy! Thanks!