Chicago neighborhoods to explore for apartments?
 

In my continuing series of interviews in hopefully fun cities, I'm writing to ask if people have any leads or tips that a young professional who might be moving to Chicago should explore? If I get the position, I'd be working at Northwestern Medical Center, right off of Michigan Avenue. I know that this area, the Loop, etc. are all rather fashionable, but this also means that it may be out of my price range (ideally 1000 to 1200 a month for a small studio). Are there other neighborhoods I should explore while I'm visiting that are convenient to here from the El but might be more affordable?

Thanks!

Take a look at Bucktown, Ukranian village and logan square.

Hi, JoeTro.

I work a block off Michigan Avenue, and you might want to consider that the frequent bus lines (the 151 Sheridan, the 143 STockton Express) run along Michigan, north to STockton Drive and up Sheridan.

When I first moved to Chicago, I lived in the NMH neighborhood which is called Streeterville. It was a nice base for me to learn the city.

For you, I'd recommend getting a CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) "fun pass"/all-day pass, and ride about these neighborhoods.

I'd recco (East) Lincoln Park and Lakeview (anywhere between 1800 North and 3600 North, near Sheridan or Clark Street for commuting ease. (This is where I live, and the buses are frequent during rush hour: I can take the 151 Sheridan on Stockton, or walk to Clark STreet and catch the frequent 22 Clark, or 36 Broadway buses.)

Or you might look along the CTA Red Line stops which would get you close to NMH at the Chicago stop (so that means Depaul area/Lincoln Park - near Fullerton stop), Wrigleyville (near Addison stop).

Maybe avoid Rogers Park and Uptown for your first few months. Lots of rental units, but also some dodgy areas. I'd acclimate to the city rather than rent there right off.

Best of luck with the job search and the housing.

I've lived in 5 states, but living in Lincoln Park was one of the best areas I've lived in. If I recall correctly, I had 5 buses less than 2 blocks away. The el was a 15 min walk. On a nice day, I would start walking from the Loop, stroll thru the zoo and then I was home. I have no idea what the rents are like now, or what the condition of the building is , but I had 2 great studios at 441 W Wrightwood Ave and whatever the sister building is next door.

I live a block from there and there are plenty of places you could find right around here. Lots of med students live in the area. Check Streeterville and Gold Coast. Consider renting a condo. 60610 and 60611 zips.

http://www.bairdwarner.com/advanced_...de/60611,60610

Thanks for the links and tips. Based on this feedback and that from a friend who lives here, I hope to explore Streeterville, the gay part of Lakeview and possibly Wicker Park tomorrow!

I worked at NMH and can comment on the commute from the nearby neighborhoods. Stay away from 441 W. Wrightwood. I lived in the building next door. TOTAL DUMP!

I've rented in LP and Lakeview. We now own a condo in Boystown. I like all of these neighborhoods. My easiest commute (both night and day shifts) was taking the express buses (either the 145, 146,134, or 135). The 151 was horrible,especially in the summer working night shift. It went through LP and all of the tourists would get on at the zoo & ask the bus driver "where does this bus go?" It drove me crazy as I was trying to get to work on time. I would think "look at the map at the bus stop!!!" (sorry for my venting).

I had coworkers that also lived in Ukranian Village, South Loop, and Streeterville. All great places to live, IMO.