Related Posts
Anyone have thoughts on CS C&R team?
Additional Posts in Chicago Consulting
Any lap pools in west loop / river north area?
Any Chicago realtor recommendations?
Having such a hard time find a spot in Chicago
Best bars to go out in Lincoln Park/Old Town?
New to Fishbowl?
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
Bowl Leader
It depends what you’re looking for. If you’re asking such a broad question, it probably makes sense to hold off, explore the city, and reconsider few years down the road.
This. I moved this time last year and rented in west loop. Confirmed I don’t want to live in west loop and would much rather be in old town.
Rent for the summer or through the fall and find your area after exploring chicago. Not to mention the fact you could potentially find much better deals 6 months from now after the economic effects start trickling through the housing markets
Bowl Leader
River North, Gold Coast and South Loop for condo living. Lakeview, Lincoln Park or Wicker Park for young couples. Bridgeport, Logan Square, Avondale, Lincoln Square if you wish to maximize the space or look for a townhouse/house.
Add west town and Pilsen to that list. And maybe even Rodgers Park if you’re ok with going more North of loop. That neighborhood has some good deals for 2bed/2 bath for under 300K.
Rising Star
I think you really need to define what you want out of your neighborhood, and then narrow down from there. I lived in River North like all the other mid-20s kids, then realized I hate high rises and had no interest in paying hundreds of dollars for amenities I never use. Now I live in Bucktown in a walk up, I doubled my space and my mortgage is several hundred less than my rent was before. I miss the convenience of River North sometimes, but love the neighborhood feel of my area now
How big? What type? What’s important?
Transit, bars, lakeshore, close to work (where?)? Take 15 minutes to do a bit of visioning (TM). We can help.
Like everyone has said, depends on what you want. I can share my experience!
I lived in Lakeview right out of college as a lot of young professionals do and I loved it but in addition to being very busy it is very expensive to own there so the places I could afford were not great. Public transit was extremely important to me so I picked two el lines (red and brown, they run north) and looked at places near stops on those lines. The further from downtown the cheaper (mostly) so I ended up looking around Roscoe Village area. I live in North Center now (tiny neighborhood) which is south of Lincoln Square so it is in an area that feels like city and suburbs at the same time. Most of the area is full sized homes and some apartments, I landed a 2BR/1BA for 290k in this neighborhood and I love it here. PM me if you want to chat and I can provide more advice!
Bought a place for 300k last yr in south loop pretty good so far
3 bed 2 bath only catch is the $800 in HOA fees a month. Renting out two rooms for $1k each
I live in South loop, good school and lesser price as compared to a few other areas