Moving To Chicago In July From Jersey/nyc. Need Help With Neighborhood! (Lincoln: rentals, condo)

[maxwellimus]

Hi,

I'm moving to Chicago from Jersey (20mins outside of new york). I've grown up in the city and around it and have worked 3 years in new york. I was just wondering what neighboorhood I should move to in Chicago with:

- Great view of the skyline outside my window
- big population of young professionals
- gay friendly (I dont need to be in boystown per say)
- lots of shopping, bars, and dining around
- walkable to work (downtown) and to groceries

I am looking for either a loft, or a 1-2 bedroom maxing out at around $1600. Is this undoable?

Some neighborhoods I've looked at are:

wicker park
logan square
gold coast
west loop
lakeview

What would you guys recommend? I'm looking for like a east village or west village feel if i'm comparing it to new york, which i know i shouldn't be doing.

Please help!

[UnderTheLiveOaks]

Originally Posted by maxwellimus

Hi,

I'm moving to Chicago from Jersey (20mins outside of new york). I've grown up in the city and around it and have worked 3 years in new york. I was just wondering what neighboorhood I should move to in Chicago with:

- Great view of the skyline outside my window
- big population of young professionals
- gay friendly (I dont need to be in boystown per say)
- lots of shopping, bars, and dining around
- walkable to work (downtown) and to groceries

I am looking for either a loft, or a 1-2 bedroom maxing out at around $1600. Is this undoable?

Some neighborhoods I've looked at are:

wicker park
logan square
gold coast
west loop
lakeview

What would you guys recommend? I'm looking for like a east village or west village feel if i'm comparing it to new york, which i know i shouldn't be doing.

Please help!

Walkable to downtown? Gold Coast or West Loop, depending on where your office is. West Loop is still kinda industrial. Wicker Park fits a lot of your criteria, short of being walkable to the Loop. It's right on the Blue Line, though.

Have you spent much time in Chicago? You might want to come take a long look around, if not. You'll get a feel for what areas might suit.

And 1600 should do it in any of these areas.

[maxwellimus]

yeah, well im sorry. I meant walk to the el or anything to bring me downtown in around less than 30 mins.

I will be coming to Chicago again in April to check out some places and hopefully sign something. How does the renting work in chicago? are there extra fees for agents?

[aragx6]

Renting in Chicago is very easy - no agents or extra fees or anything. I would definitely look into Craigslist for a place, also the Chicago Reader.

Wicker Park may well be the best choice for you. It has the views, prices and nearby neccessities you ask for.

Logan Square, while a great budget option, isn't really "there" yet as far as lots of stuff to do is concerned

The Gold Coast is very nice and upscale. $1600 won't go nearly as far there (though you shouldn't have any problem finding a 1 br) and you won't get as many skyline views, as you are kind of right in the thick of it - though getting a highrise near the lake isn't too shabby

The West Loop is made up of mostly new construction condo midrises. It's close to the city center and transportation options are pretty available, but the area itself isn't very "neighborhoody"

Lakeview is a fun, interesting neighborhood with a lot going on, but I'm not sure you could expect to get to the loop in a half hour during rush hour - It's always taken me about 20 or so minutes not during rush hour. Someone who does that regularly might be able to give a better idea of what to expect.

[maxwellimus]

Nicee, thanks for all the suggestions.

are there any areas in wicker park i should be careful of? how long does it take to get to downtown from wicker park with the el?

[aragx6]

Look out for the term "West Wicker Park" as what this really means is Humboldt Park, which is a neighborhood for the urban pioneers. Stay east of Western. There are a good number of places in Ukrainian village, which is south of Wicker Park, but they lack el service so they probably won't be a great bet for you.

Essentially if you want to be close to the el and the action I would look in a half mile radius or so of the major intersection in the neighborhood (Milwaukee, Damen and North Ave) as well as in that radius of Ashland, Milwaukee and Division.

It's only like 10 minutes to the loop from Wicker Park during non-rush times.

[maxwellimus]

why would it be faster to reach somewhere during non rush for a subway system? wouldn't there be more trains coming more frequent during rush hours?

[aragx6]

If you're talking about the blue and red lines which run 24 hours a day they're almost always faster at non-peak times because the trains still run pretty frequently (I've never waited more than 10 min. on a slow afternoon) but you don't have hoards of people, filled up cars, and longer stops because of dozens of people getting on and off.

[tmdbailey]

Hi! My name is Tricia. Nice to meet you and advance welcome to Chicago! I have lived here for 10 years now and could not ever imagine living anywhere else. :-) I think you will find that rents are significantly lower here than in NY. Especially now, as I believe the market is saturated with rentals. You can choose and negotiate. :-) I have lived in Wrigley, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park and now I am in (and intend to remain) in Jefferson Park. Transportation around here is great - sometimes a little time-consuming, but one just has to adjust. Personally, my opinion is the closer to the lake, the better. Again, my opinion- but I think anywhere from Belmont (and Sheridan) up to North Avenue (and Sheridan) say maybe as far west as Broadway... and for $1600 month, you can get a SWEET place in a high to mid-rise with a view, just like you want. I SWEAR I am not a rental agent. LOL :-) honestly - just come out and walk around - thats the best way to tell. The two times of year for moving are May and October. If you can stand dodging moving trucks thats the best time to move. otherwise, wait it out until June and get yourself a deal -- property owners are desparate and will totally negotiate. Check out craigslist chicago and the chicago reader for listings. Anyone else have ideas? Agree/Disagree? :-) oh yeah -walking distance to a nice healthclub is crucial, as well! :-) if your company pays - stay at the Belden-Stratford for a few days or a week and check out the area! :-) Best wishes! T

[tmdbailey]

this might sound really dumb - but whats an urban pioneer? :-) thanks!