Looking for a safe neighborhood near McCormick Place to live for the summer. (Chicago: apartments, rentals)

[crr89898]

I have recently found out I will be in Chicago for the summer for an internship at McCormick Place. I 'm looking for a safe neighborhood close by or within a reasonable commute. I will not have a car and will use public transportation. This is my first search and know nothing about Chicago nor about the transportation system. I have read many suggestions but I am not sure what is in the general area of McCormick Place Convention Center that would be suitable for a college female. Any help would be appreciated.

[chet everett]

The area around McCormick Place is pretty odd -- the South Loop is not quite fully expanded into the immediate area so there are still some creepy warehouses and such that tend to have unsavory characters nearby. Chinatown is fine for those fluent in Asian languages, but insular for those who are not. The pricey Praire Ave Historic District is so small that is really does not constitute a neighborhood.

Since transportation to McCormick Place is easy the smartest thing to do is almost certainly to live in the traditional area attractive to college students -- that would include Lakeview / Wrigleyville and really would still be a VERY easy commute.

[crr89898]

Thanks for that information. How safe are the buses coming through that area late at night?

[ajolotl]

Live in the south loop and take the metra electric 1 stop north.

[Manigault]

Check about summer sub-leases of apartments rented by students at UIC, U of C and Columbia College. There should be some around which will be readily accessible to transportation to McCormick Place.

[chet everett]

How late at night are you talking about? I mean seriously an internship implies fairly 'normal' work hours. If you plan on working 10+ hours a day I would get a car. If you start at a normal hour and can knock off work while it is still light you will be on buses with LOTS of commuters and tourists.

Southloop is still no where near as "entertainment dense" as northside areas...

Schedule of buses is generally much better than Metra Electric line...

[ajolotl]

Go to metrarail.com and look up the .pdf of the Metra Electric schedule. You would be taking it 1-3 stops (mccormick to either 18th, musuem campus, or van buren). It runs more frequently than most people realize.

The south loop definitely isn't wrigleyville, but it is incredibly convenient, at the doorstep of the city center, and has much, much more than many people realize. Lots of young people have moved there in the past 10 years. It's worth a look. Endless beautiful new high-rise rentals.

[crr89898]

Not sure of the hours I will be working but some nights will be into the early AM. I can bring a car but would rather not.

[ajolotl]

Just be aware that the metra electric is clean, safe at pretty much any hour, and arrives right at McCormick place normally within a few minutes of the scheduled time. It is by far the best way to get in and out of work without a car.

Now, where you live depends on the balance between wanting a quick commute vs. a more ideal neighborhood. South Loop is a nice neighborhood but it is as Chet points out -- not as entertainment dense. Lakeview, etc. might be a better fit but will require another 1/2 hour minimum of commuting. Hyde Park is south along the ME line and very nice also, but even less entertainment dense than the south loop. It depends on your taste/priorities.

[crr89898]

I'm thinking since I am here for only a summer I'd love to meet and hang out with the 20 something crowd. I assume I will be working long hours but still want to have a fun summer.