First impressions + where to live? (Not impressed with current hood) (Chicago: rent, lofts)

[Hkhan21]

River north also has the most galleries in the US outside of manhattan, and some good jazz is in the south loop

[BRU67]

Originally Posted by personone

A day before starting this thread, the OP posted that she is moving from the Midwest to West Coast.

Hiring movers vs UHaul for a cross country move?

OP, if you really are planning on staying in Chicago, Lincoln Park or River North are the neighborhoods you would want to look at. River North is much more hustle and bustle, but also has a lot of tourists, and doesn’t feel like a traditional neighborhood. Lincoln Park is much more of a traditional neighborhood, but being more residential, it may have slightly less vibrancy. Stretches around Clark street and Diversey can get very vibrant. You can get a feel on a Saturday or Sunday.

Yup. She also said she lives in a 500 sf studio, has $3,000 worth of stuff, and is considering accepting an offer from certain movers to take all her stuff across the country for 1,300 bucks.

Maybe you guys should consider recommending Cermak Road in Little Village instead of the Gold Coast and River North.

[personone]

Originally Posted by BRU67

Yup. She also said she lives in a 500 sf studio, has $3,000 worth of stuff, and is considering accepting an offer from certain movers to take all her stuff across the country for 1,300 bucks.

Maybe you guys should consider recommending Cermak Road in Little Village instead of the Gold Coast and River North.

True. There are several good neighborhoods, that could be a really good fit for the OP from a value and vibrancy standpoint, given her circumstances. Based on her comments about desiring a “white collar” area and comments about lots of “sketchy” people on the blue line, and never in her life being so on edge about her safety; probably the safest bet to suggest the most conservative areas, lol.

[projectmaximus]

Yeah I was impressed that she has lived in "a dozen major cities prior to Chicago" at the age of 33 or so....but I guess she's just spending a few months in each one.

[doodlemagic]

Originally Posted by projectmaximus

Yeah I was impressed that she has lived in "a dozen major cities prior to Chicago" at the age of 33 or so....but I guess she's just spending a few months in each one.

Not everyone is tied down by a job, many people live a location independent lifestlye and work remotely or work for themselves. The idea of living in a city for 3 months with a short term lease and then moving on really isn't that crazy

[Vlajos]

Originally Posted by doodlemagic

Not everyone is tied down by a job, many people live a location independent lifestlye and work remotely or work for themselves. The idea of living in a city for 3 months with a short term lease and then moving on really isn't that crazy

I guess crazy has varying definitions. However moving every 3 months is not the norm and likely viewed as crazy to the vast majority of people. It certainly sounds awful to me.

[OyCrumbler]

Originally Posted by Vlajos

I guess crazy has varying definitions. However moving every 3 months is not the norm and likely viewed as crazy to the vast majority of people. It certainly sounds awful to me.

I did it for several years and I enjoyed it.

[Vlajos]

Originally Posted by OyCrumbler

I did it for several years and I enjoyed it.

I didn't say everyone would find it crazy. Glad you enjoyed it.

[Flavia84]

Lot's of good responses with recommendations on this thread. I'm staying here for a few extra months to see if summer will bring a more vibrant feel to the city. How is River North area in terms of livability/vibrancy? I like that it's convenient/walking distance to Symphony/Theaters/Museums. Should I add it to my list of areas to consider?


As for the wannabe detectives - get a life for pete's sake It's 21st century, people's jobs are portable and pay well enough to be able to afford to move and travel and live in nice neighborhoods, even at a young age.

[projectmaximus]

Originally Posted by doodlemagic

Not everyone is tied down by a job, many people live a location independent lifestlye and work remotely or work for themselves. The idea of living in a city for 3 months with a short term lease and then moving on really isn't that crazy

I *think* I am the same age as OP and have worked from home for the past 8 years so I don't find it crazy at all. I didnt say it was impossible and I was impressed cause I like the concept, however just two thoughts:

1) spending 3 months somewhere is very borderline "living there." It's certainly up for debate.
2) I had no negative judgment in my comment whatsoever. I was just making the point that my conception of what she was saying and what I now assumed she was doing were very different.

Originally Posted by Vlajos

I guess crazy has varying definitions. However moving every 3 months is not the norm and likely viewed as crazy to the vast majority of people. It certainly sounds awful to me.

I love it. I am now "saddled" with a family but in a few years when the kids are old enough to understand their experiences we will probably be right back at it. Online school and travel the world! At least for a few years until they reach middle school years.

Originally Posted by Flavia84

As for the wannabe detectives - get a life for pete's sake It's 21st century, people's jobs are portable and pay well enough to be able to afford to move and travel and live in nice neighborhoods, even at a young age.

Just want to be clear that I meant no negativity with my comment. But it is unusual that you ask for recommendations for a neighborhood in Chicago while simultaneously asking for recommendations on how to move your stuff to the west coast. I guess you don't plan to be in Chicago very long?

Good luck!!