Thinking about moving to Chicago?

Question

I am thinking about moving to Chicago. I would like to live in the city, not the suburbs. What area is best for a 25 year old, single, professional female to live in? And what is the average rent for a 1 bedroom in that area?

Also, is it more of a hassle than a convenience to have a car? With parking costs, traffic...

Any suggestions would be appreciated! I get very discouraged when I check the weather lately so any "selling" on the city would be helpful :)

Answer 1

Probably the best area for a single professional female would be the Lincoln Park or Lakeview areas, which are centered from Fullerton on the south and Irving Park on the north, the lake on the east and Ashland or so on the west. Particular streets to look at are Clark, Broadway, Lincoln, and Sheffield.

Both Lincoln Park and Lakeview are beautiful neighborhoods, filled with singles, and generally quite safe. Rent for a one bedroom in the area varies by location, but is probably going to run you about $1000. You might check on Craig's List and with Apartment People at 3121 N. Broadway (but use them a little bit with a grain of salt, they like to pick out certain buildings, and you might want to look around the buildings and apartments they select for comparison pricing.)

In Lincoln Park and Lakeview you probably don't want a car. It's difficult to park, unless you're lucky enough to find a building with parking, and the transportation systems such as buses and the L in the area are superb. If you work downtown and have a 9-5 job, forget the car. If you work in the suburbs, you'll need a car and you'll probably want a parking space - add about $125 a month for that.

The weather's tough in winter, no question. It gets cold. But Chicago has terrific spring, summers, and winters. And it's an exciting, vibrant, safe city with tons to do year-round. You'll shrug off the cold - just get a warm coat. You'll love it here.

Answer 2

Check the Chicago Reader apartment website address below. The neighborhoods you probaby want to check are Lakeview, Andersonville, Roscoe Village, Edgewater, Wrigleyville, St. Ben's, the Northwest side.... Places like the Gold Coast are probably too expensive for you. You can find a one bedroom in some of those neighborhoods listed for $600 and up. The average is about $800.

having a car helps sometimes but it can be costly. There's a lot to do in Chicago, including evening activities. While public transportation is plentiful and usually reliable, you may not want to have to wait for a bus or train if you're going somewhere late at night. That's when a car comes in handy., But for regular commutes to work, the CTA is fine. And depending on where you live, driving to the store for groceries is preferable than walking five blocks each way in the bitter cold and snow.

The city is great in the summer time: lots of city and neighborhood festivals, baseball, beer gardens, outdoor restaurants, the beach, riding a bike along the lake, driving down Lake Shore Drive. This really is a cool city. There's a club for every kind of musical taste and every major musical act HAS to stop here.

Check the Reader website for apartment info.

Answer 3

If I was in your situation I would live in Lincoln Park or Wrigleyville (I am in the married with kids live in the suburbs situation).

There are several things to know in your question but here goes...
If you are working downtown and live in one of the above (or near) neighborhoods a car is not necessary, in fact I would discourage it. Parking is miserable and expensive. If you are working in the suburbs, a car is required for the commute.

Your rent will range from 1200 on up. Like anyplace else, it depends.

Chicago is a great place for all types of people: young, middle aged, single or with families. Very vibrant city and friendly to boot.

Where are you coming from? I suspect someplace that does not get winter? Don't worry, you can adapt and we are in a cold spell right now so please don't let that put you off!

Answer 4

I'm from Chicago, (but now in the Army). My neighborhood is called the Ravenswood Area, close to Lake Michigan. My parents own a 2 apartment building and I think they charge about $800 per month. Cheaper rent might mean a bad neighborhood. Stay away from the south side. I got my face smashed up pretty badly down there. Downtown Chicago is great for shopping and entertainment.

Answer 5

I can't give you current answers to your specific questions but I can tell you that Chicago is a great city! True the weather can be a bit, uh, intense at times but in terms of culture, nightlife, facilities, Chicago has it all! The nickname "Second City" probably applies pretty well. Chicago isn't as big as New York and may not offer EVERYTHING NY does, but they make one hell of an effort!
Enjoy your time there. Oh and as a rule things are nicer to the north, and to the east. (Closer to the lake.) Final thought: If for any reason the city isn't going to work out, life in the suburbs does not leave you cut off. They have a first class mass transit system out there.

Answer 6

For the main area, human beings in Chicago are friendly Chicago is a very stable city to stay in in case you want to be uncovered to cultures from international. won't have the ability to help you with the relationship scene because of the fact i've got no longer been single in over 5 years. looking a job in Chicago is hit or leave out, counting on what container you're in. seem on Craigslist to get an thought of what's geared up on your container. specialists: way of existence, nutrition, historic past, lakefront, arts, shape Cons: the trains are many times crowded, very almost never on time, downtown on the weekends is a nightmare with all the out of towners in for the day, the closer you reside to downtown or the lake the greater you are going to pay for an house. the main low-value neighborhoods to stay in, together as nonetheless being close to to each little thing is on the northside: Edgewater, Andersonville and Rogers Park ....stay out of the west and south area. The west and south area isn't risk-free day or evening because of the fact of each and every of the gangs.

Answer 7

I suggest you look at great places to go.



1.Chicago- A lot of places to see very beautiful, but its harshly cold and big time traffic, Best hotels, Best pizzas and really great bars. Five Stars *****

2.NYC. - A lot of places to see, some beautiful areas, but lots of traffic. Five Stars *****

3..Miami - Great place to go especially since the Superbowl is here.. other than that the warm temp and good hotels. Four Stars ****

4.Los Angeles - Not as good as I thought it would be.... Warm weather, too foggy,not many places that are good... but it is still a good place to go. Three Stars ***

All are good places.

If your talking population then it is in this order:

1.NYC
2.L.A.
3.Chicago
4.Miami - from my list

Answer 8

you should probably have a car near downtown Chicago