Hello all,
Early 30s moving to Chicago with my wife. Working in the Loop near Willis tower on the buyside.
Wanted to get your recommendations on where to live? Looking at Westloop, River North, Lincoln Park etc.
Want an easy commute to work. Preferably a newer building (i.e gym in building, laundry in unit). Hoping for a nice 2 bed/2 bath for around $4k.
I know there are a lot of analyst threads for where to live but not so much for late 20s/early 30s. We could potentially have a baby in the next year or two if that also helps and also don't know anyone in the city.
Thank you!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some recommendations tailored to your situation:
1. West Loop
2. Lincoln Park
3. River North
4. Gold Coast/Streeterville
Additional Considerations
Final Thoughts
With your budget and preferences, West Loop or Lincoln Park seem like the best fits. West Loop offers convenience and modern amenities, while Lincoln Park provides a more family-friendly environment with a slightly longer commute. Both neighborhoods align well with your plans for the future.
Sources: IB analysts Chicago rent, Where to live in Chicago as SA 2021, 2020 San Francisco Summer Housing, Why not Chicago over NYC?
West loop is probably the answer here. Walkable to work, plenty of great restaurants and things to do, lively neighborhood. May be a little expensive for your price range though as have seen 2BRs for $5-6k though. West Town is also a good option as is Wicker Park though both a little further out (very easy train or drive still). These are a little more classic Chicago / less transplant heavy and arguably better from a restaurant perspective (in terms of neighborhood places you’d go to on a weeknight vs glitzier occasion places), and much prettier in terms of trees, parks, etc. All are safe, though latter two are safer (there’s some petty crime and muggings West Loop, though still quite safe in the scheme of things).
Not River North. Go either West Loop or Lincoln Park (but probably West Loop given you want a newer, amenitized building).
1000M above grant park
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Parkway Gardens is a nice area with a lively community
I think Lincoln park is more family friendly. It just isn’t going to be as quick a commute then say west loop. You could look in south loop of millenium park, those would be cheaper and meet your requirements but again a little bit of a commute (less than Lincoln park). River north had nice buildings and great views but not worth the money tbh.
I don't know where you are coming from, which could make a difference. For example, if you are coming from NYC you might not care about getting more of the "city experience" because you have already had that. If you are coming from a T3 or T4 city maybe you want the more urban/city feel.
Urban/Big City Feel
1- River North has historically been the younger crowd right out of college, a lot of clubs and late night bars. Some very nice buildings with the amenities you listed. But crime has also become worse in the area in the last 5 years, mainly late night in certain pockets. More late night shootings, carjackings, etc. Don't get me wrong, we are not talking south side level crime or anywhere near that, but there has been an uptick in River North and personally I feel like it is a little more grimy post-covid. But its the closest to your office, more L lines and stops, and still some very nice restaurants and shops, centrally located and you can get to the lake pretty easy. Someone else mentioned it, but River North does have some amazing views and is fun to walk around during the day.
2- West Loop/Fulton market has been the up and coming area for almost a decade. It has some of the best restaurants in the city, good nightlife, and generally an older crowd that River North. This is one of the best areas for the 30s-40s social crowd in my opinion. It is also close to the loop. The only issue is that cost of living/rent will generally be higher here than River North.
Neighborhood Feel
3- Lincoln Park and Lakeview are both good, more family oriented, less busy, more of a neighborhood feel. There will be less modern condo/apartment buildings with amenities in these neighborhoods, but there are some. Alot more of the 3 story walk ups. Personally I would rather be in one of these neighborhoods with a kid opposed to River North or West Loop.
4- Wicker Park and Bucktown are also good neighborhoods that are more family oriented and worth looking into.
All the neighborhoods I listed have access to various L lines that can get you to the Loop in 20 minutes or less.
I personally love Chicago, every neighborhood has a different vibe, food scene, bar scene, art scene, etc. But it is also easy to get to most of the neighborhoods within 15-20 minutes or less.
OP, this is a very good summary.
Someone else already said it but parkway gardens is a fantastic, lively, and invigorating community. Lots of celebrities call it home as well. West Garfield park is a close second, very notable for its cultural heritage and accessibility to get downtown on the blue/green line. You will have lots of opportunities to exercise as a lot of people running in them. They will chase you.
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