Considering moving to Chicago (Glenview, Jacksonville: apartment, to rent, condos)

[k.smith904]

I'm currently living in Jacksonville, FL, where my girlfriend and I are attending college. I am getting increasingly bored with the south, especially Jacksonville, as there is nothing to do here. I lived in Chicago (Glenview, actually) when my father was still in the Navy, and loved going downtown. Chicago is the most entertaining city I've ever been to, and I've moved around a lot. Living in the south, I really miss going to the Taste every year, along with the blues festival, Cubs games, and all the other things a larger city has to offer. My girlfriend has always wanted to move to a bigger city and we've been talking about moving to Chicago once we have both graduated from school. I am more inclined to live downtown, which is more expensive but would suit our tastes a bit better. I've been looking into condos in the West/South Loop, and also areas near Lincoln Park. This won't be actually happening for a few more years so I have plenty of time to research, but was wondering what a good area of downtown to move to would suit a few fresh college graduates. I'd probably be looking to spend around $300-350K on a condo. I've been reading up on the better areas of town but would like to hear some thoughts from some actual Chicagoians.

TIA,
Kevin

[thevintageguy]

I would recommend renting a nice apartment in an area you are interested in before dropping 300-350k on a condo. I'm researching moving to the city as well, but plan on renting to make sure the area is what I expect before looking at buying anything. Just an idea....

[IloveLoganSquare]

350k is a lot of money! How did you save that up while in college, and congrats!

Originally Posted by k.smith904

I'm currently living in Jacksonville, FL, where my girlfriend and I are attending college. I am getting increasingly bored with the south, especially Jacksonville, as there is nothing to do here. I lived in Chicago (Glenview, actually) when my father was still in the Navy, and loved going downtown. Chicago is the most entertaining city I've ever been to, and I've moved around a lot. Living in the south, I really miss going to the Taste every year, along with the blues festival, Cubs games, and all the other things a larger city has to offer. My girlfriend has always wanted to move to a bigger city and we've been talking about moving to Chicago once we have both graduated from school. I am more inclined to live downtown, which is more expensive but would suit our tastes a bit better. I've been looking into condos in the West/South Loop, and also areas near Lincoln Park. This won't be actually happening for a few more years so I have plenty of time to research, but was wondering what a good area of downtown to move to would suit a few fresh college graduates. I'd probably be looking to spend around $300-350K on a condo. I've been reading up on the better areas of town but would like to hear some thoughts from some actual Chicagoians.

TIA,
Kevin

[JanuaryGirl]

I think there are plenty of over-priced condos in the loop AND LP that a developer would just LOVE to unload on someone who doesn't know the city and is looking for something that "suits their tastes."

In all honesty though, you may find the loop area to be a little dead if you are looking for nightlife. It has gotten better recently, but there isn't nearly as much of a nightlife scene there as there is a little ways north. But if you aren't into nightlife you may like it; there are a lot of upscale restaurants and you would be close to Michigan Ave. Also, during business times the Loop is extraordinarily crowded with workers heading to/from work and to lunch; I think it would be quite inconvenient to live there. I would choose South Loop over the Loop.

Also, have you considered River North? It has more nightlife, more young people, and some great condos that have gone up. If you have cash to burn and want to live that lifestyle, the East Bank Club is also right there.

I second the other reply that you should rent first for a year. The experience of living in Chicago is different on a block-by-block, building-by-building basis, until you live there it's difficult to tell where the best fit is. Trust me, I rented an apartment in what I thought was an excellent location but due to a few circumstances that I won't go in to it was one of the most obnoxious blocks in the neighborhood.

[jessiegirl_98]

How many bedrooms do you want in that condo for that price?

[k.smith904]

Originally Posted by jessiegirl_98

How many bedrooms do you want in that condo for that price?

just 1 br, 1.5 bath. Something fairly simple for a young couple. Maybe 2 br if the price is right. I'm just looking for something in a nice building in a nice part of town. Nothing too fancy.

[jessiegirl_98]

Then I would look in Wicker Park and Lakeview specifically. Good young, neighborhoods. You can get a 1 bed for that, probably not a 2... well maybe

[Chinolala]

I'm amazed that you can spend up to $350k on a condo while still in college!

[lincolnparker]

my roommate 10 yrs ago purchased 4 condos in my building while in college

[k.smith904]

Originally Posted by Chinolala

I'm amazed that you can spend up to $350k on a condo while still in college!

lol, not while still in college. Once I graduate I'm going to rent a place up there until I get my career going, then buy a place. Everyone seems to think I just have a few hundred thousand dollars lying around, I wish...