Best neighborhood for... (Chicago, Lincoln, Irving: houses, neighborhoods, young professionals)

[wowitskristin]

Hey all,

Just wondering what the best neighborhood is for a 22 year old female.

-Love culture, having restaurants, bars, awesome coffee shops and nightlife close by
-Close to public transit, an area where I wouldn't need a car
-Short distance to downtown
-Safe!
-Not super expensive...I would say no more than $700 for a room/share
-Young professionals around

Thanks

[OhAcid]

The obvious choices are North Side communities. Lakeview and Lincoln Park - which are not bad neighborhoods for someone new to Chicago. Sort of "transition" neighborhoods from your previous home to the city.

You'll have no trouble finding a studio or a shared space in these areas for $700/mo. Great transportation options and almost anything you could want within walking distance.

Other areas that are less active (but also cheaper in my experience, and also a very short trip to nightlife, entertainment, as well as the loop) are Lincoln Square and Ravenswood (which is a neighborhood in the Lincoln Square area).

My advice is to familiarize yourself with Chicago somewhat, then take a weekend trip to explore these areas and ultimately decide which would fit best for you!

[soulful]

I would say East Lakeview around N. Broadway or N Lake Shore Dr north of Diversey up to Irving Park. Or, Lincoln Park. Both of those areas are full of young professionals, tons of coffeehouses, safe, etc. Lots of options for buses (express and non) to downtown or the train.

Since you can spend 700 for your portion if you have 2 roommates that would be a 2100.00 3 BR which is doable in those neighborhoods. Having 1 other roommate and a 1400 2 BR is also possible in some of the courtyard vintage or smaller 3 flat type buildings. You can even find 700 studios in those neighborhoods but they are rather small.

Good luck.

[Halsted]

North Side yuppie neighborhoods

[wowitskristin]

Thanks!

[Larry Siegel]

I would add Wicker Park to that list. It's a little funkier, but full of young people.