36 Comments
 

What about West Loop? I hear it's a hot place now for young people, but doesn't seem as nice a place to live as River North or Streeterville.  

 

I'll be moving to Chicago in the fall and have created a list of spots I like near south wacker. South Loop has a bunch of nice places with close proximity to museums(field & art institute) and food/grocery(TJs/whole foods). I'll also say I'm pretty impressed with the amenities that some of the places have. Example, I don't know if I need a bowling alley(Alta Roosevelt) in my apartment but cool to know its there

 List: (Studios ~ $1500-$2000, 1BD/BA ~$2000+)

https://www.1001southstate.com/floorplans.aspx

https://www.1000southclark.com/

https://www.thecoopersouthbank.com/

https://www.astoriatowerchicago.com/floorplans

https://livealta.com/

https://www.theparagonchicago.com/

https://www.rentnemachicago.com/  

 

If you want to be reasonably close to work and live in a nice area, you can look in River North (for a high rise) or west loop (condos there too, but generally not as big). Lots of nice restaurants and bars in both areas. Otherwise, Wicker Park, Lincoln Park or Lakeview are where most people are concentrated in their 20’s (better party scene). If you’re looking to relive your college days, then Wrigleyville (by far the cheapest place to rent of the bunch).

 

South Loop is cheeks. There is literally more going on in Rosemont, IL. It is all tech workers that ride those stupid single wheeled skateboards around and code in their free time.

If you want to have any chance of seeing the opposite sex in any form of undress, you will need to live in: River North, Gold Coast, West Loop. Or Boystown if that is your thing.
 

 

Is it middle of Loop?  Something like Prez Towers? Bc most buildings seem to be either north of loop (Streeterville), or South Loop.  

 

Moving to gold coast in May, definitely a good spot from the areas and buildings I toured. Within walking distance of the financial district where my job is, lots of stores and restaurants and nice neighborhood feel. Paying about 2k total for a 1B with tons of space in a nice building, but could’ve paid less. Only a couple blocks from the water as well. Happy to talk more

 

The building was completely renovated several years back so one of the nicer places I toured. Lower price from discounts (concessions) that are being offered by most buildings. I won’t be moving in until May but signed lease to be able to move in sooner so I could take advantage. Highly recommend just working with a broker, as it saved me a lot of stress (no fees in Chicago)

 
Most Helpful

For young professionals, I steer people towards: Old Town/LP/Lakeview (young northside neighborhoods), Wicker/West Loop (hipstery fun neighborhoods with slightly rough edges), River North/Gold Coast (downtown). Obviously depends on the person. If they are a foodie/low key/hipster I would say West Loop and Wicker might be best. River North is great if you want a high rise with amenities. Old Town/LP/Lakeview are a great fit for an average young person (bigger places for the same price, huge young bar scene, good food). I personally would never live in the loop/south loop. What the hell is there to do down there? You will be taking an Uber up to the real neighborhoods every time you want to have some fun. 

The biggest thing IMO is proximity to transport. Most don't have a car in Chi so you need to consider that heavily. For example, you can find places in the northside neighborhoods right next to the red line and get a much nicer place than your friends in river north while being able to hop on the red line and get to work very quickly (often faster commutes than people who have to bus/walk from River North). Same with Wicker. Proximity to the loop does not always mean a better commute. I learned that one the hard way. 

 

Work in prominent PE/growth equity shop in Chicago. Gold Coast is the move. Probably on the more expensive end of options mentioned but easily affordable high rises while working in finance. Great food, stores, oak street beach access (amazing during the summer), and great neighborhood feel.

 

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