My daughter accepted a job in Chicago and we are not familiar at all with the city and area. Her office will be on W Monroe, so in the city. As a college grad, she will be on a budget. What areas are affordable and provide a convenient commute to the city? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.
My thoughts were a .44 magnum, but right now just an affordable option to rent an apartment. he goes to school, in DC so not much of a change.
This is a pretty disrespectful comment for a parent that is worried about his daughter moving to a new city.
Chicago isn't bad. I went to school in the midwest and most of my friends who were recent college grads went to Wrigleyville area. This was 10 years ago so I'm not sure how expensive it's gotten, but anything in Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lakeview was pretty nice from when I visited.
When I was in Chicago about a month ago we stayed in the West Loop area and also thought it was really nice, lots of fun bars and things to do.
The violence is pretty much relegated to the South Side Englewood area so stay clear
You do not note where on Monroe your daughter's office is located and that makes a difference in terms of a commute
You also do not note whether your daughter prefers an urban experience or is more of a suburban habitue.
Chicago is a city of neighborhoods. If your daughter is adventurous I would spend some time looking at Greektown or the Ukrainian Village. The Fulton Market area near Monroe is hopping with Yuppies and really terrific restaurants and clubs.
But you do not indicate rent parameters or if she will be sharing a place
If your daughter does not mind training it on the Loop I would encourage her to explore Wrigleyville which is an area full of young folks and clubs and has a real nice vibe to it.
Should your daughter be more of a suburban type she should explore the various towns affiliated with METRA stations where trains stop on their way to Union Station. First check the EXPRSS train schedules which would allow for greater distance from downtown which will allow for lower rents. I would strongly suggest Naperville as worthy of a visit. It has most of the restaurants and attractions of downtown minus the violence but also minus the sports and cultural attractions. It also has some of the best public schools if she is nearing marriage and children are a consideration
The violence is pretty much relegated to the South Side Englewood area so stay clear
You do not note where on Monroe your daughter's office is located and that makes a difference in terms of a commute
You also do not note whether your daughter prefers an urban experience or is more of a suburban habitue.
Chicago is a city of neighborhoods. If your daughter is adventurous I would spend some time looking at Greektown or the Ukrainian Village. The Fulton Market area near Monroe is hopping with Yuppies and really terrific restaurants and clubs.
But you do not indicate rent parameters or if she will be sharing a place
If your daughter does not mind training it on the Loop I would encourage her to explore Wrigleyville which is an area full of young folks and clubs and has a real nice vibe to it.
Should your daughter be more of a suburban type she should explore the various towns affiliated with METRA stations where trains stop on their way to Union Station. First check the EXPRSS train schedules which would allow for greater distance from downtown which will allow for lower rents. I would strongly suggest Naperville as worthy of a visit. It has most of the restaurants and attractions of downtown minus the violence but also minus the sports and cultural attractions. It also has some of the best public schools if she is nearing marriage and children are a consideration
Marty, thank you very much for your detailed insight. Yes, I left out some important facts. This si a first job for her, and although the offer is generous, she will be limited. Yes to a roommate so I would imagine 2500- 3000 for an apartment for two young woman. Her work address is 525 W Monroe Street- not sure where that is in the city. She is not a party girl, more culture than clubs. Affordability trumps urban vs. suburban, although I believe she would prefer urban.
It has gotten pricey but with a little legwork you might be able to find something suitable at your price range with a roommate.
Lincoln Park would be a fairly short commute but it also gets you near the Lake which during the summer is just great for the hiking, biking, beach volleyball etc. The Old Town neighborhood borders Lincoln Park and is another option
There are some fairly new hi rise apt buildings along South Michigan which might be a possibility. Michigan is where a lot of the cultural attractions are in terms of Museums, Art Galleries, the Chicago Symphony and of course the Magnificent Mile shopping area is on North Michigan. Do not venture too far south on Michigan. If you lose sight of Soldier Field you have gone too far.
Streeterville is another possibility. A lot of folks in the Medical field reside there. Again pricey but safe.
The best thing might be to try to get temporary housing for a bit and then spend time walking around the various neighborhoods I mentioned in my first post to get a feel for what fits. Neighbor hoods are like clothes. You really don't know until you try it on for size.
Good luck. Chicago is a great city. Get the word out. Don't listen to the disinformation out there.
It has gotten pricey but with a little legwork you might be able to find something suitable at your price range with a roommate.
Lincoln Park would be a fairly short commute but it also gets you near the Lake which during the summer is just great for the hiking, biking, beach volleyball etc. The Old Town neighborhood borders Lincoln Park and is another option
There are some fairly new hi rise apt buildings along South Michigan which might be a possibility. Michigan is where a lot of the cultural attractions are in terms of Museums, Art Galleries, the Chicago Symphony and of course the Magnificent Mile shopping area is on North Michigan. Do not venture too far south on Michigan. If you lose sight of Soldier Field you have gone too far.
Streeterville is another possibility. A lot of folks in the Medical field reside there. Again pricey but safe.
The best thing might be to try to get temporary housing for a bit and then spend time walking around the various neighborhoods I mentioned in my first post to get a feel for what fits. Neighbor hoods are like clothes. You really don't know until you try it on for size.
Good luck. Chicago is a great city. Get the word out. Don't listen to the disinformation out there.
Thank you. I appreciate your advice. I will start checking out all of these neighborhoods.
At the time I did the boat ride with a bunch of colleagues from LA and NYC. The tour guide pointed to a giant, new, beautiful residential building - ON THE CHICAGO RIVER - and said, "They have apartments there for TWENTY-FIVE-HUNDRED DOLLARS!!!" She couldn't believe how expensive that was. The NY and LA peeps were like, "Where do we sign up."
All this is to say, if you are accustomed to NY/Cali prices, Chicago is probably a considerable step down, even today.
I hope, if we do go, that we can have time for a dinner date with you guys
Eric has my email and street address and stuff
Look forward to it