If you were going to visit and explore each neighborhood to see where you'd want to live, what would you do/look for? (Chicago: apartment)

[mavzz89]

Like let's say you were picking a day to go to Lakeview, where would you go, look for, etc to see if it's a place you'd want to live?

[Master Jay]

I've explored many, in my years. Even when I was married, I used to discuss with my then-wife of a neighborhood we would choose. Essentially, a neighborhood with big enough lots so there's space in between houses and room for kids to play with no concern of too much traffic nor trouble from people. Also, a nice nearby park, and good school. A safe and clean neighborhood. Close to restaurants and shopping. And close to roads that would lead to Milwaukee with as little traffic interference as possible. Therefore, some of the top votes was: Norwood Park, Forest Glen, or Edison Park.

[Gemini1963]

Originally Posted by mavzz89

Like let's say you were picking a day to go to Lakeview, where would you go, look for, etc to see if it's a place you'd want to live?

I'm not sure if your question is what would we be looking for in a neighborhood, or how would we go about looking at neighborhoods that we're interested in?

If it's the latter, one idea is to look at the various episodes of The Grid (many available on YouTube) for various neighborhoods, and then go in person to check out the places that the reporter visits. On the one hand, yes, it's not new and groundbreaking to go do what the reporter just did. But on the other hand, it's a quick way to get ideas about how to structure your visit, and being there will give you a LOT more firsthand information than just wondering about the places.

So, just google "The Grid Sun Times" and see what you find. Examples of neighborhoods available are Logan Square, Andersonville, Bronzeville, Ravenswood, Pilsen, Beverly ....

Here's Ravenswood, to get you started. Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64u3GNVz74g

[Master Jay]

Gemini1963, great call!!! That's a very good show!

[fusillirob1983]

I think in deciding where you'd want to live, you may need to share what you're looking for.

Do you want a more suburban feel? Driveway, garage, easy parking?

Lake access? Easy highway access? EL access? Very safe neighborhood? Good schools? Lots of restaurants? High rise, doorman, 2-3 story walkup? Single family home?

I think you may want to at least have a sense of which of those those things are more important and then go exploring among those that meet your more important criteria.

[personone]

Actually, I did this to a degree the first year I moved to the city. I didn't explore every neighborhood (obviously), there are just way too many. But I wanted to look at potential places for my next apartment, so I went and explored several neighborhoods. I did it during Saturdays in the spring when the weather was nice (sunny), and it was awesome. First I took a look at some of the apartment buildings that I was interested in, and then I walked around the neighborhood to get a general feel. It was a great way to get to know Chicago.

Chicago has some of the greatest collection of neighborhoods of any city in the country. Each neighborhood is like its own independent city. You can also live in a Chicago neighborhood for years, and still discover hidden gems.

[BOBNCHI]

It's just a minor detail but first, determine your budget! Then everything else becomes clearer.