Narrowing relocation candidates (Chicago, Lincoln: rent, crimes, technology jobs)

[efrenb5]

A little bit about my background. Software engineer moving from Puerto Rico in about 2-3 years. I will be able to pay a rent of up to $1,500. No car and no kids ever. It will be just my wife and our two cats. We are looking for somewhere safe, good access to public transportation, good access to ammenities within walking distance (10-15 mins). We don't mind constant street activity, as long as it is not loud, like near clubs (loud music) and pubs (drunks).

I have been searching the forum and searching through old posts for possible relocation candidates and have found the following:

- Wicker Park/Bucktown := Safe. Good mix of different people (mix as in races, cultures, etc). This is

- Lincoln Park/Lake View/Gold Coast := Safe. Might feel a little segregated at times, but it's really economic class what counts.

- Andersonville := Safe. Haven't found much about segregation.

- Rogers Park/Edgewater := Not as safe. Crimes are segregated to specific areas and mostly between gangs. Good mix of different people (mix as in races, cultures, etc). From the maps it looks like it may be too far from the Loop.

Can you please expand on anything important you migh think of about any of these areas?

Can you please indicate which of these areas have too much activity on the street during the night, like night clubs and many pubs?

[Jandur]

It's going to vary street by street in most neighborhoods. Goldcoast is generally pretty damn quiet except right along rush and division. Lincoln Park is quiet unless you're near DePaul etc. Stay away off the main corridors of bars/restaurants and noise shouldn't be much of an issue.

Your other generalizations about each neighborhood are pretty accurate, though I'm sure someone will post and try to start fight about it. All of those neighborhoods are good choices, it really just depends on how close to downtown you want to be, and how far you want your $1500 to go. $1500 in Goldcoast gets you a 1 bedroom, in Lakeview you can get a 2bed etc.

[Lorielicious]

Originally Posted by Jandur

Your other generalizations about each neighborhood are pretty accurate, though I'm sure someone will post and try to start fight about it.

You rang?

OP, being in a place that's accepting of different kinds of people seems important to you. If it is, excuse me while I laugh my derierre off at your first two picks. Andersonville seems like a good choice to me, though. It's a little gay, which probably won't matter to you since you're married and likely aren't concerned much about picking up chicks, and you won't run into tolerance issues. Plus the neighborhood is super cute! Don't know about Edgewater/Rogers, but my friends who have lived here since forever tell me those spots are hit or miss.

[dewthedru]

you're looking to move 2-3 year from now and are wondering about which neighborhood to live in? Do you have a job lined up here? Where you work is fairly important because of the potential for a long commute.

[linicx]

Much will change in the US in the next 2-3 years as the economy continues to recover albeit slowly . Today the Gold Coast, Streeterville and Andersonvill are the most upscale 'hoods in Chicago. I do not expect that to change appreciably. Everything else, I think, may be a craps shoot..

[gomexico]

Check back again in 2+ years. Neighborhoods and prices change constantly.

[efrenb5]

I know it's early to decide anything, but I just want to have a general feel of the place. Although 2-3 years might seem like a long time, I don't think it's long enough to make things change so drastically. That's what I hope anyways. :s

About the job, I'll definitely have a job lined up before moving. Otherwise the move is a no go. Is there an area where technology jobs are concentrated?

Wicker Park/Bucktown came across as less segregated during my searches of the forums. Are you saying they are not? Not that I care that much about this, I just want to live someplace with some kind of "live and let live" attitude.

[gomexico]

Originally Posted by efrenb5

I know it's early to decide anything, but I just want to have a general feel of the place. Although 2-3 years might seem like a long time, I don't think it's long enough to make things change so drastically. That's what I hope anyways. :s

About the job, I'll definitely have a job lined up before moving. Otherwise the move is a no go. Is there an area where technology jobs are concentrated?

Wicker Park/Bucktown came across as less segregated during my searches of the forums. Are you saying they are not? Not that I care that much about this, I just want to live someplace with some kind of "live and let live" attitude.

There's no answer to your question, that people here can provide.

You can, however, learn more by making one or more familiarization trips to the city to see for yourself. But I'd wait 2 years or so to do that. Reading about places on the internet does give some slight insight, but it'll not be all that helpful. Perceptions of others shouldn't be all that strong an impact on you. It's you who has to be satisfied.

[emathias]

Originally Posted by efrenb5

...
Although 2-3 years might seem like a long time, I don't think it's long enough to make things change so drastically. That's what I hope anyways. :s
...

2-3 years is a long time. Most people I know moving internationally only take 6-9 months to prepare, and PR to US isn't even half as complicated as moving between completely distinct countries.