Native D.C. Area Virginian moving to Chicago! Need advice please! (Lincoln: apartments, neighborhoods)

[alexblake13]

I'm a 21 year old student who was just accepted into Columbia in the South Loop. I visited Chicago in January and know it's for me. I won't be living on campus so I'm looking into apartment options (August 2010). I will be moving with my boyfriend and we would like to find a 1 bedroom apartment for under $900. It seems to me that the South Loop is a bit more expensive then other areas of town. What is a good area for a liberal-minded young couple in Chicago? I'm not familiar with the city and would love some opinions from anyone that is willing to help!
I also have another question that is a bit off topic. Where are the punk and hardcore venues or bars in the city? My boyfriend and I are into punk and hardcore music and will definatly be looking to find a new hang-out spot! Thanks in advance!

[smallvillejane]

No. South Loop is not more expensive than other areas of town. On the contrary, it is cheaper than many other areas. For instance, it is cheaper than gold coast, streeterville, river north, lakeshore east, old town, lincoln park, lakeview, perhaps even west loop etc etc.

Originally Posted by alexblake13

I'm a 21 year old student who was just accepted into Columbia in the South Loop. I visited Chicago in January and know it's for me. I won't be living on campus so I'm looking into apartment options (August 2010). I will be moving with my boyfriend and we would like to find a 1 bedroom apartment for under $900. It seems to me that the South Loop is a bit more expensive then other areas of town. What is a good area for a liberal-minded young couple in Chicago? I'm not familiar with the city and would love some opinions from anyone that is willing to help!
I also have another question that is a bit off topic. Where are the punk and hardcore venues or bars in the city? My boyfriend and I are into punk and hardcore music and will definatly be looking to find a new hang-out spot! Thanks in advance!

[chitown85]

South Loop rents have dropped recently compared to 2007. The reason it is more expensive than other areas of the city are because buildings tend to be high rise complexes, which automatically inflates the price. You can find a one bedroom in Wicker Park on the near NW side for that price and there is a huge "alternative scene" (meaning punk, hardcore, etc.). It is arguably one of the most alternative neighborhoods in Chicago. Ukrainian Village is just south of Wicker Park on the West Side, the problem there is the El is far. You can take blue line from Wicker Park into the Loop then switch to the red line if you don't want to walk.

Also check out Lincoln Square on the far north side; good bar scene, lots of music venues.

[Attrill]

The best places to look in are West Town, Pilsen, Ukrainian Village, Logan Square, and Humboldt Park - basically along the Blue line. I know for certain that these places have a decent DIY scene going on, and are close to good venues for established bands. Wicker Park and Bucktown are close to a lot of what you're looking for, but they're a bit overpriced and have gotten trendy.

[prelude91]

Originally Posted by smallvillejane

No. South Loop is not more expensive than other areas of town. On the contrary, it is cheaper than many other areas. For instance, it is cheaper than gold coast, streeterville, river north, lakeshore east, old town, lincoln park, lakeview, perhaps even west loop etc etc.

Yes and No, I would still say that South Loop is still one of the more expensive hoods in Chicago as a whole. Near North Side and LP are probably the two most expensive areas of the city.

[chitown85]

Originally Posted by Attrill

The best places to look in are West Town, Pilsen, Ukrainian Village, Logan Square, and Humboldt Park - basically along the Blue line. I know for certain that these places have a decent DIY scene going on, and are close to good venues for established bands. Wicker Park and Bucktown are close to a lot of what you're looking for, but they're a bit overpriced and have gotten trendy.

I would not recommend Humboldt Park or Pilsen for newcomers to Chicago. They are still heavy gang neighborhoods.

[HumboldtParkRican773]

Originally Posted by chitown85

I would not recommend Humboldt Park or Pilsen for newcomers to Chicago. They are still heavy gang neighborhoods.

Haha true,but....NUTHIN BEATS the energy and swag of Humboldt Park!
PR fest in June....can't wait!

[HumboldtParkRican773]

This thread is pretty funny because we just rented one of are apartments to a Virgianian family from the DC area and ......They LUV it! And so do I! Anywhere in the North Side. Logan Square,Wicker Park,Bucktown,Lincoln Park,Hermosa,Avondale,LakeView,Uptown,Rogers Park, anywhere in the North side is good! Even Humboldt Park,Thats Chicago Puerto Rican hood just so you know.

[HumboldtParkRican773]

Wicker Park has alot of bars,night clubs,restuarants,even saw a filming crew the other day.They're probably filming a movie.It's busy even past midnight,all hours of the day.WestTown also has has alot of nightlife,busy all day.Specialy on Division past the rican area its trendy with alot of nightlife.


http://www.viva-vegas.com/vegas/mar2003/DSC00184.JPG (broken link)

[SmartGXL]

FYI, that 3rd picture, the one on the bottom, was taken over in Gold Coast, not in Wicker Park.