Chicago & Ashland? (Erie, Noble, Ohio: apartment, rent, condo)

[MountainDewRock]

Hi, my partner and I moved to Chicago last summer for work and so far I love living here. After living in an apartment in Uptown, we are ready for more room - and have found a great, freshly remodeled, spacious apartment with a parking space very close to Chicago and Ashland.

Is anyone familiar with this neighborhood? It's tough to gage on appearances...it looks like a combination of hip new bars/coffee shops/restaurants and some older, less "gentrified" retail. We're a young couple with 3 dogs...things that are important to us are nearby restaurants, and ability to walk the dogs, and easy access to transportation.

Anyone’s thoughts on the neighborhood would be great. Also, what area is this? I've heard it's part of Wicker Park, Ukranian Village, East Village, and even River West.

Thanks!

[j33]

take a look at the east village thread, we are discussing that very intersection (or at least I am as I live not too far from it).

[MountainDewRock]

Thanks, I'll go check it out. So what would you say the neighborhood is called?

[j33]

Either East Village or Noble Square depending on what side of Ashland you are on (but it really all blends together). It isn't Ukrainian village (too far east) or Wicker Park (too far south).

[MountainDewRock]

Originally Posted by j33

Either East Village or Noble Square depending on what side of Ashland you are on (but it really all blends together). It isn't Ukrainian village (too far east) or Wicker Park (too far south).

Thanks for the info. We'll be on Superior just east of Ashland, so which side does that put us on?

Have a great weekend!

[BRU67]

Originally Posted by MountainDewRock

Thanks for the info. We'll be on Superior just east of Ashland, so which side does that put us on?

Have a great weekend!

That puts you on the south side of Chicago Ave. I don't think that part of West Town has a nickname. As you probably know, Ukrainian Village, Noble Square, Wicker Park, Bucktown, East Village and River West are all part of West Town.

[ITChick]

According to what I found from the ICM properties website:
"Ukrainian Village

Ukrainian Village is located between Division Street south to Superior Street and from Western Avenue east to Ashland Avenue. Originally developed by Ukrainian immigrants at the turn of the century the area is still has strong ethnic ties to the old neighborhood. There are still the old-school bakeries and delis as well as many new, trendy restaurants. The majority of the homes are 3 flat buildings with character and unique designs, as well as new construction from condo buildings to single family homes.

Transportation
CTA Blue Line - Division Station"

I love this area. I have a wealthy distant relative who bought a home here and I'm so jealous of him.

Good luck with your new place.

[j33]

Just a tip of advice based on personal experience. Don't rent from ICM

[ITChick]

Originally Posted by j33

Just a tip of advice based on personal experience. Don't rent from ICM

Just to set the record straight, I have no affiliation with ICM, nor have I ever done business with them. I just thought their website with descriptions of different areas in Chicago was helpful.

Dare I ask what happened so I know why to avoid them?

[chitownabs]

I used to live right around there -- about 4 doors down from Betty's Blue Star Lounge at Grand and Ashland for 2 years, and then another 2 years a little further away at Chicago and Milwaukee. I am very familar with this area, but have not lived there for ~3 years, and neighborhoods change quite a bit.

First of all, you will absolutely LOVE how close you are to the expressway. Just go north on Ashland, right on North, and you are at 90/94. If you have any friends or work in the suburbs, they will love you for this.

The parking is very good too. I never had a problem parking in that neighborhood. I told my girlfriend the first time she visited me that you could park a 18 wheeler in that neighborhood (either one) and you would still have parking.

In terms of restaurants, there is a good number of restaurants -- there is a J. Patricks (Irish grub, kinda upscale) at Erie and Noble (I believe -- it's east of Ashland, north of Ohio). There are a number of decent restaurants on Grand Avenue west of Halsted. One of my favorite Mexican places in Chicago is just south of Division on Ashland. The name is slipping my mind right now, but it butts up against the Pizza Hut at Divison/Ashland. (ugh!)

Sip Coffee shop is pretty nice place to chill out. It's changed a LOT since I used to live around there. They used to be the only indie coffeeshop in the area, and when Starbucks moved in about 200 yards away, instead of closing up, they expanded. They are HUGE now. Free WiFi. I went there about 1.5 years ago and was absolutely floored by the new size.

Across the street from Sip is a very good burger place -- Twisted Spoke. They have an awesome patio that does very well in the summer. The burgers are VERY good. It has spectacular views of downtown, and it's pretty much walking distance from where you will be living.

In terms of safety, I will say that it is relatively safe. As with any parts of Chicago, you need to be aware and think smart. I got my car broken into once because I left CDs in plain view and left the face plate to my CD player in the car (when I could have removed it). That is one break-in in the 4 years I lived around there. I blame myself for that. Just clear out your car, walk smart, and you will be OK. There is crime in Chicago.