Might be getting a job in chicago (Addison, West Chicago: apartment, condo)

[YoungTraveler2011]

600 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60654

that's the job location.

what would be some good areas to look at for a young professional like me?

im 25, single, no kids, straight and i'd be making something around 80k/yr.

im looking to buy a one bedroom condo so i want something decent. i also want to look at something close to the job preferably downtown.

anyone got any tips??

[Gino1203]

I would look almost anywhere around that address you gave. That's a good area. Going West, stop at Western. If you go North I wouldn't go further that Irving Park Rd and probably avoid Belmont and Halsted area.

[YoungTraveler2011]

Originally Posted by Gino1203

I would look almost anywhere around that address you gave. That's a good area. Going West, stop at Western. If you go North I wouldn't go further that Irving Park Rd and probably avoid Belmont and Halsted area.

thanks for the reply!!

[emathias]

You could find places you could afford within walking distance, if that was your preference. River North is what most of the area east and south of there would be called. There is also a little bit of residential west of the river, between Halsted Street and the 90/94 Kennedy expressway that would be walkable.

Alternately, you'd probably want to live somewhere near the Brown Line 'L' or along the 66/Chicago bus line, if you're planning to use mass transit for commuting. With the 66/Chicago bus, you could live in Streeterville or the southern part of the Gold Coast (might be too expensive, but might have a few options), or west into the Ukrainian Village, particularly the East Village part of it. If you want to keep a car, that area is probably your best bet.

Along the Brown Line, West Lakeview (Brown Line stops Southport, Paulina, Addison, Irving Park) is probably your best bet for price/commute balance. You could afford some places in Lincoln Park, but less space for the money.

I live about a 15 minute walk from 600 W Chicago, so I know the area pretty well. I'm guessing you'll be working for Groupon, and I wish you well. If you're getting any stock options, now's a good time to start with the stock price down.

[ChiGuy2.5]

Wow, congrats. That is good money at 25 years old. Wish I made that much, I have a year and some months to catch up. lol. With your age and the money you make you should live in River North. Its expensive but its very close to work for you. Lincoln Park and Lakeview are less expensive but the average age is younger as well.

[YoungTraveler2011]

Originally Posted by emathias

You could find places you could afford within walking distance, if that was your preference. River North is what most of the area east and south of there would be called. There is also a little bit of residential west of the river, between Halsted Street and the 90/94 Kennedy expressway that would be walkable.

Alternately, you'd probably want to live somewhere near the Brown Line 'L' or along the 66/Chicago bus line, if you're planning to use mass transit for commuting. With the 66/Chicago bus, you could live in Streeterville or the southern part of the Gold Coast (might be too expensive, but might have a few options), or west into the Ukrainian Village, particularly the East Village part of it. If you want to keep a car, that area is probably your best bet.

Along the Brown Line, West Lakeview (Brown Line stops Southport, Paulina, Addison, Irving Park) is probably your best bet for price/commute balance. You could afford some places in Lincoln Park, but less space for the money.

I live about a 15 minute walk from 600 W Chicago, so I know the area pretty well. I'm guessing you'll be working for Groupon, and I wish you well. If you're getting any stock options, now's a good time to start with the stock price down.

Nice! Great tips! I would prefer to be in walking distance of the office, though at the same time, I really want to find the right apartment to invest, you know? if I can find the right apartment at walking distance, I'm golden!

I am bringing my own car, though to be honest if I really get the job, I'm getting rid of my car and getting a smartcar (lol). i think it'd be a good option for the city. it'd definitely make my life easier when parallel parking hahahaha. (i have a 2011 camaro at the moment)

Originally Posted by ChiGuy2.5

Wow, congrats. That is good money at 25 years old. Wish I made that much, I have a year and some months to catch up. lol. With your age and the money you make you should live in River North. Its expensive but its very close to work for you. Lincoln Park and Lakeview are less expensive but the average age is younger as well.

thanks! im hoping for 80 but u never know... employers employers... all i know is that i will not take anything below 75k. but we'll see!

i spoke with their HR person twice and she really liked me. tomorrow i have a phone interview with the IT team. if i pass that, then they'll want to see me in person. im feeling confident about it!