Chicago from Canada - where to locate (Lincoln, Roscoe: sales, apartment)

[BookLady6635]

We are planning on re-locating from Canada to Chicago and looking to buy something (an apartment/condo/little house) in the $175,00-200,000 range but not sure in which areas to look. We are empty nesters – so schools etc aren’t an issue – don’t think we’ll bring a vehicle so parking isn’t the most important. A walkable area with local services- neighbourhood restaurants etc would be great. We travel a lot so an area where it would be safe to leave the property unattended for a week or two at a time would be best. It has been suggested that the Ravenswood, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, Lakeview, Roscoe Village, North or West loop would be areas to look at and would have the kind of vibe we would be looking for. Ideally we would like something that would be close to public transportation from the area we choose to the area around the Aon Centre – would prefer no more than a 10 minute walk on either end of the trip and a commute time of max 30 mins. Is this at all do-able? Any suggestions?

[jwaiter]

River West.

[SJaye]

Originally Posted by jwaiter

River West.

As long as the OP does not mind a relatively small living space. Anything in that area for that price will likely be quite small.

[Vlajos]

I think everything you listed will work quite well.

[chet everett]

Many of the neighborhoods you listed would be much longer than 30 minutes of commute time via public transit.


The Aon Center is near quite a few condo towers that would be perfect for your situation, but your budget may be too low. Even smaller older units that are in need of renovation tend to command a bit more than your budget, further you may need to budget for significant ongoing assessments, especially if you want things like an in-building workout area and pool.

Are you retirees or employed? Would healthcare costs, which I believe you may be able to forego US employer based coverage, allow you to "spend" more for a condo???

There has been some over building near Millenium Park, and some units are available at a considerable discount, but that discount is off the prices that developers thought would compete with Central Park in NYC where 7 or 8 figure sales are not uncommon...

A budget closer to double yours is probably going to give you many more options.

[Vlajos]

Your commute might be 45 minutes instead of 30 from some of those neighborhoods you mention. Not sure if that's a deal breaker for you.

[Jandur]

Any of those locations would work potentially. You won't get a very big place for that price range, but you can find some decent homes still. It really just depends on your expectations. 1b or 2b? Luxury finishes and a pool, or something more standard?

[BookLady6635]

Thanks for your comments - this will be a second home so would like to keep the budget under $250K &would really love two bedrooms or a bedroom and a den but it can be in a standard building - not necessary luxury type finishes - looking for something that works in the city for business but our "home" will still be in Canada.

[chet everett]

If you don't mind a unit that has not been updated in a long time there are some buildings on N. LaSalle St and others east of N. Michigan Ave that do have a a quieter mix of residents, would give you a walkable short commute and won't cost and arm and leg, but the kitchens are likely to be all electric with cabinets that are probably from the height of Formica's 1970s popularty, no granite or stainless steel and bathrooms that more like Motel 6 than the Four Seasons...