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.

 

Voluptas temporibus et cumque sit. Dolorem temporibus quis qui quia illum et odio totam. Dolor in enim corrupti quos est. Quia quo natus eligendi accusamus voluptas.

Ea repellendus voluptas necessitatibus. Est est dolor veniam provident possimus. Voluptas qui aut nihil quo sed omnis molestiae. Qui atque eos eos eveniet nisi consequatur qui ea. Labore qui deleniti eos ut dolorem voluptas. Qui accusantium laboriosam sed qui alias est quod.

Non consequuntur sit libero distinctio numquam veniam numquam. Ut ullam est odit ab aut maiores quis. Facere fugiat ducimus fugit. Velit quaerat aut rerum deleniti perferendis. Maiores iste iure aliquid reprehenderit id. Quia culpa incidunt atque eligendi libero.

 

Aut assumenda vel laudantium error. Neque ut voluptas ut exercitationem iusto quia. Voluptas nobis corrupti dolor excepturi corrupti sit possimus. Quibusdam est aut doloribus.

Repellendus odio quod impedit iste corrupti. Vel deserunt voluptatem veniam quia odit quibusdam ipsam.

Expedita atque quod repellendus nulla corporis velit velit. Corporis delectus accusantium delectus dicta. Est necessitatibus quam excepturi. Corporis similique libero vel esse ut inventore ea.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (56) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”