Chicago 1st timer- moving for work

[emathias]

Originally Posted by mossyfiber12

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I have also started considering west loop now as it seems closer 290 plus offers better parking options at prices comparable to wicker park. What are your guys' take on that?

Does the west loop tend to more congested and hence being closer to the 290 doesn't really mean much as far as commuting time goes?

As far as being lively, the West Loop really doesn't compare to Wicker Park and it has a lot fewer rentals except for rented-out-condos.

Personally, I'd find Oak Park more interesting than the West Loop. The West Loop does have more interesting restaurants, but you're not going to have a huge dining out budget, so that realistically can't be a big part of your decision process.

Wicker Park is definitely a great area to be in.
Oak Park is less lively, but still nice and has stuff to do and has a better commute.
West Loop has very little vibrancy compared to Wicker Park or Oak Park. I honestly don't see it has having advantages in any category for your commute and price range.

If you wanted cheaper and to be in the city and close to 290, you could consider the Taylor Street area. It's more neighborhoody than the West Loop, is close to the Medical District, so would also have other people in your shoes, has a decent restaurant scene that's less expensive than the West Loop. It definitely has less going on than Wicker Park, but it's cheaper than either the West Loop or Wicker Park, and it's easy and quick to get from the Taylor Street area to Wicker Park or the West Loop via transit or driving.

[rparz]

Originally Posted by mossyfiber12

I will definitely do the drive from wicker park/bucktown area to the hospital and see how long it takes.

I have also started considering west loop now as it seems closer 290 plus offers better parking options at prices comparable to wicker park. What are your guys' take on that?

Does the west loop tend to more congested and hence being closer to the 290 doesn't really mean much as far as commuting time goes?

You'll be using 290 to get to Maywood from pretty much anywhere on the north side.
During rush hour, you'll add from 10-20 minutes to get from the west loop to Wicker Park and vice-versa.