Question about Bridgeport (Chicago: lofts, how much, neighborhood)

[FAReastcoast]

I'm looking at a couple investment properties in Bridgeport, and I have gotten some pretty conflicting views on the neighborhood. I think most who are familiar would agree that East of Halsted is "Nicer" than West, but locals and others have said the artists/hipster crew are mostly west and not likely to go too far east? I'm guessing this is due to UIC and the proximity to Pilsen? Buildings east of Halsted command ~20% premium over west of Halsted.
Can anyone comment on their experience?

[NealIRC]

SDs are between Halsted and Morgan, and Latin Kings are between Morgan and Racine, between 31st and 35th.

[marothisu]

I'd say most of the artist/hipster stuff is west of Halsted like Maria's Packaged Goods, Bridgeport Art Center/Skyline Loft, Chicago Urban Art Society, Zhou B Art Center, and a handful of galleries. I'm not really sure how much it has to do with UIC - maybe a little bit. Probably has more to do with Pilsen, but there's still a river separating both of them.

[BRU67]

Originally Posted by marothisu

I'd say most of the artist/hipster stuff is west of Halsted like Maria's Packaged Goods, Bridgeport Art Center/Skyline Loft, Chicago Urban Art Society, Zhou B Art Center, and a handful of galleries. I'm not really sure how much it has to do with UIC - maybe a little bit. Probably has more to do with Pilsen, but there's still a river separating both of them.

Somewhat baffling but, amazingly, true. Area isn't particularly convenient to public transit (beyond the Halsted bus) and the housing stock is just ok. There are some cool lofts and dive bars but we could say that about a lot of areas. But then again, I'm not very cool so who am I to say what is cool. Definitely a huge hipster presence in the 31st and Morgan area now.

[jonnynonos]

Originally Posted by FAReastcoast

I'm looking at a couple investment properties in Bridgeport, and I have gotten some pretty conflicting views on the neighborhood. I think most who are familiar would agree that East of Halsted is "Nicer" than West, but locals and others have said the artists/hipster crew are mostly west and not likely to go too far east? I'm guessing this is due to UIC and the proximity to Pilsen? Buildings east of Halsted command ~20% premium over west of Halsted.
Can anyone comment on their experience?

It is likely due to cheaper rents W of Halsted.

[Ace Rothstein]

Originally Posted by jonnynonos

It is likely due to cheaper rents W of Halsted.

Basically this. There are more SFHs east of Halsted as well. The elementary school that serves the area east,of Halsted and north of 35th is pretty good. The other neighborhood elementary schools are pretty bad.