Lake View? Roscoe Village? (Chicago, Lincoln: apartments, for rent, neighborhoods)

[gateway141]

This is actually a spin-off of another thread I started (What are the best and worst things about living in Chicago?), but I'd like to get some specific information about neighborhoods in the city.

Here's some info. about me from my other thread:

I like a variety of restaurants and bars: big and small, little cafes, all types of cuisines, good jazz music. I especially like interesting local places v. chain restaurants. I like to run, but I also like to procrastinate about running. I like books, outdoor festivals and other events, art shows, and plays. I would love to find a theater that shows documentaries and other non-mainstream movies.

Would either of these neighborhoods be a good fit for me? Any others?

Thanks again.

[JuanTheman88]

Both of those neighborhoods are very nice and you would be fine in either. Although Lakeview definitely has more shops, bars, etc. Roscoe Village is a little more quiet and suburban feeling. Both of those neighborhoods are somewhat far from downtown though in my opinion. But if you are not commuting downtown then that might not be a bad thing. Also consider Wicker Park/Bucktown. That's where I live and there are many great shops and restaurants, and it is also a very easy commute downtown.

[chicagobear]

I think Lakeview is your best bet. There is a lot going on and the Red and Brown el lines (along with many buses) provide excellent public transportation. Lincoln Square is livelier than it used to be but it, like Roscoe Village, seems more young family oriented.

[soulful]

You will probably enjoy the Music Box Theatre on Southport and the Landmark Century on Clark just north of Diversey(Landmark has a combo of independent and smaller mainstream along with some documentaries). Both of these are in different parts of Lakeview. And of course the great running path along the lakefront is right at your door in East Lakeview. Sounds like a good choice for you.
p.s. Roscoe Village is just fine. However, it is a touch too "west" for most serious runners.

[gomexico]

Originally Posted by gateway141

This is actually a spin-off of another thread I started (What are the best and worst things about living in Chicago?), but I'd like to get some specific information about neighborhoods in the city.

Here's some info. about me from my other thread:

I like a variety of restaurants and bars: big and small, little cafes, all types of cuisines, good jazz music. I especially like interesting local places v. chain restaurants. I like to run, but I also like to procrastinate about running. I like books, outdoor festivals and other events, art shows, and plays. I would love to find a theater that shows documentaries and other non-mainstream movies.

Would either of these neighborhoods be a good fit for me? Any others?

Thanks again.

My suggestion is that you spend some time visiting both of these neighborhoods, on different days of the week - weekdays and wekends - and at different times of the day/night - early, mid, evening and late-night. Only then will you get an idea/impression which or both may be right for you. Both have their plusses and minuses, I'm supposing. Stop in some local businessses - coffee shops, etc., - and ask other customers what they think of their neighborhood(s). Both are good places to live, if you can afford it.

Thanks.

[Bird4Prez]

Lake View is much more varied and much more of a city neighborhood (like one of the posters mentioned). I lived on Clark and Diversey for 3 years as a mid-twentysomething and I loved every minute of it. Now that I am a mid-thirtysomething, I would definitely prefer the quieter pace of Roscoe Village. Lake View just has too many issues that annoy me now (number one being parking).

[jwaiter]

Originally Posted by gateway141

TI would love to find a theater that shows documentaries and other non-mainstream movies.

Landmark's Century Centre Cinema

Facets Multimedia

Music Box Theatre

[gateway141]

This is great information everybody. It helps tremendously since I can't visit the city right now.

I actually stumbled upon Lake View while browsing apartments for rent on Craigslist. I was just trying to get a sense of what's out there. I saw a place that's $1,150-ish with heat, gas, water, and sewage included. It's a one-bedroom and not very "stylish," but perfectly fine. And it's a few blocks from the lake. I paid that much to live in the suburbs of Atlanta, and the only thing included in my rent was basic cable. Granted, my apartment was larger, but not much more better looking than the one I saw on Craigslist.

[Chi-town Native]

Originally Posted by gateway141

This is great information everybody. It helps tremendously since I can't visit the city right now.

I actually stumbled upon Lake View while browsing apartments for rent on Craigslist. I was just trying to get a sense of what's out there. I saw a place that's $1,150-ish with heat, gas, water, and sewage included. It's a one-bedroom and not very "stylish," but perfectly fine. And it's a few blocks from the lake. I paid that much to live in the suburbs of Atlanta, and the only thing included in my rent was basic cable. Granted, my apartment was larger, but not much more better looking than the one I saw on Craigslist.

I'd offer to pay a little more if they won't include sewage!

Seriously, I know what you're getting at, but that's a given a Chicago - I've never heard of anyone being charged for their sewer connection. I guess that's not even legal.

Feel free to post the ads if you'd like some second opinions, I'm a Lake View native, and many folks here have either lived there or are familiar with it.