Which neighborhood is more "hip" and safe? Pilsen or Bridgeport? (Chicago: suite, cheaper)

[dlong1991]

There are several neighborhoods that could fill the criteria, not just bridgeport or pilsen.

"Near" Columbia is relative to your desired commute time.

[emathias]

If you're planning to bike a lot, Pilsen would be more convenient than Logan Square.

If you're dependent on transit, then I don't think it's much better (if at all) than Logan for getting to/from Columbia (State Street and Congress), and Logan has a lot more going on and is closer to Wicker Park/Bucktown which definitely has a lot more going on. There will be other Columbia students in Logan Square, too, I am quite certain of it.

[neutralcat]

Thanks for all these suggestions, but now I'm back to square one! Logan or Pilsen!? Obviously, I'd rather live in Logan because it's much more diverse and has a lot more going on (I want that experience!), but is the commute to Columbia really not that bad? Also, don't forget about the price here... I'm shooting for 1k.

Also, why do people associate Bucktown with Wicker Park as if they are the same neighborhood? Would Bucktown work for me too?

[chicagobear]

Originally Posted by neutralcat

Thanks for all these suggestions, but now I'm back to square one! Logan or Pilsen!? Obviously, I'd rather live in Logan because it's much more diverse and has a lot more going on (I want that experience!), but is the commute to Columbia really not that bad? Also, don't forget about the price here... I'm shooting for 1k.

Also, why do people associate Bucktown with Wicker Park as if they are the same neighborhood? Would Bucktown work for me too?

I wouldn't move to Pilsen if I were in your position. Logan Square is better. Lots of people go to school downtown and take the Blue Line so it can't be that bad a commute. Wicker Park is the best of the three but it has gotten more expensive as it has gentrified over the last 15 years.

[justalicious6989]

Originally Posted by chicagobear

I wouldn't move to Pilsen if I were in your position. Logan Square is better. Lots of people go to school downtown and take the Blue Line so it can't be that bad a commute. Wicker Park is the best of the three but it has gotten more expensive as it has gentrified over the last 15 years.

Bridgeport is still mostly working class families, while certain parts are changing it still isn't quite there yet in terms of being hip. Pilsen, depends on where you are looking for. East of Ashland is definitely changed in the past decade.
I will agree with Chicagobear!

[SubconsciousMe]

I just moved from Pilsen, right by the Western pink line stop (also called Heart of Chicago). I had a great time there and lived there for 1.5 years and had no issues... safety or otherwise. It's all a matter of priorities. For me, it was saving money -- and I did -- we had a 2 bedroom for $700.

[justalicious6989]

Originally Posted by SubconsciousMe

I just moved from Pilsen, right by the Western pink line stop (also called Heart of Chicago). I had a great time there and lived there for 1.5 years and had no issues... safety or otherwise. It's all a matter of priorities. For me, it was saving money -- and I did -- we had a 2 bedroom for $700.

All depends on what blocks you live on. You couldn't pay me enough to live on 18th and Wood, or any block right by the viaduct. While it will take a few more years for Pilsen to become what has of North side neighborhoods. It is nice to see people are taking advantage of the "lower west side". There is much real estate in the southern neighborhoods that border the loop.

[jonnynonos]

Originally Posted by justalicious6989

All depends on what blocks you live on. You couldn't pay me enough to live on 18th and Wood, or any block right by the viaduct. While it will take a few more years for Pilsen to become what has of North side neighborhoods. It is nice to see people are taking advantage of the "lower west side". There is much real estate in the southern neighborhoods that border the loop.

Is there anything really in Pilsen beyond that stretch of 18 St and along Halsted? I am genuinely curious. I just always go to Nueva Leone, or used to before they got hammered with a litany of revolting health code violations.

[chicago0311]

Honestly, neither. If you are looking for a 'hip' neighborhood, both are about the opposite.

[tommy_407]

There you go OP. Sounds like you're pretty well suited in Logan or parts of Pilsen. Bridgeport is traditionally a very blue collar, working class Irish neighborhood. Logan is further along in its hipsterfication and has a lot more going on and probably more people you relate to. If you want a cheaper and probably a bit less "tame" version of that further south goto Pilsen. Like everyone said Pilsen has more of a contingency on where you are.