Where to live - Chicago

Was recently notified that I'll still be joining a team full-time starting this June, but with a reduced salary because of this coronavirus deal

I plan on getting a cheap place for my first year out of school, especially with this salary reduction - any recommendations on cheaper places to live in Chicago? Preferably in reasonably safe areas (i.e. north or west of the loop)

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Avoid River North. Tons of night life and it is actually not that safe. And it is not cheap. There are tons of nice apartments, but I would not want to live there.

Gold Coast is a great place to live if you're looking for something a bit quieter, but still close to the city. Though it is more expensive and not much night life around. You would most likely live in a high rise here.

West Loop is great because you can walk to everything. West Loop, the closer you are to Randolph St and Fulton Market area, the more expensive it is. Most likely would live in a high rise is you live in the east part of the West Loop, but you would live in a smaller building the further west you go. West Town also isn't too bad but it is definitely not as nice / developed as the West Loop.

Wicker Park & Logan Square are great options because you can find a place close to the Blue Line which will make getting to the loop easier. You will find smaller buildings here and most likely have to find a roommate.

The farther you get away north (would not recommend going far west or south), the cheaper it will be. Lincoln Park has a college vibe because of DePaul, but it is cheaper and safe in most areas.

I have lived in West Loop, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, and West Town.

TLDR:

1) West Loop, Gold Coast, Wicker Park, Logan Square

2) West Town, Lincoln Park

 

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