Need advice on which neighborhood (Chicago, Ashland: apartment, lease, condos)

[TXSM868]

Hi,

My son will attend the UIC medical school this summer. Instead of renting an apartment, we are thinking of buying a condo. But then the question comes to which neighborhood.

Through my crude 'research', the following neighborhoods were identified: river north, near west side, and near north.

Are there any other areas we should look at as well?

We are looking for a safe and low maintenance 1-2 bd.

Thanks,

Tim

[UC18]

FYI, River North is part of the Near North area (along with Old Town, Streeterville, and Gold Coast).

If I were your son, and had the budget you evidently have to be looking in River North, I'd probably rather look in West Loop, near the Pink Line, for purposes of commuting to school.

I also wouldn't buy a condo in Chicago for the length of time that one is in medical school, but I realize you weren't asking for advice on that part.

[TXSM868]

Thank you for your very informative advice, UC18. We'll certainly add West Loop to our search list. Being close to public transportation is a huge plus.

Our budget is between $250K-$350K. I know it's a bit stretch to look in River North.

[UC18]

River North is also close to public transportation, by the way, but involves either taking two trains or a bus or walking across the river into the Loop to get on the Pink Line. It wouldn't be that big of a deal, but living near the Pink Line would be so much faster and simpler for getting to the Medical Campus, which for a person dealing with all that med school entails would make life that much easier.

West Loop, like River North, is an affluent area adjacent to the Loop. Unlike River North, West Loop gentrified more recently and is a little trendier, whereas RN is a little more established, touristy, etc. This is a broad generalization, of course, but generally true, if this is something that matters to you.

[jonnynonos]

If public transit isn't a concern there is no real good answer to your question; you would just have to come here and see where you want to buy; you can get to the med school fairly quickly from a wide array of neighborhoods.

Maybe get a short term lease for the first six months while he decides where he wants to live. Neighborhoods really vary, and are almost entirely a matter if taste.

[knitgirl]

OP said public transit is a huge plus. I can't imagine that someone in med school would want to spend a lot of time getting there. The suggestions above are probably the best ones.

[buccsmf1]

I currently work at Rush, same complex as UIC and I take the pink line every day. Based on your budget I'd probably be looking in west loop. Great access to the pink line and its a great neighborhood. Lots of young people from the medical complex live there. But I would ask your son where else he will rotate during his 3rd and 4th years. Some medical schools have you doing rotations outside of the main campus, and you guys should try to find out how accessible those rotation sites are.

[Chicago76]

Late to this one, but the West Loop and the Taylor Street areas have tons of med students....as others have mentioned. An overlooked area on this thread is East Village/Ukie Village/Wicker Park. I knew a lot of med students who would live in this area and catch the Damen or Ashland bus south (or ride their bike) to the medical school. Areas around Augusta/Damen are less than 2 miles from the med school, which is a ridiculously easy commute about 7 months a year. The bus the other 5 months isn't bad either.

[tommy_407]

Get back to us with some more personal info regarding taste and preferences we'll then throw out more specific neighborhood suggestions:

1. Is direct subway access to UIC a concern?
2. What's the commute tolerance regarding time?
3. Taste? Safe and Sterile? Vibrant & Affordable?
4. Would your child feel weird in an "un-hip" neighborhood?
5. Are we talking car access here? Parking? Driving preference?

[TXSM868]

Sorry for going AWOL - went to Chicago and saw a number of condos.

To Tommy's question:
1. Is direct subway access to UIC a concern?
Preferred. My son will be on call sometimes.

2. What's the commute tolerance regarding time?
Within 15 min.

3. Taste? Safe and Sterile? Vibrant & Affordable?
Safety is a priority. Not much time to anything else (sad)

4. Would your child feel weird in an "un-hip" neighborhood?
Not really.
5. Are we talking car access here? Parking? Driving preference
He has a car and would like to keep it, so parking is needed.

I have seen some condos in my recent trip. Will continue to do it in the next few weeks.

Thanks!