1211 n lasalle (Chicago, Quincy, La Salle: transplants, apartment, safe neighborhood)

[snickn]

Can some local'ers give me an idea of this neighborhood? I've spent 2 years in downtown Los Angeles, 4 years in Downtown Houston..

That's the extend of my big city living, but I'm now relocating to Chicago and will be put up in a corporate apartment which is located at 1211 n lasalle.

I saw that 1140 n Lasalle is a 'great neighborhood' I'm assuming 1211 can't be all too bad..

opinions?

I'll be working @ the Sears Tower, how's the morning "commute"?

I'm 25 single male, enjoy a happy hour beverage or two, but while in Chicago I'll generally be work work work..so as long as it's a safe neighborhood with a nearby Whole Foods, and some good nearby restaurants I'll be happy..

thanks guys in advance.

[Drover]

There are plenty of restaurants and places to grab a drink in the area and it's generally safe, though I wouldn't wander more than a couple blocks west at night.

Speaking of a couple blocks west, there is a huge local-chain grocery store about 3 blocks away on the corner of Division and Sedgwick. They are not strictly organic but they do cater to an uspcale-ish crowd (despite being literally across the street from the projects) and I understand they have a pretty decent organic selection. If you're married to Whole Foods, there are two within a mile of you, both of which are pretty easily accessible by public transportation if you're not bringing a car.

Your total commute should be about 20 minutes door to door, and that's accounting for traffic and wait times. Some days it may be less than 10. Just hop on the LaSalle bus, take it down to Quincy, walk two blocks west, and voila, you're at the Sears Tower.

[snickn]

Sounds great. Is it touristy near this area? How far is the "tourist" area of town?

Also, Whole Foods was started in Texas, so while I'm not married to it, I do love it.

Someone told me this bulding was 3 subway stops from the sears tower, you're suggesting bus instead?

Thanks again, this forum, and mostly, it's members are a great resource.

I arrive in Chicago on Monday afternoon. Never lived in a cold weather state so it should be an adventure come winter. As far as a car goes, I'm not bringing one, but I'm going to judge my need for one after 3-6 months and go from there. Maybe wait the gas prices out a bit

[OrangeAndBlue]

That area is the Gold Coast and you'll be pretty much at the very northern edge of the "tourist" zone. You're only a couple blocks walk from the Magnificent Mile (North Michigan Ave) from there.
I'd definitely say it's a cool areal. It can get a little shady a few blocks to the west, but nothing to worry about. You're also only about 2 blocks from a pretty big strip of bars along Division Street at State Street and another block from the "Viagra Triangle" - another strip of bars and restaurants at State Street and Rush Street. Both of those bar strips do get visited by tourists, but I wouldn't call them tourist traps. If you like going out, there are definitely plenty of options.
There is a Jewel (grocery store) pretty much right there and there is a Whole Foods and a Trader Joes about 15-20 minute walk to the south.
You can take either the train or a bus to the Sears Tower, just depends on how far you want to walk after getting off the bus/train. I'm not sure what would be faster, but LaSalle usually moves okay, so a bus may be faster since you would have to walk a couple of blocks through the loop after you get off the red line train stop to get to the Sears Tower.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by snickn

Someone told me this bulding was 3 subway stops from the sears tower, you're suggesting bus instead?

Yeah, it's 4 or 5 subway stops... but then a pretty fair hike. And rather than a 2-block walk as I had earlier stated, I just realized that the La Salle bus actually drops you off right in front of the building.

[snickn]

Very cool. Sounds like a good choice in location. Looking forward to it, any other suggestions for a transplate..would love to hear them.

[Drover]

Well, the best tip I can give is get yourself settled in and explore the city. This place is brimming with transplants so you won't be an outsider among a sea of natives.

[Anthera]

[quote=snickn;3875026]Very cool. Sounds like a good choice in location. Looking forward to it, any other suggestions for a transplate..would love to hear them.[/quote

The best way to meet people in Chicago is to join things. I would suggest joining the 20/30 club, sign up for sailing lessons at the Columbia Yacht Club (CYC would be better, but you'd have to know a member)- most boat owners are always looking for congenial crew.

If any of your co-workers belong to Union League or U-Club their Thursday summer socials for younger members are a blast, the MCA and Art Institute used to have monthy cocktail hours for younger members.