Best nabe for a new comer (West Loop v. River North v. Lincoln/Lakeview)? (Chicago: for sale, homes)

[Master Jay]

"Nabe", "Hood"??? Well either way, they are referring to neighborhoods... I'm used to hearing the word "hood" in a more urban, or "non-white neighborhood" style. And this is the first time I've heard someone use the term "nabe."... Regardless, looking at the list that BRU67 mentioned, the ones that stick out for me are Lincoln Square on the north, and Bridgeport on the south. But from my understanding the price range is going to be much higher to rent or buy in Lincoln Square than in Bridgeport.

[OyCrumbler]

Originally Posted by BRU67

My Official Chicago Nabe List, in case anyone wants to start using the term (I know I'm sure going to!)

* I'm going north to south here as best as I can. I'm not trying to state or imply in any way that one nabe has any more nabeness than another.

Rogers Park
Edgewater
Lincoln Square
Uptown
North Center
Logan Square
Lakeview
Lincoln Park
West Town (Ukie Village, Bucktown, Wicker Park, West Loop)
Near North
Lower West Side (Pilsen east of Ashland only, the rest is too rough for Nabe status just yet)
Bridgeport
South Loop

So only 13 out of 77 Community Areas, I was a little off. But we do have a couple Nabes-in-the-making - Humboldt Park and Avondale (and East Garfield Park if you believe our most optimistic realtors), but I don't think they're quite there yet.

At least one Big Ten bar is a general requirement for Nabe status. I didn't cross check this but I'm going to guess that Logan Square, Pilsen and Bridgeport are too cool to have one. However, they are so hip otherwise, I've gone ahead and issued an outright waiver to the latter two, and I will allow the numerous cool "pop up bars" such as the Ferris Bueller bar to substitute in the case of Logan Square.

I reckon a lot of north, northwest community areas have a bar that has some big ten patrons. Oh, and everyone loves Armour Square/Chinatown.

[Master Jay]

OyCrumbler, I'm a huge fan of Armour Square/Chinatown. However, I know there are people that consider some sections of it as littered, and not much on terms of bars! For some people, there is not a draw to reside there given many houses are tightly close together and not much to offer for a front lawn... That said, I enjoy the diversity, the easy accessibility to Italian and Chinese restaurants, and crime is relatively low.- Master Jay in Milwaukee

[BRU67]

Originally Posted by OyCrumbler

I reckon a lot of north, northwest community areas have a bar that has some big ten patrons. Oh, and everyone loves Armour Square/Chinatown.

While it's a general requirement, it will not give automatic inclusion into nabe status. There would have to be more. I'll entertain argument on whether to include Armour Square/Chinatown but my inclination is to say no. It was still only about 11% white as of 2015 (and 75% Asian). I think that's one that nabe denizens would visit for dining and shopping but probably wouldn't actually live in. Kind of like 26th Street in Little Village, though probably more popular.

[OyCrumbler]

Originally Posted by BRU67

While it's a general requirement, it will not give automatic inclusion into nabe status. There would have to be more. I'll entertain argument on whether to include Armour Square/Chinatown but my inclination is to say no. It was still only about 11% white as of 2015 (and 75% Asian). I think that's one that nabe denizens would visit for dining and shopping but probably wouldn't actually live in. Kind of like 26th Street in Little Village, though probably more popular.

Well, I guess if those areas aren’t nabe status then they are Emerald City. I don’t use the term, but I do argue those are still part of the pretty functional and relatively safe parts of the city.

[OKParker]

Lots of great nabes that have been listed in this thread!

[BRU67]

Originally Posted by OyCrumbler

Well, I guess if those areas aren’t nabe status then they are Emerald City. I don’t use the term, but I do argue those are still part of the pretty functional and relatively safe parts of the city.

Yes, I'd say Armor Square and Chinatown would be in the Emerald City. Interestingly, it may be the only Community Area in the Emerald City which is not also a nabe. Though the two almost always overlap, they are actually two separate things. Nabe is where the affluent mostly white professionals that everyone covets (to the exclusion of a strong working middle class) actually live. The Emerald City is their region. So you can have parts of their region where they don't necessarily live, if this makes sense.

[RamenAddict]

Originally Posted by BRU67

Yes, I'd say Armor Square and Chinatown would be in the Emerald City. Interestingly, it may be the only Community Area in the Emerald City which is not also a nabe. Though the two almost always overlap, they are actually two separate things. Nabe is where the affluent mostly white professionals that everyone covets (to the exclusion of a strong working middle class) actually live. The Emerald City is their region. So you can have parts of their region where they don't necessarily live, if this makes sense.

So what is a place where regular people live? A “Bore”? Is the Emerald City a bore?

[personone]

Originally Posted by RamenAddict

So what is a place where regular people live? A “Bore”? Is the Emerald City a bore?

I think neighborhoods labels are completely subjective. Many times people will be forced to live in neighborhoods due to financial situations, family, etc., but for many other people they choose based on a variety of criteria. Neighborhood amenities, distance from work, charm/characteristics (which will vary by person), social options, etc. So what one person describes as a bore, may be perfect (not a bore) for someone else, which is why most neighborhood labels are subjective.

[andrew61]

Originally Posted by BRU67

While it's a general requirement, it will not give automatic inclusion into nabe status. There would have to be more. I'll entertain argument on whether to include Armour Square/Chinatown but my inclination is to say no. It was still only about 11% white as of 2015 (and 75% Asian). I think that's one that nabe denizens would visit for dining and shopping but probably wouldn't actually live in. Kind of like 26th Street in Little Village, though probably more popular.

I could see myself living in Chinatown... it would be sort of like living in a foreign country.