22 Year Old Female / $90K Salary / Neighborhood for a High Rise Studio? (Chicago: condos, home)

[chicago2014]

I'll be a college grad moving to Chicago next year and need to find a place. I really don't know anything about the city and did some research already, but would like some opinions for an ideal location based on the following:

1. I'm traveling for work Mon-Thurs so will only be home Fri through Sun. This means I'd prefer something smaller (like a Studio) but upscale/high quality, preferably with other urban young professionals.

2. Good public transportation (no car). Ideally convenient to get to O'Hare by taxi.

3. My dream would be a new high-rise with floor to ceiling windows with a view of the city. And something feeling more modern/upscale.

4. Office is located by Millennium Park, so might be nice to be closer but I'd imagine I don't need to be there that often as I'll be mainly going to the airport Mon/Thurs.

4. Not a partier and don't go out that much, so nightlife is not important.

5. Very much a foodie so good restaurants would be a plus.

6. Single, no pets, no kids, just want a nice, simple place to crash on the weekends.

Basically my question is, which neighborhoods would be best for what I'm looking for? What kind of price range would this be - my guess is that my budget is under $2000 per month.

Thanks!

[Jesse69]

I can't believe a new grad would get $90K salary, what job would you do?

[orange3324]

West Loop and Fulton River District would work. Both have access to the blue line which takes you to O'hare and both have many new high-rises in your price range

[isaac2004]

Originally Posted by Jesse69

I can't believe a new grad would get $90K salary, what job would you do?

Not to speak for OP, but traveling consultants (that do the 4 day travel weeks) for big companies like Accenture get paid very well. I would not be surprised that a grad could get a consulting job from there for big money.

It's a pretty sweet gig, because they usually give you a living per diem for when you are not home, but you basically are like George Clooney in up in the air, and only sleep when you are at home.

Best of luck to the OP on your hunt. I agree that somewhere on the Blue Line is ideal, otherwise taking a cab is an option, but will be pricey (but I assume your company pays for your travel fees so whatever).

There are some nice high rises on the West side of the River between Grand and Randolph (look on Google Maps and go to Earth view to see what I am talking about) but they all might be Condos, so you might have to get lucky. Best part here is you could take a cab to the Grand or Clark and Lake Blue Line stop and just chill straight to O'hare. Also to get to your office, your best bet is Blue Line to Washington, then walking to your home office from there. So Blue Line is your best route of traffic to get to home to office to O'hare

[latikeriii]

Bucktown. Good housing stock(midrise floor to ceiling windows) and right on the Blue Line that shoots you to O'Hare. Of course i'm sure that work will pay for your cabs to O'Hare.

[lycos679]

Originally Posted by Jesse69

I can't believe a new grad would get $90K salary, what job would you do?

Financial engineers start close to $90K, but that is with a graduate degree.

[rparz]

I'd look into a regular place with a roommate somewhere near a blue line stop. You're not going to be home much, so why pay all that $$ when you're not even going to be there 50%+ of the time. Plus, the roommate(s) can keep an eye on your stuff. Save the $$, it's not like you're going to be able to take advantage and enjoy it much anyway.

[ChiNaan]

Originally Posted by rparz

Plus, the roommate(s) can keep an eye on your stuff.

Sure, or break it.

I can think of no good reason why anyone making $90K/year in Chicago would want to have a roommate they're not having sex with or legally obligated to care for. Can you imagine coming home after an intense four days of work travel every week, ready to relax on the weekend, only to find someone else in your space? No thanks. I think she has the right idea.

[Chicago60614]

Places around the Damen Blue Line might be nice for you. Nice area, quick transport to O'hare, stuff to do, quick access to downtown, pretty safe.

[NARFALICIOUS]

Originally Posted by ChiNaan

Sure, or break it.

I can think of no good reason why anyone making $90K/year in Chicago would want to have a roommate they're not having sex with or legally obligated to care for. Can you imagine coming home after an intense four days of work travel every week, ready to relax on the weekend, only to find someone else in your space? No thanks. I think she has the right idea.

having a room mate is a personal preference. someone who is 22 might want a room mate, did you ever consider that?? It can be fun...