Considering condo in River North (Chicago, Franklin: safe area, buying, living)

[rac1]

I'm from Long Island & am considering buying a condo
at 630 N Franklin St...I believe this is the Gallery District
of River North?...Is this considered a safe area or approaching
too far west? How about compared to Streeterville area?
Any help is appreciated...

[nikitakolata]

Originally Posted by rac1

I'm from Long Island & am considering buying a condo
at 630 N Franklin St...I believe this is the Gallery District
of River North?...Is this considered a safe area or approaching
too far west? How about compared to Streeterville area?
Any help is appreciated...

I consider that a very safe area. My cousin actually lives in that building and she loves it. I like that building a lot too; it has a great location and the common areas are nice, but it doesn't have a ton of unnecessary "luxuries" like a pool (that no one ever uses) that increase the assessments to a ridiculous level. I personally think that is what is ideal because most people never get their money's worth for a building full of amenities (pool, party room, bowling lane, pool tables, etc., etc.).

[nikitakolata]

Forgot to add that I like the location of 630 N. Franklin more than Streeterville because it has very easy expressway access. It's a lot easier to get to/from in a car and it's right by the brown line as well.

[5Lakes]

River North has better transit and nightlife/dining options than Streetville. Streeterville is quieter and more boring, but is right on the lake. Both are safe, but River North is sketchy north of Chicago Avenue (west of Orleans) where there is some public housing.

I'm also aware of the building at 630 Franklin. Nice building, but you will get noise from the elevated train that goes past the building and there are a couple of loud nightclubs next door. I hope you are aware of this.

[rac1]

thanks for the good info...I am aware of the train nearby but the building is constructed
with precast concrete walls (pretty unusual) hopefully this helps...I agree about the lack
of amenties keeping the assesments low-a good thing...I would be carless there...is that
practical assuming a commute to the Loop?

[nikitakolata]

Originally Posted by rac1

thanks for the good info...I am aware of the train nearby but the building is constructed
with precast concrete walls (pretty unusual) hopefully this helps...I agree about the lack
of amenties keeping the assesments low-a good thing...I would be carless there...is that
practical assuming a commute to the Loop?

Living without a car is definitely doable in that location. If I lived in that building I would be walking to my job in the loop during the nicer months of the year because it really is not a very long walk. Biking would also be an option, although it's not something I do (don't have a bike at the moment).

As for the train, you can hear it when you're in the building if the unit is on the side of the building that faces the tracks. My cousin is on the 7th floor on that side of the building and we could hear the train. For me, that is not an issue; it is one of those city noises that I really don't even notice anymore. Also, the bedroom in most of the units in that building are farther in from the windows, so the noise is less in there. My cousin said the El has never bothered her in terms of the noise, just for what that's worth.

[rac1]

I agree about the train noise, I think it would bother me less (unless it was outrageously loud) than noise from other units, anyway this one faces north for what that is worth-I think the tracks are east...thanks again, great to get actual "inside" information

[emathias]

Originally Posted by rac1

thanks for the good info...I am aware of the train nearby but the building is constructed with precast concrete walls (pretty unusual) hopefully this helps...I agree about the lack of amenties keeping the assesments low-a good thing...I would be carless there...is that practical assuming a commute to the Loop?

I've lived 2 blocks from that location for 6 1/2 years without a car. I work in the Loop. Your closest full grocery store will be the Jewel-Osco on the corner of Ohio Street and State Street. Peapod also offers delivery groceries. And there are a few other convenience stores with some items nearby.

I recommend signing up for ZipCar for short errands that require a car. There are a lot of ZipCar spots in River North, so it's really quite convenient.