Decent Neighborhoods Southside

[chet everett]

There are some "cultural factors" to consider as well. Aside from race, which is sadly kind of big deal, there are more professional people in certain neighborhoods than others. Much of this has to do with employment / commuting patterns. People like to have a shortish commute to / from work.

That said, it surprises me how confined the "youth oriented" areas are. The South Loop has a fairly long tradition of development, but just nowhere near the number nightspots as Lakeview. I suspect the warehouses and even low income/homeless outreach efforts of that area hampered the development of entertainment more than anything else. It is funny how that 'security factor' overrides so much. For instance, the commute down LSD to South Shore is positively zippy, but the perceived security is low. Kinda creates a "chicken & egg" cycle, no entertainment -- no normal street life, people don't feel safe, no one invests in resturants and bars...

Bridgeport is a little different. The Sox crowd gives some businesses a reason to exist, but too many businesses have a pretty out-dated (backward?) view of not wanting to attract "those that aren't are kind". Say what you will about the "Beninigan-ifcation" of bars in Wrigleyview, those places make ORDERS OF MAGNITUDE more dough for their owners and the City than anyplace in Bridgeport. Odd.

I don't know how varied the nightlife is near UIC, but that is still a better commute to NW Indiana than anyplace in Lakeview. Costs are not as high either. Might be the best compromise...

[diskmaster23]

Originally Posted by chet everett

There are some "cultural factors" to consider as well. Aside from race, which is sadly kind of big deal, there are more professional people in certain neighborhoods than others. Much of this has to do with employment / commuting patterns. People like to have a shortish commute to / from work.

That said, it surprises me how confined the "youth oriented" areas are. The South Loop has a fairly long tradition of development, but just nowhere near the number nightspots as Lakeview. I suspect the warehouses and even low income/homeless outreach efforts of that area hampered the development of entertainment more than anything else. It is funny how that 'security factor' overrides so much. For instance, the commute down LSD to South Shore is positively zippy, but the perceived security is low. Kinda creates a "chicken & egg" cycle, no entertainment -- no normal street life, people don't feel safe, no one invests in resturants and bars...

Bridgeport is a little different. The Sox crowd gives some businesses a reason to exist, but too many businesses have a pretty out-dated (backward?) view of not wanting to attract "those that aren't are kind". Say what you will about the "Beninigan-ifcation" of bars in Wrigleyview, those places make ORDERS OF MAGNITUDE more dough for their owners and the City than anyplace in Bridgeport. Odd.

I don't know how varied the nightlife is near UIC, but that is still a better commute to NW Indiana than anyplace in Lakeview. Costs are not as high either. Might be the best compromise...

You are right about other places not having as many nightspots as Lakeview. I've often wondered why certain places didn't have as much investment as those other places. It is too bad that Chicago doesn't have a variety spread through out the city. The city has so much potential.

I felt that the Lower West Side, Bridgeport, Pilsen, Medical Center, UIC was a fairly good compromise considering all the alternatives. I had considered Pullman or Blue Island, but those places are too much like suburba.

I had a thought that if I did not want to drive, I would take the Southshore to Gary Metro and then resume my commute with a car on the other end. It is a lot of transfering, but it would reduce the amount of maintence I would have on the car; that is if I wanted to go that route.

[Banx]

South Loop, Hyde Park, Brideport, and Pilsen are all fairly affordable, nice areas of the south side.

[mel2000]

There are no safe cheap places on the south side of Chicago that will meet your needs. Blue Island sounds like your only possible alternative, although it might be a bit too gay and too ethnic for you.

[diskmaster23]

Thank all of you for your suggestions and comments. I decided that with my current situation with the economy I cannot afford to move into the city.

I figured out that if I had a job in the city versus out deep into Indiana and did not have a car that it would not be impossible to arrange. It is the car that makes things so expensive. Even if I were to downgrade the vehicle, that still wouldn't leave enough in the budget for a rainy day.

I'll keep looking, but I don't fore see the economy picking up anytime soon.

Thanks all!

[prairiestate]

Originally Posted by mel2000

Blue Island ...might be a bit too gay.

Yup, when I'm looking for a gay neighborhood, the first place I go are the blue collar, working class factory towns, with a huge Irish, Polish and Mexican Catholic presence.

Yes, I know there is a gay bar in BI, and a few in Cal City. For the life of me, I can't even begin to imagine why.