Chicago - Input on Loop Neighborhood
 

Am relocating to Chicago this Autumn and not familiar with neighborhoods yet.

Saw an apartment building online(Millenium Park Plaza) at corner of Randolph & Michigan. This building is across the street from Millenium Park and the Metra Electric Line Millenium Station stop. I am not really sure what neighborhood it is considered - it's inside The Loop - South Loop, New Eastside?

Can any Chicago locals advise whether this is a safe neighborhood at night? Anyone on this forum have any first hand experience living in this particular apartment building that could discuss pros/cons?

Thanks for your help.

I don't have the answer to your question -- I only fantasize about living in Chicago -- but you might take a look at this website: http://www.city-data.com/forum/chicago/.

This area is safe to walk through at night. It's the Loop. I have no idea what New Eastside is.

Have you looked in other neighborhoods?

I just googled New Eastside. I had no idea that they had named it that. I've never heard anyone here refer to it as such. Weird.

I just read your other thread. Were I you I'd consider looking in River North. Many young professionals, nice neighborhood, more residential than the Loop, close to the Loop, good public transport, good nightlife, etc. My brother and his wife just moved there from NYC and they love it.

Having stayed in the Loop in the past and most recently (and upcoming trip as well) staying in River North, I will say I MUCH prefer that area to the Loop. Downtown seems so dead at night (other than the couple of theatres there's not much going on). River North seems filled with local residents out and about -- more restaurants (especially open late, I'm finding), and generally more "atmosphere". I'm certainly no expert, just my general perception.

I live at 400 E Randolph, just a few blocks east. Yep, we're the "new eastside". I moved to this condo from the suburbs after my hubby died a few years ago, unfortunately

I think that calling any neighborhood "new" is dumb since it won't be new for long. However, it is a very safe neighborhood and you are very central to the park, Michigan Ave shopping, State street shopping and theaters. You're right across from the hottix booth, too. In the summer time, concerts at Millenium Park are just plain great.

I wanted to look at that particular building, but nothing was open when I was condo shopping, plus I think it's all rental anyway. From the outside, it looked a bit old to me.

I'm very content with my choice here a few blocks away, in a 1963 high rise, however, the neighborhood isn't as "neighborhood-y" feeling as Lincoln Park or Lake view, but boy do I love being CENTRAL to everything. You're even closer to everything so I'm jealous!

Welcome to Chicago and remember to root for the White Sox!

The area around MPP would be pretty busy because there's a great deal within a few small blocks.

The entrance to Millennium Station is a half-block west, the Randolph L stop is a half-block east and the L track is adjacent to the building. The L trains run from around 5:30 am to about 1:30 am. I'm sure the Wabash-side of the building would get some noise from the trains and street traffic.

The Cultural Center abuts MPP and the Harris, Chicago and Oriental theatres are within a block. Randolph is also the route for trucks to reach the loading dock at Field's/Macy's on State.

It can be exciting to live in an area like that, but be sure you're prepared for it.

"Have you looked in other neighborhoods?"

Yes. I have been looking in other neighborhoods as well, and heard from a number of North Siders about how great Lincoln Park and Lakeview are, but unfortunately, those parts of Chicago don't offer quick and easy public transportation options for me to get to my new job.

I likely will concentrate my search in the "New Eastside", River North, Streeterville/Gold Coast and West & South Loop areas.

I understand inside the Loop can be very quiet/dull after work and the really happening nightlife is outside of the Loop, but I'd rather have a 10-15 minute commute to/from the office and use the L or take a cab when I want to check out the bars and restaurants after hours.

I've lived in the city before, so used to the hustle and noise. Just wanted to know if the New Eastside area is considered safe enough by the locals.

Sorry, didn't mean to reiterate research you've already done. That area is safe enough and if an easy commute is the priority, sounds like it's best for you.

The New Eastside is considered the East Loop submarket of the CBD. It's just a new marketing name for the residential buildings going up in that area. They're trying to make is sound more neighborhood-y and less business-y.

I work in Aon Center across the street from Millenium Park Plaza and it's a great spot. It's safe at night with the warning to just be careful. The Loop itself is pretty unpopulated at night and is not exciting after dark anyway.

The areas that you list in your recent posts are all good. I live in the Gold Coast and have lived in Streeterville. The easy access to downtown and transportation is good from all those neighborhoods - plus they're all clustered together.

Oops ... meant to add that with the recent and planned development / redevelopment in the Michigan Avenue/Millenium Park areas, more neighborhood-type amenities are coming, but it will always be dominated by office towers and skyscrapers.

Chicago Heather, I figured that was the origin of "New Eastside." Kind of like "West Bucktown" aka Humboldt Park.

Chicago_Heather: I understand there is a small grocery at Millenium Park Plaza, but they are closing soon. Are there any other grocery stores close enough to walk to (ex. Jewel-Osco, Whole Foods, Dominick's)?

Thanks very much to everyone who took the time to answer.

Oh, I'm so sorry not to check back on this post. So, ChicagoBound, just saw your last question.

There is a Bockwinkle's (small) at the corner of Stetson and Water in the Park Millenium ... not sure if that is the one that you meant. I stop there sometimes to pick a few items up before walking or catching a bus home. I asked and they are not closing.

For more extensive grocery shopping in the Loop/East Loop/River North, I'll try to think of the options:

Jewel at State and Ohio (River North)
Jewel at South Wabash and Roosevelt (South Loop)
Whole Foods at Huron and State or Dearborn (River North)
Fox & Obel (higher end market) at North Pier on Illinois (near Lake)

A lot more options have sprung up along the Loop periphery - South Loop/Roosevelt and fringe River North. With all the condos going up, more options will follow.

Oh, just remembered, there is a Trader Joe's on Ontario and Wabash.

There's also a big Dominicks just across the river at Grand and Fairbanks.

Welcome to Chicago!

Be careful, pay attention to what is going on around you and enjoy the city. You are considering a wonderful location...two blocks from my dentist! You are close to the lake, close to public transportation, great art and wonderful restaurants.

Enjoy,

Lucci