Where to live in city???

bostonfingerlakes07 · July 2009

DH just accepted a job offer in Chicago and it looks like we're moving there soon...as in about a month from now!

The office is currently in Lincoln Park but will be moving downtown in the winter. We are looking to stay in the city, but have a nice walkable family friendly neighborhood with lots of parks. I haven't been to Chicago in FOREVER and I'm overwhelmed. We have heard good things about Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, Roscoe Village and Logan Square. Any suggestions, thoughts? We currently live in Cambridge, MA...really close to the subway, but a nice neighborhood with lots of families, we even have a small yard here! We're looking for something similar.

Thanks ladies!

Amy&Anthony · July 2009

I live in lakeview and we really like it ( to be fair I also work at the chamber of commerce here) here's my thought on LP - there are a lot of young people. Roscoe Village is cute, but I really like living on the lakefront. I think it is easier to commute, and that you are always in the thick of things. I would rent for a year though before you buy just to be sure you like the neighborhood you are in. check out the apartment people. www.apratmentpeople.com

chandini · July 2009

I would recommend living in Lincoln Park near Wrightwood park (I have an secondary motive as you will see below). I lived in the area for 4 years before moving to DC for a couple of years and wanted to move back, but my wife's commute would have been tough.

Pros: Very family oriented neighborhood (almost all townhomes and single family homes)

Close to all the bars & restaurants in Lincoln Park (5-10 mins) but far enough away that you won't get bothered by the idiots

12 minute walk to CTA (For full disclosure, it can a little rough in the dead of winter, but there is a bus that is a 1/4 block away)

15 minute walk to Southport corridor and Wrigley Field

No permit required to park on the streets (always parked our second car on the same block) which is also nice for guests

Cons: A little far from the lake (15 blocks)

Depending on where your DH office will be downtown, living closer to the lake may make the buses an option. Near Wrightwood you need to take the train in.

My other motive - I still own my condo in the area (3/4 of a block north of Wrightwood Park) and I am about to put it on the market for a Sept 1st or Oct 1st rental.

Quick details about the condo:

2 Bed / 2 Bath ~1200 sq ft w/ 1 garage spot and rooftop deck. 6 unit building with all other units owner occupied.

If you are interested in my condo, let me know (shah.events@gmail.com) and I will send you more details. Otherwise I would still recommend the area (if you need more room then a 2 Bed / 2 Bath then look into the townhomes)

msblack328 · July 2009

I happen to adore the West Loop. I lived in Lincoln Park as a college student and it was absolutely great for partying, however, I do find it to be a bit homogeneous. I like the West Loop because we are close to virtually every neighborhood in the city, and don't really have to deal with the congestion factor. There are single family homes, townhomes, walk ups, and high rises in the neighborhood. There are a few parks in the area as well. It is family friendly and I love our neighbors. It is a diverse neighborhood. Everyone is NOT under the age of 25! Most of the residents are also very active in the community, so there is very much a sense of belonging.?

Also some other neighborhoods to consider are:

Wicker Park

Medical District (great schools in that area)

Bucktown

University Village ?

rkg4 · July 2009

I live in the Lakeview area by the Southport Corridor and LOVE it. Being an east coast girl myself, I think that you would like this area. My brother and sister in law lives a few blocks from me and they have 3 kids and don't plan on leaving this area. There are a lot of great parks. Roscoe Village is cute too, as long as you are close to an el that your husband could take downtown it isn't a bad commute. Friends of mine live there in a duplex up and there rent is the same as our apartment but they obviously have more space.... so you get more for your money. I would not live in Wicker Park or Bucktown. There just aren't enough parks and there are a lot of sketchy streets. Friends of mine moved there from Lakeview and hate it, there car has been broken into 2 times and they've only lived there since May. But really Chicago is a great city that's very family friendly so anyplace you live I'm sure you'll love.?

cmrand4 · July 2009

I would recommend one the of neighborhoods north of downtown area but with caution --Lincoln Park has become so busy with traffic that if you plan to drive, you must have more patience than I do. On the upside, there is a lot to do for families and there is a lot of green space and it is composed of tree lined streets. You won't find the same amount of green space the closer you get to the loop. I like Lincoln Square the best--family friendly (lots of moms by the fountain in LS daily), brownline train in city square, cute stores and restaurants, and more affordable houses. Good luck!

Tahiti35 · July 2009

Ravenswood or Lincoln Square ( right next to each other), totally family friendly, a little quieter, but still very city, less than two miles from Wrigleyville and only a few more miles to lincoln park. the area has both the el and the metra which both go downtown, the el goes right through lincoln park.

I live in ravenswood and work downtown, I love the area for families and there are a lot of parks. I personally think it would be the best choice if you are looking for family friendly and still want to be in the city.

Tahiti35 · July 2009

....and I forgot to mention about Ravenswood/Lincoln Square, more affordable housing. Median age upper 20s through 30s.

swish1 · July 2009

I highly recommend the West Loop ~ very family friendly and we have had lots of new businesses come in the last couple years, boutiques, nail salons, hair and tons of restaurants (we walk to Greek Town, Randolph Street, and local bars for dinner all the time)

We are getting a brand new park, supposed to be done late this year I believe.

Its also easy to get in and out of the city from the West Loop - public transportation and easy expressway access

MrsP71506 · August 2009

We live in Lakeview (southport corridor) and absolutely love it. I actually like it much better than Lincoln Park. It is less congested and parking is 10x easier than in Lincoln Park. You will also get more for your money. It is very family oriented and parks are everywhere. You can walk to just about anything: restaurants, grocery stores, shopping, transit is about a 5 min walk, etc...

Northcenter and Lincoln Square are also nice areas.

MiaVonT · August 2009

I have lived in or near the locations you have listed ... right now I am in Old Irving Park area and love it ... so close to the trains and 90/94 ..... I say visit and walk each neighborhood ...

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Where to live in city???

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