Chicago Neighborhood suggestions? (Addison, Lincoln, Roscoe: apartment, renting, condos)

[Tribeca]

My wife and I are moving to Chicago from NYC in February and I would love some suggestions and opinions on good neighborhoods to possibly live in. Neither of us have spent time in Chicago so we're going in sort of blind to the experience. We're both in our upper 30's, newly married and expecting our first child next summer. I've lived in NYC and have been here for 15 years. I live in Tribeca right now and the attributes of my neighborhood that I like are similar to what I would look for in Chicago. Somewhere quiet, with many neighborhood bars and restaurants in walking distance but not filled with crowds or tourists, etc. I'd love to live near a park if possible. We currently live in a luxury apartment building so we're most likely looking for the same type of experience and can spend between $1,500 to $2,200 for a 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath. I'm going to work on North Columbus (Gold Coast?) and hope to have a short commute (between 20 & 30 minutes). Anyway, any suggetions would be much appreciated. This board has been fantastic and is extremely helpful to Chicago Newbies! Looking forward to getting there soon!

[Drover]

Sounds like what you're looking for is a lakeshore highrise in Lincoln Park, perhaps Lakeview.

[aragx6]

I agree. Gold coast has lots of high rises as well, but the tourists would probably drive you mad.

[NYrules]

There are a ton of nice areas around Chicago honestly, but the fact that you are going to be with child really changes many aspects here. Living in a high rise sounds great and all, but what is the child to do when he/she is about 5-7 and is looking for playmates when most of the building is either occupied by old people or single yuppies with no kids? This means no playmates for little jr.

There is a nice area that comes to mind which is very safe, clean, has all the conviences you mention, and won't cost you an arm and a leg. I would check out around Albany Park/Irving Park/Ravenswood area from basically Ashland on the east to Pulaski on the west and from Addison on the south to Lawrence on the north. There are plenty of good routes to and from downtown from this area, not to mention that you should have no problem parking if you bring a car which I would if I were you (it makes Chicago so much easier to get around as the public transit here isn't the greatest in the world and you will have a baby to top it all off).

Other areas that are rather quiet, yet safe would be down on the south side in Garfield Ridge and the Clearing neighborhood. Those two neighborhoods are loaded with young families usually with lots of kids. In that area take a ride down Archer Avenue from about Harlem Ave east to Pulaski. Anywhere through there is a good neighborhood. Areas east of Pulaski can get rough in parts.

Here is a map to help you out. http://www.dreamtown.com/images/maps/chicago-neighborhood-map.gif (broken link)

[dcheng3]

Tribeca,
I've never lived in New York, but I love having entertainment, restaurants, stores, theaters, and bars within walking distance (I drive more than 120 miles/day for my commute, so once I get home, the last thing I want to do is get into a car.).
The building is in the East Lakeview neighborhood at 3000 N. Sheridan, and was built in 1929. It has a doorman, maintenance staff, mail room, etc. It is a beautiful building, just off of Lake Shore Drive and a few blocks away from Lake Michigan. It's really a prime building in a prime location. Two years ago I was paying $2000/month for a 1600 sf 2BR/2BA on the 16th floor with views of the lake, Wrigley Field, and west Chicago (That's right: my unit essentially took up one side of the building and had windows facing in 3 directions.). Construction is rock-solid: never heard my neighbors.
There was a fair number of younger kids in the building, but the neighborhood certainly has plenty of kids to play with.
Dave

[dcheng3]

Tribeca,
I forgot to mention that 3000 N. Sheridan is a few blocks from the park (cut across it to get to the lake) and 5-10 minutes away from the Loop (driving) and maybe 20 minutes away by bus (the 151, which stops just outside the building). It's really a great location, and I'd probably still be there if I hadn't gotten this crazy idea 2 years ago to "own something" (Yeah, at the peak of the housing bubble!).
Dave

[jessiegirl_98]

I would also check out the South Loop. They have a lot of highrises and its very close to Grant Park. Otherwise, I would check out the highrises in Lincoln Park.

[CWchicago]

Hi,

I would look into the following neighborhoods.

Roscoe Village
Lakeview (southport area)
West loop


check out craislist for some places...there are a ton of devolpers renting out luxury condos at good prices.

hope this helps!

[Tribeca]

Thanks everyone for your help! This board is truly a lifesaver. After living in NYC I'm very familiar with how to look for an apartment and the differences from neighborhood to neighborhood. Once again I have spent no time whatsoever in Chicago so this is really helpful.

[Windy City John]

How many cars do you plan on having, if any?