Ashland and Augusta (condo, neighborhoods, buying)

[Mel2882]

How is the neighborhood right here? Good for a 25 year old female to live? I can't figure out exactly what neighborhood this would be (I am thinking it's kind of a mix). What kinds of stores/shops are around here? Is it pretty safe?

[fulflej]

You're looking at the Wicker Park / East Village area and it is a good place for a 25 y/o female. The streets are busy most of the time and I have never once felt like I was in danger. The shops tend to cater to rich hipsters and even richer yuppies with a few exceptions. You're right by the Blue Line if you need to get downtown and the buses run all night on Ashland. I have lived in the area for 7 years and you are coming in during a fairly safe time, a lot better than it was 10 years ago.

The nightlife is also great around there, you have dive bars and late night restaurants everywhere, also night clubs and upscale places too. If you want to know more about anything in specific let me know.

The only downside is that most of the stuff that made the neighborhood what it is today is gone or warped into something that caters to a different crowd. The rents are going to go up (they have been for years) and buying, at least for someone who doesn't want to spend $400k for a condo, is out of the question.

[fulflej]

I should also point out that Wells High School right on the corner of Ashland and Augusta is sort of sketchy. But after the kids leave / during the summer it is totally fine.

[Drover]

That's an area that looks rougher than it is, especially along Ashland Avenue. You'll find that the 4-lane thoroughfares always look scruffy even in the nicest parts of town. Ashland/Augusta puts you right at the doorway to one of the most vibrant nightlife neighborhoods in the city, Wicker Park/Bucktown, centered around Milwaukee Avenue from Division to Western. Plus, you're only a block away from the three best taco stands in the city: La Pasadita, La Pasadita and.... damn, can't remember the name of the third one.... oh yeah -- La Pasadita.

[Mel2882]

Haha, I'll be sure to stop by La Pasadita. I love my tacos. Well, this is great, because it looks like this is where I will be moving! Thanks for the responses!

[fulflej]

mmmm, I lived off La Pasadita and Pizza Metro my first year here... so good. Duc's, right down the street, is decent for fast food as well. All of those place stay open past midnight too.