Chicago neighborhood suggestions? (DeKalb, Lincoln, Irving: apartment, neighborhoods, live)

[Destructoman!]

Hello folks...

I am an Illinois native who grew up in DeKalb and is looking to move back to Chicago to be closer to family and friends. Though I'm fairly familiar with the city I'm not sure which neighborhood would be the best place to call home. I'll try to describe my situation and what I'm looking for and hopefully someone can point me in the right direction...

My GF and I are both in our late 20's early 30's. We are over our hard partying days for the most part, but still like to go out and have a good time, so a neighborhood that has a nightlife presence but isn't too rowdy would be ideal. A neighborhood that has character and isn't overly gentrified would be nice. The most important factor would probably be being within reasonable commuting distance to downtown with easy access to public transit. Looking for a neighborhood that is affordable but relatively safe, looking to spend around $1000-$1500 for a 2bdrm.

Your suggestions would be most appreciated!

[jessiegirl_98]

Originally Posted by Destructoman!

Hello folks...

I am an Illinois native who grew up in DeKalb and is looking to move back to Chicago to be closer to family and friends. Though I'm fairly familiar with the city I'm not sure which neighborhood would be the best place to call home. I'll try to describe my situation and what I'm looking for and hopefully someone can point me in the right direction...

My GF and I are both in our late 20's early 30's. We are over our hard partying days for the most part, but still like to go out and have a good time, so a neighborhood that has a nightlife presence but isn't too rowdy would be ideal. A neighborhood that has character and isn't overly gentrified would be nice. The most important factor would probably be being within reasonable commuting distance to downtown with easy access to public transit. Looking for a neighborhood that is affordable but relatively safe, looking to spend around $1000-$1500 for a 2bdrm.

Your suggestions would be most appreciated!

Start here
http://www.city-data.com/forum/chica...ds-moving.html

[Destructoman!]

Oops. I've been lurking for a while and didn't see that stickey. Sorry...

[jessiegirl_98]

Originally Posted by Destructoman!

Oops. I've been lurking for a while and didn't see that stickey. Sorry...

No problem! I just encourage people to review and then ask specific questions. Before that we were getting about 10 of these posts a week

[Johnny Northside]

With all the considerations that you list, I would check these boards for what people have said about Lincoln Square and North Center.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Johnny Northside

With all the considerations that you list, I would check these boards for what people have said about Lincoln Square and North Center.

Those are rapidly gentrifing though... unless you look into southern North Center and Northern Lincoln Square (community) I love both but...

I would go more with a Budlong Woods, North Park, Irving Park, Avondale,etc...

[pianogal34]

You may wanna check out the East Lakeview area. I lived there 8 years and loved it. Moved to Sarasota in 2006, and considering moving back cuz i miss it so much. In mid 30s, so on the same page, as far as nightlife goes. like the neighborhood pubs, but no clubs! lol some great restaurants around there too!

[jessiegirl_98]

Originally Posted by pianogal34

You may wanna check out the East Lakeview area. I lived there 8 years and loved it. Moved to Sarasota in 2006, and considering moving back cuz i miss it so much. In mid 30s, so on the same page, as far as nightlife goes. like the neighborhood pubs, but no clubs! lol some great restaurants around there too!

This would be fine, but doesn't meet the not overly gentrified criteria.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by jessiegirl_98

This would be fine, but doesn't meet the not overly gentrified criteria.

The Northern part of E. Lake View near Irving is not super gentrified. It has many apartment buildings that are quite affordable and the area is actually kinda gritty still.
But otherwise I agree.

[Destructoman!]

Thanks for all the suggestions folks. Can't wait to get back to IL despite the weather, the governor, and the Chicago El crisis! I'll miss the weather and the beautiful scenery here in Seattle, but that's really about all! Hope I'm not being rude by bumping this just one time to see if I receive any more suggestions...