Relocating to Chicago (Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Southport Corridor) (salons, houses)

[jman07]

Wrigleyville isn't "loud" during the week. As long as you don't have an apt directly along clark st it won't ever be "loud", so don't worry about that. It's not like martigra or anything. Southport is a nicer more laid back version of Wrigley though. Lakeshore east lacks decent bars, shopping, and parking.

[hindukid]

I'd probably lean towards lincoln park though it would mostly depend on what I found in each neighborhood as they are all pretty good.

I think the advantage of Lincoln park is that its a 5 minute shorter commute and its close to the lake.

My main objection to Southport is the distance from the lake. Too far for daily walks and it adds a lot if you are running. If you are not that familiar with Chicago, the lake is the best thing going so why not live next to it if possible. I think Southport also has many more of the young married types who are a few years older than OP. Lots of strollers in the neighborhood. I see Southport as more of a late 20's neighborhood for those who are ready to move on from Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville.

Lakeview East is boystown. Which is fine but a little different scene. It would be my second choice to Lincoln Park.

[ChiGuy2.5]

IMO you should ditch the southport idea. If I were you it would be between Lakeview East and Lincoln Park. My favorite bars are along lincoln ave, which are lions head, maxbar (4am), wise fools, John Barleycorn, etc. If you live in lakeview east you have quick access to the lake. If you like running, you will LOVE running along the lakeshore path. Its beautiful with a nice cool breeze from the lake. Living along the lake will be more expensive than living off the lake, but living off the lake also gives you quicker access to public trans (specifically the L). So here is an easy breakdown for ya:

Lincoln Park
Pros:
Quick access to the "L"
Good bars and young crowd (because of depaul)
Close to the lake depending on where you live
Closer of the two to the beaches (oak street and north ave beach)
Cons:
Expensive in relative terms but well under your budget

Lakeview East
Pros:
Cheaper rent usually
Good bars but mixed crowd. You will see more 30 year olds in lakeview vs. Lincoln Park at the bars.
Close to the lake depending on where you live
Cons:
Further commute to downtown/loop
Not as quick access to the "L" as lincoln park.
Further from the main beaches (oak street and north ave)

I think you should look at Lincoln Park first to see if you find anything you enjoy.

[Vlajos]

I think all the choices the OP has brought up are fine. Just an FYI, the Brown line crosses Southport in Lake View.

[ChiGuy2.5]

Originally Posted by Vlajos

I think all the choices the OP has brought up are fine. Just an FYI, the Brown line crosses Southport in Lake View.

Yes but I was referring only to Lakeview East. IMO living anywhere west of sheffield in lakeview is bleh.

[Vlajos]

Originally Posted by ChiGuy2.5

Yes but I was referring only to Lakeview East. IMO living anywhere west of sheffield in lakeview is bleh.

That's fine, my point is Southport has good transit.

The rest is subjective. I prefer Southport to Lake View east.

[aragx6]

Originally Posted by Vlajos

That's fine, my point is Southport has good transit.

The rest is subjective. I prefer Southport to Lake View east.

As do I. But I just turned 27 so I'm super old now.

[Vlajos]

Originally Posted by aragx6

As do I. But I just turned 27 so I'm super old now.

[soulful]

I would go with East Lakeview or eastern Lincoln Park. The proximity to the actual park/lake makes all the difference. Also, I like living within 5 minutes walking of a Jewel, Whole Foods, and a Treasure Island. All of that is possible in the right section of East Lakeview.

There is nothing wrong with the Southport Corridor. It is very nice. Bottom line is you won't make a mistake in any case. good luck with your move.

[Larry Siegel]

Within Lakeview, west of Sheffleld (including the Southport corridor) is the most affluent, quietest, and most "mature" part. Lots of baby strollers. I love it. But I'm not 25 and I'm not much of a runner. Walk around both areas and decide for yourself; all of Lakeview and Lincoln Park are desirable areas.