Young Adult Moving to Chicago (Lincoln, Morris: apartment, lofts, theater)

[Massey914]

So, I recently visited Chicago for the first time, and I loved it. I spent most of my time in the downtown area and it made a great impression on me. I'm twenty-one and almost done with college, and had planned to move to a large city when I graduated. I think I would like that city to be Chicago.

I will be twenty-two and a young professional, so hopefully I will have a decent income. I'm pretty reserved, but I like to go out 1-2 times a week. I also DJ and am really into music. I would like to be able to walk or take public transportation basically everywhere(shops, food, libraries), though I do own a vehicle.

I'm wondering if anyone would suggest the west or south loop area for me, and what it might cost for a decent apartment(preferably a loft) in this area.

Thanks for your time!

[jdiddy]

Lofts are overrated and expensive. If you plan on living by yourself, plan on $700 to $1000 on a 1br.

West Loop and South Loop aren't typically the places for the fresh out of college set to go, those areas are filled with more late 20's and 30's. Go to Lincoln Park or Wrigleyville your first year. You'll be with 95% of the rest of the fresh out of college, fresh into the city set, so you'll have a better time, and be a bit more comfortable while you explore the rest of the city.

[soulful]

Lincoln Park or Lakeview (Wrigleyville is a part of Lakeview) would be my choice. The commute to downtown is a breeze(express buses or the el/trains) and there is so much fun street life, cafes, restaurants, cute side streets. As a point of reference, check out the intersection of N Clark and Diversey as this is the sort of epicenter dividing Lakeview and Lincoln Park. Great area and you are only 3 blocks from being in the actual park and lakefront trails.

There is nothing wrong with the south or west loop. However, it is a bit boring by comparison.

Good luck to you. Chicago is a great city.

[Massey914]

Okay, I was under the impression that the loop had quite a bit to do, but then again I have only been there a couple of times. I'm interested in night life, and there being a lot to do around me, but I also like my quiet.

[binarybelle]

Originally Posted by Massey914

I'm pretty reserved, but I like to go out 1-2 times a week.

Keep in mind that once you're in the city, you're going to be surrounded by many, many more compelling things to do than where you are now. Before I moved here, I was much the same -- going out once or twice a week. Now I'm constantly turning down offers or having to begrudgingly say "no" to really cool events because I simply have to try to stay in more often. Currently I'm going out 5-6 times a week.

Just something to bear in mind when thinking about your budget and where to live. Especially if you're into music -- you won't believe the amount of shows you'll want to go to, and there are several dozens every night.

[Massey914]

Originally Posted by binarybelle

Keep in mind that once you're in the city, you're going to be surrounded by many, many more compelling things to do than where you are now. Before I moved here, I was much the same -- going out once or twice a week. Now I'm constantly turning down offers or having to begrudgingly say "no" to really cool events because I simply have to try to stay in more often. Currently I'm going out 5-6 times a week.

Just something to bear in mind when thinking about your budget and where to live. Especially if you're into music -- you won't believe the amount of shows you'll want to go to, and there are several dozens every night.

Yeah, thats good advice. But, most likely I will have my hands pretty full with work, so that should cut out some of the temptation. I've managed to find some studios and one bedrooms in the $600-800 range that look nice though.

[binarybelle]

I work full-time, organize two book clubs and begin my masters in two weeks. I still find so many compelling things to do that I often skimp out on sleep just to see it (I mean, really -- a Smiths/Joy Division tribute residency? Belle & Sebastian DJ remix dance party? BYOB swing dance lessons? Mikhail Barishnikov at the Harris Theater? A Film-Noir themed theater fundraiser? These things are just too good to pass up).

Not saying it's healthy. Just sayin'.

Originally Posted by Massey914

Yeah, thats good advice. But, most likely I will have my hands pretty full with work, so that should cut out some of the temptation. I've managed to find some studios and one bedrooms in the $600-800 range that look nice though.

[Massey914]

Originally Posted by binarybelle

I work full-time, organize two book clubs and begin my masters in two weeks. I still find so many compelling things to do that I often skimp out on sleep just to see it (I mean, really -- a Smiths/Joy Division tribute residency? Belle & Sebastian DJ remix dance party? BYOB swing dance lessons? Mikhail Barishnikov at the Harris Theater? A Film-Noir themed theater fundraiser? These things are just too good to pass up).

Not saying it's healthy. Just sayin'.

Smiths/Joy Division tribute residency? Where is this? Belle & Sebastian DJ remix dance party? Sounds like you need to be my tour guide lol.

[binarybelle]

The Handsome Devliz play at Abbey Pub the last Wednesday of every month. Last month they played a Morrissey then a Smiths set. This month they're playing with another Joy Division tribute band. The month following that, a Depeche Mode tribute band. It's an incredible show, actually.

The B&S remix was a few months ago at Dark Room, an art gallery/music bar in Ukranian Village.

Time Out and Metromix will be your friends.

[Massey914]

Sounds like I will have my hands full there.

Thanks for the suggestions. You have good taste.