I'm a little hesitant about responding to this post. Beth is kind enough to offer very detailed advice, but every time I have said something contrary to her, she has told me that I am wrong (and I've gotten the same comments that the reason I'm wrong is because her husband is in law enforcement - go figure).<BR>For what it's worth, I clearly have nothing against Lincoln Park and Lakeview - I've lived in both neighborhoods for many years, and plan to stay. I've also lived in the Chicago area since I was nine, other than college, grad school and 2 years overseas. <BR><BR>That being said, I wonder why there is such a push, mostly from transplants and suburbantites, for people to live in Lincoln Park and Lakeview. I'm 31 and love it - but my 3 twentysomething siblings wouldn't be caught dead here - even though they could afford it. It seems that they and all their friends are moving to the Bucktown/Wicker Park area. The consensus seems to be that this area is much cooler/hipper than my neighborhood. It seems to be becoming what Lakeview was when I returned to the city in the early 90s. It is also very accessible to the Loop. I've done the downtown commute from the North Ave Blue Line stop many times. - and it's faster than the Red Line Belmont stop trip.<BR><BR>This is just my personal opinion, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend the Gold Coast area for people in their 20s. It's a much older crowd (in general), both in the housing stock, and even more markedly in the bars in that area (Rush St. is a haven for middle-aged suburbanites and tourists).

Holly,<BR>You have very good advice about the coolness factor of Bucktown/Wicker Park. As to Beth, ignore her. It is pretty clear on this board that she is widely disliked.

Maria mentioned that she and her lady were moving to Chicago. It's worth noting that Lincoln Park has a thriving gay community.

Windy - <BR><BR>The gay area you are speaking of is in Lakeview, not Lincoln Park. <BR>

Wrigleyville, Lakeview, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Bucktown...these places are expen$ive. Do you think that someone moving to the city can afford an apartment like this? Yes there will two of them but a small closet apartment in these area can put you over 1k a month in rent. These are not places where unemployed people would start out living in.<BR><BR>Stick to Lagrange, Bridgeport, Berwyn, or maybe Oak park(may be a but pricy)<BR>But if you have the ca$h, this is the best place to find an apartment:<BR><BR>http://www.relconapartments.com/<BR>

this may be better:<BR>http://www.apartmentguide.com

When you come to Chicago on your little visit look for the Chicago Reader. It can be found in almost any grocery store on the northside and downtown. It also can be found on some corners downtown. The paper is free and it is the best source for apartments in good areas.