Moving advice..Old Town, River North or Lincoln Park for 22 year old professional? (apartments)

[movingnative37]

Hello
I am hoping you can help me with advice on areas I am considering renting a studio apartment in..Old Town, River North or Lincoln Park.
I am 22, and moving from CT for a first job in the Loop. I would like a commute under 30 minutes or so, but mostly important is an area where a young single guy can hang out and meet people (I do not know anyone in the area). My budget is around $1800, and I would like a newer building with amenities.
I looked at a few apartments when I was in in town and liked River North (I only toured apartments in River North and River West). Since then, I have been told that Old Town and Lincoln Park are really where the young people like myself are. When I went out in River North, I saw a "mix" of people..but mostly a little older than 20 somethings at the bars I went to. Are Old Town and Lincoln Park more suited for younger professionals like myself? If the longer commute to these areas worth the social aspects? Are there any "areas" within these areas that are considered the "best"? I would like to be able to have grocery options in the area as well as being able to walk to almost everything, and be near public transportation to get to/from work.
From my price range, there seems to be more available in River North than in the other two as far as "luxury" apartments go (OT and LP seems to have way more studios for around $2000 because there doesnt seem to be as many luxury buildings there..is this correct?)
Any advice or recommendations is very much appreciated. I would like to visit but with the current state of health with covid 19, I am trying to research as much as possible online first.
Thank you!

[emathias]

Any of those can meet your needs. Lincoln Park is probably best for your needs done there are a lot of people your age. There are in Old Town and River North, too, but as they've become more expensive, the age of the residents in those two areas have skewed older. That's happened a little in Lincoln Park, too, but the presence of DePaul University keeps the average age down.

Where will your job be? That impacts commute times.

If you want to be around yonge, hip people, Logan Square or Lakeview should be on your list, too, especially Logan Square.

[movingnative37]

Thanks for your reply!
I will be working at Willis Tower. I would love a commute under 30 minutes if possible.
Lincoln Park seems to have the most expensive options for a newer studio. River North has several options, and obviously the commute time would be less, but hoping there are a lot of people my age out to meet?
I was told that Clyborn are would be good for someone my age..opinions?
It is difficult during the health crisis to tour any apartments at this time and doing 3d type tours is my best option..but those dont really tell me about the area and if it would be best suited for me.

[personone]

Lincoln Park has the most "traditional neighborhood feel" out of the 3. There are definitely lots of 20-somethings, but also a lot of "older" young professionals too (30s-40s). The younger age group tends to be in more south-west area of Lincoln Park (Fullerton area). That's around DePaul. You will definitely find a good amount of social young adults, as there are tons of neighborhood restaurants, bars, the actual park (with lots of sports and social leagues), etc. There are not a lot of "new model" apartments in LP. They tend to be older apartments, although, many are nicely renovated inside.

Old Town has more of a traditional neighborhood feel than River North, but less so than LP. Old Town is a little smaller too. There are a few streets of neighborhood bars/restaurants and a good amount of young adults across the age span (20s-40s). There are also a good amount of "newer-model" apartments in Old Town.

River North has a different feel. It's much more "traditional city living" (more new-model high rises, more tourists, more trendy night life). It is fun and a lot of young adults congregate there when they "go out," although, you probably won't find as many "regulars" there. Lots of happy hours, networking events, crowded bars/restaurants that are mixed with people who hang around after work and tourists. I'm sure there are a good number of young adults (20 somethings there), although it's probably harder to identify them. Many of the 20 somethings live in Lakeview and will "go out" in River North, but in terms of there normal hangouts, they would probably be in their neighborhood in Lakeview. You will find all ages in River North from 20s to older adults (with with tourists, local business employees, and people from other parts of the city there to go out dinner/bars all mixed in). Again, makes it less of a neighborhood feel and probably would be harder for a 20-something to meet a group of friends. Although, it would definitely have the most option of "newer buildings," depending on how important that is.