tips for visiting the city with an eye to move? (Chicago: flat fee, transfer)

[ivory303]

I'm looking to move to Chicago in the next few years with my older sister, but neither of us have ever been besides a brief trip I took looking at colleges several years ago. From what I've read on here so far I think we'd be interested in living somewhere like Andersonville, Edgewater, or Wicker Park (although I think that will likely be out of our price range).

I'm hoping to visit some time in the spring, so what I'm really looking for is any advice on navigating the public transit for someone who has no experience doing so and how best to get an idea of what the neighborhoods are like. Thanks in advance

[Ramo Nash]

The public transit system is really easy--you can get cards and maps at any stop (or look online). There's a flat fee for riding anywhere on the train, which also includes a bus transfer. I would strongly recommend getting a guide book (Not For Tourists comes to mind) that has transit maps and clear descriptions of where the centers of neighborhoods are.

To get an idea of neighborhoods, take public transit near the center and just walk around (i.e.: for wicker park, take the blue line to damen and explore). Neighborhoods tend to be pretty spread out outside of really desirable areas, but are, for the most part, walkable if you've got a lot of time and some good shoes. Something I've paid particular attention too in Chicago is access to public transit and grocery stores. There are lots of "food deserts" in the city (no groceries within walking/public transit distance), even in some pretty desirable areas.

[ivory303]

Thanks for the advice!

[sharkylittleton]

These links should help you formulate a transportation plan.

1-888-YOURCTA | Chicago Transit Authority - System Maps (http://www.transitchicago.com/maps/systemmaps.html - broken link)
Chicago Neighborhood Guide | City Guide for Neighborhoods in Chicago

[Thepreacherswife]

Get an unlimited ride visitor pass. The CTA website tells you where you can buy them (http://www.transitchicago.com/maps/fares.html#outlet - broken link) once you get here, or you can order them online in advance.

You can also use Google maps to plan trips on the CTA (bus and train routes are both included) but always check the CTA alerts page (http://www.transitchicago.com/news/whatsnewa.wu - broken link) to see if there are any planned outages - there's almost always some train outage or service change every weekend. If you can visit during the week you can get a better idea of what your commute might be like from different neighborhoods (assuming you know where you would be working/going to school).

You used to be able to look at the entire NFT Chicago guide online for free, now it's $1.50 per chapter (the table of contents is still free). The book costs in the $18-$20 range.

[eevee]

do try to visit the area at night!! you may find a neighborhood is much different after the sun goes down. I'm not saying go strolling around at 1am, but try to walk around in the later hours. go to a club, bar, or restaurant in an area you'd consider living in, and just see if you'd feel comfortable in this area at night. the areas you're looking at are fine, but it's not uncommon to see a few bums near the Damen stop at night (hopefully you're not one of those people who shriek in fear at the sight of a homeless person!)

[ivory303]

Thanks for the tip about the unlimited ride pass, I was wondering if there was something like that. I actually just ordered the NFT Chicago last night, too.

Thanks for the advice eevee, I'd heard that some areas can be kind of Jekyll and Hyde. And the area I grew up in had its fair share oh bums, so I don't think I would be too bothered.