Neighborhood advice - possibly moving to Chicago (Lincoln, Kingston: rentals, lofts)

[extractable]

Hello,

Early 30's husband and wife possibly about to move to Chicago. We aren't night owls but definitely enjoy going out to play, symphony and other yuppie stuff. We also hit up bars to check out new bands and smaller acts. I'm a musician so I usually find myself in cafes, bars and jamming with bands.

I make pretty good loot and as does she so we're looking for a clean, safe neighborhood, close to downtown/financial district. We walk our dog a lot and enjoy being close to the water. Proximity to water would lead to buying a sailboat (I told you yuppie - please don't hate :-)).

So what's the best spot that's got a good vibe, cafes/coffee shops, good restaurants, proximity to grocery (Trader Joe's preferable), parks, beaches, etc.

Thanks much for your time and consideration.

[Freefall18]

Sounds like Lincoln Park would be your best bet

[ProgMichael]

Definitely Lincoln Park. In fact, if you're not terribly concerned about rent, I'd look anywhere south of Fullerton and east/north of the river.

[marothisu]

Depends on the type of housing you want, but my first thoughts are Lincoln Park or Gold Coast. FYI there's a handful of Trader Joe's in areas you describe. The best if you want to be real close to it would either be River North or Lincoln Park near the border of Lakeview (it's right near Diversey & Clark). Lincoln Park is way less high rise and more neighborhoody than River North.

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I'd be working in the financial district and I like to be able to walk to work if possible (5- 7 blocks is okay); I can always take public transit or ride my bike.

In terms of housing -- We are totally fine with a condo or more preferably a large loft configuration. Not really interested in living in a house.

Most of our nights are spent in, cooking and relaxing with lazy Saturday/Sundays walking through parks, coffee shops and chillaxing in said parks.

Thanks for the info guys -- it's very helpful!

[chet everett]

River North is walkably close to some of the financial firms' Loop offices. One could argue that there are more opportunities to find music venues to "jam" near to River North ( there are more "buskers" in the subway than at Lincoln Park's exposed El platforms...).

One could also argue that the access to slips along the river might be a plus to a boater, but sailboats tend to favor the lake slips that allow one to head directly out without waiting for bridge lifts or dropping one's mast.

Lincoln Park has more green space / is more pet friendly / attracts more well off families with children but would be a good option, though lofts are relatively uncommon there.

I am not sure if "chillaxing" is common in any Chicago parks.

[extractable]

Sorry that is my perpetual northern California vernacular coming out.

[chet everett]

I've been to San Franciso, as well as other spots both further north in California as well as spots closer to San Deigo and LA and I don't think you will find as many folks just "kicking' back" in the parks of Chicago and the region as you would out there. It might have something to do with more folks out west having a appreciation of "chilllaxin' " or the various differnces in climate / land use...

[marothisu]

If you absolutely want to be able to walk to work, then River North, West Loop, South Loop, Streeterville or Lakeshore East are your best bets for that. River North is the most established out of these and have the most "thing" and this is also where one Trader Joe's is (as well as Whole Foods). It is close to the lake (the lake has an 18 mile running/biking path on it) and a few beaches. All the areas I listed have high rises in them, though South Loop and West Loop have some low rise options too after awhile.

Just north of River North is Gold Coast, which is a little older and residents even more established. There are a few spots I really like there (this is my neighborhood) for just kicking back outside when it's nice out. Both are plazas but still cool: Argo Tea - Near North Side - Chicago, IL, Whispers Cafe - Near North Side - Chicago, IL. These are both public parks so you can be out there without buying anything. You could walk to work from Gold Coast depending on where your job is in the Loop, or you could take a train or bus. Train is usually only 5 minutes from there. Also close to the beach and close to the foot of Lincoln Park (the park) which is the largest park by acreage in Chicago.


Lincoln Park is more neighborhoody and more laid back, but still a lot of places there. The residential streets are very green and quiet. More like a Boston, certain established but quiet parts of NYC, etc type of feel. Lincoln Park is of course on the park called Lincoln Park (as are other areas such as Lakeview, Edgewater, etc).

The beaches in Chicago in the summer can be popular with the ones more downtown being crowded and also having patio types of areas on them to relax on (as do a few outside of the downtown area). There are a lot of people relaxing in certain parks in the nicer months. You won't find Lincoln Park full of people, but there are definitely people out there just relaxing, and the two places I listed above (Argo Tea (Connors Park) and especially Whispers (Mariano Park) have a number of people just chilling outside every day. Mariano Park, or the Viagra Triangle as people call it, is very popular pretty much everyday when it's nice out. If you like people watching, it's a great spot.

Music
River North: Underground Wonder Bar - Near North Side - Chicago, IL, Blue Chicago - Near North Side - Chicago, IL, Andy's Jazz Club - Near North Side - Chicago, IL, Chicago Piano Bar | Chicago Jazz Club | Chicago Dance Club | Chicago Nightclub | Award Winning martinis and some larger ones like House of Blues, Hard Rock Cafe, and Piano Bars such as The Redhead Piano Bar - Near North Side - Chicago, IL

Gold Coast
The Backroom - Near North Side - Chicago, IL, Zebra Lounge - Near North Side - Chicago, IL

Lincoln Park
Kingston Mines - Lincoln Park - Chicago, IL, B.L.U.E.S. - Lincoln Park - Chicago, IL, The Wild Hare - Lincoln Park - Chicago, IL, Lincoln Hall - Lincoln Park - Chicago, IL, etc (a lot more small cafe/coffeeshop type of places too)

South Loop/Near South Side
Buddy Guy's Legends - South Loop - Chicago, IL, Jazz Showcase - South Loop - Chicago, IL, M Lounge - Near Southside - Chicago, IL

[extractable]

Awesome details! In SF we use the heck out of our parks and beaches for laying about in the sun (when there is some) or walking animals. Those with kids do that too.

Sounds like Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, S/W Loop and Lakeview are the best bet for us.

I love living in a city with real public transit; makes life easier to only have one car and a motorcycle.

Are rental rates usually negotiable in Chicago or as advertised? We will probably locate rentals via Craigslist.

I'm originally from the Midwest (not Chicago) and spent the last 5 years in SF and now looking back at Chicago.

Since Chicago is its own beast, what kind of cultural or personality differences should I be aware of?

I'm pretty laid back and don't get too excited. Meandering and contemplative would be the word I use to describe myself. My wife on the other hand is focused, driven and attacks like a terrier. We complement each other well -- ha!