Relocating to Chicago - One Detroit Dude, One South African Dude (Schaumburg: apartment, for rent)

[robin687]

My partner (the South African guy, 33yo) has a job opportunity in Chicago and I (the Detroit guy, 28yo) in Schaumburg. What neighborhoods in Chicago should we target for rent? Ideally, we can both use mass transit for the commute, but if not possible, I'm a Detroiter and very much used to commuting in a car on crowded freeways even if costs me years off my life and a deteriorated youth so I can make a car commute work as long as its under 1 hour each way on average. Things we value in a neighborhood are walkability, a little bit of bar and restaurant sort of scene (but doesn't have to be excessive) and proximity to recreation where we can take our two dogs. Rent on a high end would be about $3500 (I'm cheap, he might say $4,000).

Thanks for your help!! Excited to be your neighbor!

[knitgirl]

To keep your commute at no more than an hour, I would suggest Ravenswood, Lincoln Square, maybe Jefferson Park. I definitely would not recommend lakefront neighborhoods.You might have a tough time with 2 dogs. Definitely don't need to spend that much.

[jrs2]

Anywhere near the Kennedy, from Logan square, avondale, and northwest, but it gets sleepier the further northwest you go. Let me just say, you can't beat those boulevards in Logan square for recreation.

[personone]

Originally Posted by knitgirl

To keep your commute at no more than an hour, I would suggest Ravenswood, Lincoln Square, maybe Jefferson Park. I definitely would not recommend lakefront neighborhoods.You might have a tough time with 2 dogs. Definitely don't need to spend that much.

I agree with this list. I would throw in Irving Park as an option too. The OP will want to look at these NW neighborhoods if he wants to stay in the city of Chicago. That area (NW neighborhoods) are great for dogs. Definitely a more residential feel overall (especially Jefferson Park), and you will be close to large neighborhood parks, restaurants, shopping, etc.

[robin687]

Thanks for the responses guys. We will be checking out some neighborhoods this weekend!

[IrishIllini]

The Kennedy is a nightmare at pretty much all times of the day. I personally love Lincoln Sq. My first apartment was in Lincoln Sq. and we had a yard. It wasn't big, but enough for some dogs.

[OyCrumbler]

Is your office in Schaumberg close to the Metra Schaumberg station? If it is, then maaaaaaybe you can find something workable where you get onto the train at the Western Avenue stop or Union Station. It's not exactly ideal, but you might find something workable with either biking or taking a bus to one of these stops if the stretch from Schaumburg station to your workplace isn't excruciating and you value not having to drive for your commute. The other possible mass transit commute option for you would be the Blue Line if there's an express bus that'll take you from the Rosemont stop to your workplace, though that seems unlikely.