Thinking of moving to Chicago (Lisle, Lincoln: best neighborhood, apartment, lease)

[WesleyPrescott]

I'm considering to moving to Chicago after college. What are the safest neighborhoods with the best public transit, restaurants and businesses?

The ones I looked up have been: Hyde Park, Lincoln Park, Gold Coast and Lakeview. I know nothing about them, though. If anyone could, please describe these neighborhoods to me.

Thank you.

[brianjb]

Just chiming in a bit.

What is your expected salary? Do you have kids or wife? Do you already have a job lined up?

Why don't you come spend the weekend and then tour the neighborhoods yourself some before hand?

The rents can vary pretty wildly in those areas. As always, it is advisable to rent in an area if you are new to the area for about 6 months before you buy.

[WesleyPrescott]

Well being a prospective advertising major, I looked up the median salary for entry level jobs in the area and it was around 40-60k. I only want to spend 1000-1200 on rent. I'm fine with a studio or 1 bedroom if possible. No pets, and no one will be living with me.

No job is lined up yet, its just where I want to be and as far as my research, I found Chicago to be a pretty decent city for Ad and Marketing careers.

I plan to come spend a weekend in Chicago in May or June.

[rparz]

Originally Posted by WesleyPrescott

I'm considering to moving to Chicago after college. What are the safest neighborhoods with the best public transit, restaurants and businesses?

The ones I looked up have been: Hyde Park, Lincoln Park, Gold Coast and Lakeview. I know nothing about them, though. If anyone could, please describe these neighborhoods to me.

Thank you.

Speaking in broad strokes:
Hyde Park: University Of Chicago; Mansions, Old Money
For a fresh out of college student, you're somewhat isolated from 'the action.'
Far and away my favorite area of the city; consider it a "Best Kept Secret" but wouldn't move there unless I hit the lotto or had work at UofC.

Lincoln Park: DePaul University, Fresh out of College students. If you're from a small midwestern town and graduate college, this is usually your first stop.

Gold Coast: More Upscale and affluent area, affordable (relative) housing is in high rises, nothing that resembles parking, and not many grocery stores or neighborhood 'feel.'

Lakeview: Somewhat of a trendy area to live similar to Lincoln Park.


Lakeview and Lincoln Park are are quite similar, and have a 'neighborhood' feel to them. Walking down the streets, talking to neighbors etc.
I'd focus on those two areas for a first apartment in the city and sign a year lease, you'll know what area you want to settle in by then.

[WesleyPrescott]

Say I'm coming from Pennsylvania as a Penn State grad, what would be the best neighborhood to look in if I were say, working in the Loop?

[rparz]

I'd say 80%+ of fresh out of state grads move into LP/LV. Take on a year lease (roommates are common) then use the time to figure out if they want to stay there or branch out to places like Bucktown/WP, Ukie Village, Roscoe Village, Lincoln Square, whatever.

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by WesleyPrescott

I'm considering to moving to Chicago after college. What are the safest neighborhoods with the best public transit, restaurants and businesses?

The ones I looked up have been: Hyde Park, Lincoln Park, Gold Coast and Lakeview. I know nothing about them, though. If anyone could, please describe these neighborhoods to me.

Thank you.

Hyde Park - Near the U of Chicago..mix of people. Don't know a ton about admittedly. On the South Side which is known as the "bad part of town" in parts, but Hyde Park is very nice and even has some mansions. Pretty sure this was historically the first "nice" neighborhood in Chicago. Some tall buildings here, and some not so tall buildings. Can find both cheaper and more expensive options I believe. Kind of away from..things..

Lincoln Park - Mix of people, and a lot of college grads as well as some college aged kids. Also some older people...there are some nice old houses here as well. Most buildings are only a few stories tall, but some buildings near the lake/park and a few others scattered in there are tall. Lot of bars, restaurants, shops, some music venues, etc. Not cheap but can find places that aren't uber expensive.

Gold Coast - Mostly full of high rises and mansions. One of the more expensive places to live. Right near a ton of shopping (Michigan Ave) and a good amount of food (although semi homogeneous in cuisine). Mix of people, but most people who live here are already establish 35+, but there are a number of 22-34 year olds here as well, and some less (Loyola has a small campus there and Northwestern Medical School is close).

Lakeview - See Lincoln Park, but less expensive usually with less high rises



There are more neighborhoods that are good and safe for the most part. Wicker Park (trendy), Bucktown (trendy), River North (like Gold Coast, but more heterogeneous perhaps), South Loop, West Loop, North Center (see LP/LV), Irving Park (see LP/LV), Lincoln Square (see LP/LV), Logan Square (trendy ish i guess), parts of humboldt park are getting safer, ETC.


I live in Gold Coast, and while there's old people here and it's more affluent, there's still a number of college grads. However, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Lincoln Square, etc are more "havens" for newly (within 5 years) college grads and has a ton of independent shops, restaurants and bars.

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by WesleyPrescott

Say I'm coming from Pennsylvania as a Penn State grad, what would be the best neighborhood to look in if I were say, working in the Loop?

Lincoln Park and parts of Lakeview = Big 10 central IMO if you are looking for that. I mean, there's more michigan State, iowa, purdue, wisconsin, ohio state, etc bars but there's tons of big 10 people there if that's kind of what you're getting at.

[ShelbyDoesHair]

I would suggest moving to Wicker Park, Logan Square or even West Loop if you want to be in a young, fun area with loads to do.

-----
Shelby
Hairstylist, Makeup Artist - Chicago
ShelbyDoesHair.com

[Svenhook]

Bringing this post back from the dead. I am considering moving to Chicago and was thinking about the Lincoln Park area. How long does it take to get from there to downtown via the L? Also, I may have a job lined up in Lisle. How long of a commute (in traffic) would that be approximately?

Thanks for all the info!