Looking for safe, affordable neighborhood within reasonable transit distance to U of Chicago (Lincoln: apartments, for rent)

[youngKat]

Hello all,

I graduated from college in MN this past May, and there is a significant possibility that I will be relocating to Chicago this fall in order to work at the University of Chicago. I understand that, with the exception of Hyde Park, the area around the school is not the best. However, many of the neighborhoods suggested to me so far would require a trip on public transportation longer than one hour to get down to work. I'd really prefer 30 mins or less, but to be honest I don't know what is typical for commuters.

I'm looking for nice-ish studio or 1BR apartments with a target rent of $700-$800. Any input on neighborhoods to look at or other suggestions about living in Chicago would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[soulful]

You might consider the South Loop/Printers Row. Printers Row is more "lofty" and the South Loop is mainly new high rises with some lofts. You may be able to find a condo studio for rent in one of the many condo buildings. I prefer Printers Row as it is a little more established.

Most folks I know who work at the U of C live in Lakeview or Lincoln Park close to a Red Line station. Their commute is 45 -50 minutes typically. You could find a studio for 800.

I know two folks who live in Hyde Park and really love it (but they are a couple).

Good luck.

[youngKat]

Thanks for the ideas! It really helps to have some sort of starting point.

Anyone else have input on these areas??

[Vlajos]

I believe UofC has shuttle buses to different parts of the City but not certain.

[jsk1983]

Originally Posted by Vlajos

I believe UofC has shuttle buses to different parts of the City but not certain.

I thought they got rid of those. I know there used to be a Lakeview to U of C CTA bus, but I think that was axed.

[Vlajos]

Originally Posted by jsk1983

I thought they got rid of those. I know there used to be a Lakeview to U of C CTA bus, but I think that was axed.

You may be right. It was years ago that I knew someone who used the shuttle.

[oakparkdude]

Originally Posted by Vlajos

You may be right. It was years ago that I knew someone who used the shuttle.

I googled this in about 5 seconds:
CTA #192 University of Chicago Hospitals Express

[SJaye]

Hyde Park itself is not bad (dangerous). It just gets kind of isolated from the other nice neighborhoods primarily on the North side. If you are not that into partying, I would say live in Hyde Park. Otherwise, I'd second the South Loop idea. The METRA rail line to Hyde Park has a stop near Roosevelt Rd. which takes you into Hyde Park real fast, but you can still live near the Red Line, which gives you access to a lot of other neighborhoods.

[jsk1983]

Originally Posted by SJaye

Hyde Park itself is not bad (dangerous). It just gets kind of isolated from the other nice neighborhoods primarily on the North side. If you are not that into partying, I would say live in Hyde Park. Otherwise, I'd second the South Loop idea. The METRA rail line to Hyde Park has a stop near Roosevelt Rd. which takes you into Hyde Park real fast, but you can still live near the Red Line, which gives you access to a lot of other neighborhoods.

Although you have to transfer to the 55th Street bus in a not so great neighborhood.

[SJaye]

Originally Posted by jsk1983

Although you have to transfer to the 55th Street bus in a not so great neighborhood.

Not on METRA. On the CTA red line you do, but the METRA Electric Line (and also the NICDT South Shore line) both stop in Hyde Park by the University.