best chicago neighborhood for single professional female late 30s moving back to US from Australia (Naperville: apartments, lease)

[movingbacktoamerica]

Hello, I know this has probably been answered in some way so apologies in advance. Originally from Cleveland, I have been working in Melbourne for 3 years and will be starting in our Chicago office in a few months. Looking for a good neighboorhood near to downtown (office) with charm, character, restaurants, cafes, shops within walking distance. Hoping to buy a townhouse or flat in the 500,000 (or below) price range. While I have several friends in Chicago, many are in the burbs now so I'm hopeful for an area with a good population youngish (30s/40s) single professionals open to making friends. I love the idea of a mix of old and new buildings, some greenspace and great places to eat and shop. Any thoughts are much appreciated!

[ToriaT]

Lincoln Park, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Southport Corridor, Roscoe Village, Andersonville, Lincoln Square, Lakeview, to name a few. All have different attributes and advantages/disadvantages.

[Basekamp]

BucktownX3

[PJlaw]

Streeterville, your on the beach,has a mixture of old and new buildings, lovely charming, right be Northwestern LAw and Med school so there are 30 something professionals.

[soulful]

movingbacktoamerica. I would encourage you to go with Lincoln Park (especially close to the actual park, keeping in mind the neighborhood and park share a name) or East Lakeview.

Diversey Parkway is actually the dividing street between these two neighborhoods. You can mapquest 2800 N Broadway and find the "epicenter". You will find tons of restaurants and shops lining the streets up and down Clark St (south of Diversey)and Broadway (north of Diversey) and great flats on the tree lined sidestreets. Best zipcodes are 60657 (Lakeview) and 60614 (Lincoln Park). You will have excellent bus service (local or express depending upon the spot you select) and "el train" Red and/or Brown Line. If you live close the the lake/park the buses will work well for you.

There are lots of other cool neighborhoods that fit your bill (Roscoe Village, Andersonville, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Lincoln Square) however, most are missing the close proximity to the park/lake/lakefront paths/trails which add an extra dimension of fun.

Good luck with your move and let us know if you have more questions.

[gobearsgo]

With the traffic in Chicago, I think it comes down to the commute. I like being able to walk to work on nice days or have a couple of choices of how to get back and forth to work (bus or L). If you want to be within walking distance, check out the West Loop, South Loop or River North. If you don't mind taking the L or bus everyday, I'd second the suggestion above to move to Lincoln Park, or check out south Lakeview close to the Lake. You really can't beat being close to the lakefront - it's the best part of Chicago.

[linicx]

Like green, trees and water? Think Lincoln Park. Like green, trees, awesome architecture? Think Oak Park. It is farther from the loop, it's quaint. You can take a short lease. Frank Lloyd Wright seals the deal. A short lease will give you plenty of time to find and fall in love with the perfect neighborhood for you. http://www.oprf.org .

The OP regional housing center is non-profit, and they help new residents find a place to live and get settled. Be sure to check every link. http://www.apartmentsoakpark.org/

Ps. This may not be for you, but it is a nice place to begin. Do remember unless there is private parking, or you find a house with a driveway, parking is at a premium all the time in most areas- especially during snow plow days.

[NearWestSider]

Here's my recommendation:

Get yourself a map of Chicago and a blue marker pen.

Starting at Cermak and the Lake, draw a line along Cermak West to Morgan, North to the BNSF tracks, West to Racine, North to Taylor, West to Ashland, North to Hubbard, West to Western, North to Montrose, and east to the lake. This roughly defines the borders of upscale Chicago.

Now tape the map to the wall, step four paces back, blindfold yourself, and throw darts until one of them lands within the blue lined area. Bingo! You've just found THE ABSOLUTE BEST Chicago neighborhood for a single professional female in her late 30's moving back to the US.

The point being that any neighborhood within that line will be safe, have shopping, dining, and professional people in your age group. Proximity to the Loop, transit options, etc., are what sets the various neighborhoods apart.

[M60608]

Best bet is to stay in the suburbs.Naperville,La Grange,Brookfield areas all have easy access to the 55 so you can get downtown quick.If you must move into Chicago atleast stay AWAY from the Pilsen, Bridgeport, Chinatown, Canaryville, McKinley Park areas.

[gobearsgo]

The suburbs are the worst place if you're single - it's all families! If you're in the City, there are so many more things for a single woman to do - running groups, sports leagues, classes of every kind. Some of the things I've participated in (both single and since I got married) that I would recommend if they appeal to you:

Chicago Area Runners' Association and Chicago Endurance Sports training programs for runners

Discovery Center photography class

Chicago Sport and Social Club touch football (co-ed)

Season tickets to various theaters, Chicago symphony (some nights include social events)