Should I live in Lincoln Park?

[Chi-town Native]

Originally Posted by S2H

Look, I live in Norwood Park. It's a great neighborhood, but it's phenomenally boring. I want to live somewhere cool, that's all. Most anywhere is relatively cool.

But I don't want to compromise on safety. I want people who come to visit to feel safe walking to their car at midnight...

Was also thinking of just staying in Edison Park, but the commute blows.

I hate to say it, but the places that are lively are almost by definition not 100% safe.

Areas known for younger folks who have been out drinking have always attracted muggers.

You'll likely need to compromise on either the street parking or Red line proximity, but if Andersonville is too far and you're looking at proximity to the Red Line, just get a map and make sure you don't look at any places more than a few blocks away.

Parking is going to be awful almost anywhere, but the Fullerton, Belmont & Addison stops are in zoned parking areas, so you can always give your friends the permit stickers. I'd suggest by the Sheridan stop it's getting too dull for your needs, and I would not suggest the Wilson or Lawrence stop areas either.

What about the brown or blue line?

[S2H]

Originally Posted by Chi-town Native

I hate to say it, but the places that are lively are almost by definition not 100% safe.

Areas known for younger folks who have been out drinking have always attracted muggers.

You'll likely need to compromise on either the street parking or Red line proximity, but if Andersonville is too far and you're looking at proximity to the Red Line, just get a map and make sure you don't look at any places more than a few blocks away.

Parking is going to be awful almost anywhere, but the Fullerton, Belmont & Addison stops are in zoned parking areas, so you can always give your friends the permit stickers. I'd suggest by the Sheridan stop it's getting too dull for your needs, and I would not suggest the Wilson or Lawrence stop areas either.

What about the brown or blue line?

True. When you hunt deer, you go where the deer are.

[S2H]

I should have listened to you all in the first place. I've been looking at neighborhoods for weeks. I think I've settled on somewhere along the brown line (Lincoln Square, North Center, Roscoe Village).

Lincoln Park... What was I thinking?

[j_cat]

Originally Posted by Chi-town Native

I hate to say it, but the places that are lively are almost by definition not 100% safe.

No place is 100% safe, but the places that are lively are almost by definition safer than average; otherwise the crowds would stay away.

[j_cat]

Originally Posted by S2H

Lincoln Park... What was I thinking?

You were thinking perfectly reasonably, but people have a bit of an axe to grind regarding LP/LV. They swear it's not envy, but sometimes the resemblance is uncanny.

[divakat]

You may want to consider River North. There are several buildings that you could afford, and over the past several years, River North has become a great place for 30 somethings to go out. The building next to Trump Tower, 405 North Wabash is right in the midst of everything and could be a good fit for you.

Lincoln Park is also very nice and I think you could find a nice 1 br in your budget.

[amo48]

Lake View. West of the Red Line.