New to the Area - Found apartment near Southport brown line. Need advice. (Chicago: lease, crime)

[rparz]

Of course there are, but to someone from out of town, I'd have them stay in one of those areas for a year or two and let them get a feel for the city or the neighborhood themselves and go from there.

Personally, Logan Square is my favorite part of the city, but I wouldn't send a newcomer there from out of town, especially when they're expecting Lincoln Park or Lakeview.

[It'sAutomatic]

Originally Posted by rparz

Of course there are, but to someone from out of town, I'd have them stay in one of those areas for a year or two and let them get a feel for the city or the neighborhood themselves and go from there.

Personally, Logan Square is my favorite part of the city, but I wouldn't send a newcomer there from out of town, especially when they're expecting Lincoln Park or Lakeview.

Why not? Lots of people move from out of town to Logan Square and have a blast. The OP didn't specify that He/she is expecting hardcore yuppyville. The OP hasn't explained what he/she wants in a neighborhood other than safety, so I'm not going to write off everywhere in the city except for a small part of the north side for him/her.

[rparz]

Look at it from the lens of the OP opening statement.

Hesitant about living a few blocks south of the Southport brown line.
That really limits your flexibility, doesn't it?

Also mention of shops, restaurants, and bars in the area. Sounds a lot like 'yuppyville' doesn't it?
Unless you think the discount mega-mall on Milwaukee fits that criteria.

[It'sAutomatic]

Originally Posted by rparz

Look at it from the lens of the OP opening statement.

Hesitant about living a few blocks south of the Southport brown line.
That really limits your flexibility, doesn't it?

Also mention of shops, restaurants, and bars in the area. Sounds a lot like 'yuppyville' doesn't it?
Unless you think the discount mega-mall on Milwaukee fits that criteria.

Hesitant because he/she is unaware that it's a safe area, not because he/she thinks west Lakeview is too dangerous. Here I am assuming that the OP is merely uninformed and not a complete moron .

And yet still there are several safe areas with things to do that are being missed here. There is actually a wide continuum between the likes of the heart of Lakeview and Megamall. I recommend you come see Chicago sometime, it's quite lovely.

[rparz]

Are you going to speak in generalities or were you going to name some of these areas you had in mind? You know, share with the class, maybe teach us something?

[Foursnow]

Frustrating update: I got a call from the rental management company today. They said the current tenant is unwilling to move out so they are scrambling to accommodate both people. They found me a comparable unit but it's one block west of the Belmont red line. I'm worried that parking will be a nightmare in that area. Any input on parking or just opinion on the area would be helpful. Sigh. Thanks!

[jonnynonos]

Originally Posted by Foursnow

Frustrating update: I got a call from the rental management company today. They said the current tenant is unwilling to move out so they are scrambling to accommodate both people. They found me a comparable unit but it's one block west of the Belmont red line. I'm worried that parking will be a nightmare in that area. Any input on parking or just opinion on the area would be helpful. Sigh. Thanks!

That is a completely different area. Belmont right there is a really weird street, kind of a mix of the old grungy/alternative stuff from the '90s, junk stores, newer mall-style restaurants and stores, a fair amount of homeless kids...

It's not dangerous but it has absolutely nothing in common with the location you first posted about and would be seen as far less desirable in the eyes of most people, IMO.

This is assuming the apartment is on Belmont. If it's a block south, etc., could be a different story. There are a lot of nice buildings around there, say, five blocks south, etc.

But if it's literally a block west of the el on Belmont, you could probably do better.

[Foursnow]

Yes - its almost literally just west of the Belmont stop. A few doors north of Belmont and Kenmore. I'm going to check out the area and walk around a bit, but I don't have high hopes..

[jonnynonos]

I don't really know the area from a student's perspective; it might be a cool spot for kids at the school. I don't really know. You could do worse. It's not a place that a lot of nonstudents probably would be all that attracted to these days, though.

[eevee]

Originally Posted by Foursnow

Yes - its almost literally just west of the Belmont stop. A few doors north of Belmont and Kenmore. I'm going to check out the area and walk around a bit, but I don't have high hopes..

Doesn't sound too good depending on how close you are to Big City, aka "Big Sh!tty" bar. I'd personally pass on any apartment directly above, next to, or even a half block away from this place.