Where in Chicago do you plan to live?

[The Urban Politician]

Okay, perhaps some of you are Chicago transients who plan to move on.
Sorry that you don't wish to stay, but Chicago is not for everybody.

But for those of you want to live in Chicago, where would you ultimately like to live when all is said and done? You can be specific or vague if you like. Suburbs are included.

I, for example, love the north side but think I would be more content on the south side. However, living downtown also has its allure. As regards to having a family, though, I don't see downtown living as a long term thing unless I can get a townhome or large condo in Lakeshore east (and send the kids to LSE elementary?).

Ultimately, I would likely consider Hyde-Park/Kenwood or Bridgeport. Hyde Park is a bit weak in its 'L access but at least has the metra. Bridgeport has the 'L but it's in the median of the expressway, which is not my favorite. I also really love Bucktown.

Regarding suburbs, I would consider Evanston, Oak Park, Arlington Heights, or Palatine. All of them have a decent downtown and good train access. I am sure there are many, many other good ones but I don't know much about them. Tinley Park isn't bad, I guess. To be honest, though, I am not a big fan of Chicago suburbs. They are full of old hoagies, if you ask me, and they keep trying to stand in the way of Chicago's dominance. Now that I think about it, I really DISLIKE the suburbs!

[STR]

My preffered residence would be the penthouse suite on top of a 2,500ft tower that I own and built.

But in the unlikely event of the above scenario not coming to pass, any Loop/Mag Mile high-rise location would be fine by me. Park Tower or JHC top the list.

[DeMaFrost]

Lake Point tower, I'd move into Sammy's condo after his ass is booted out of town.

[simulcra]

My preffered residence would be the penthouse suite on top of a 2,500ft tower that I own and built.

same here, but more realistically a 600-1000 footer.

even more realistically, somewhere in the south loop/streeterville/wicker park/lakeview areas.

In general, I really want an area that has a vibrant street life (Hyde Park is too quiet for my ultimate desires), strong connectivity, and an environment i would like my kids to grow up in. sure hyde park or bridgeport may be nice, but huge areas of them are still too quiet for my tastes.

[edsg25]

Absolutely (and I mean absolutely) check this one out:

http://www.thepinnacletower.com/floorplans46.asp

but remember: I'm claiming it, so make no plans to move in.

the 45th full floor penthouse in the pinnacle. 3 Bedrooms, Media/Study Room and Library
4 1/2 Baths
5,503 Square Feet (Approximate)

in addition to its balconies, it has two 900 s.f. terraces.

this one definitely has my name (if not my savings account) written all over it.

[edsg25]

Absolutely (and I mean absolutely) check this one out:

http://www.thepinnacletower.com/floorplans46.asp

.

the website gets a little screwy: make that www.thepinnacletower.com/floorplans45.asp instead. 45th,not 46th floor

[Rail Claimore]

Somewhere near the Loop preferably, north side or south side... though I am a Cubs fan, I'd be more attracted to the north. As long as I can walk to an el station... that's a big key for me. As for any inner suburbs... if those are my desire... Evanston, Skokie, Park Ridge, Oak Park, are all decent or pretty nice.

[geoff_diamond]

I'm gonna have to say Block 37 :) I need access to every train line in the city, so, I'm pretty much restricted to a box bounded by Dearborn, State, Wacker and Van Buren.

[edsg25]

Evanston and Oak Park understandably show up the way you'd expect on a thread like this; they both have great appeal for those who want that sense of urbanity while living in what is technically suburbia. Evanston and Oak Park have traditionally been linked: first towns north and west of the city, similiar housing styles, school districts, diversity, downtowns (even had almost identical Marshall Field's), transportation (CTA/Metra), etc.

I've had a lot of experience with both towns, all my life. IMHO: based on recent trends, I suspect that with the type of development going on today, Evanston will far exceed Oak Park.

Why?

Evanston has been able to utilize NU as a partner in so much of its downtown expansion (amazing in light of the horrendous town-gown relationship). The pure scale of redevelopment with the college community on its door-step can not be duplicated in Oak Park, despite its own building spurt. Downtown Evanston offers the best kind of density: stacked high downtown, much more relaxing around it with the lake a few blocks east. In a sense, Oak Park is the reverse. It has a low rise, less exciting downtown; the areas around it, paricularly with busy, truck-laden Harlem Avenue running right through, is much more unpleasantly congested, with far more unwanted through traffic.

Evanston's building spurt includes a lot more than its downtown. Chicago Avenue is lined with new high rise/townhouse construction, oriented to both CTA and Metra. Evanston is, in fact, taking on some of the trappings of North Side lakefront neighborhoods. Oak Park, west of the city, doesn't have that dynamic.

Add to the fact that Evanston offers the magnificent lakefront, is desirably placed on the North Shore, a much nicer part of suburbia than Oak Pk's near west location (where it can only relate to River Forest), and IMHO Evanston has Oak Park easily beat.

Oak Park, however, scores points due to closeness to downtown and for all the Wright architecture. And is a pretty damned terrific place in its own right.

Just my opinion. Quoting Dennis Miller (although I prefer not to) I could be wrong.

[edsg25]

I'm gonna have to say Block 37 :) I need access to every train line in the city, so, I'm pretty much restricted to a box bounded by Dearborn, State, Wacker and Van Buren.

Do you enjoy living inside or on top of the tents?

Would someone please tell me, assure me, that by the time Jeb, Neal, Barbara and/or Jenna Bush become President, this damned thing will be built already.

[STR]

^According to Micheal Moore, the GOP plans to have the Supreme Court declare Jeb, Neal, Barbara, Jenna, and Goerge Sr. Co-Presidents for life. And only John Kerry can save us!
:nuts: :jk:

[Dampyre]

^According to Micheal Moore, the GOP plans to have the Supreme Court declare Jeb, Neal, Barbara, Jenna, and Goerge Sr. Co-Presidents for life. And only John Kerry can save us!
:nuts: :jk:

I hope not. There will be a lot of oil theft if that's the case. It sure would be nice to be able to take someone else's property or resources with no consequences whatsoever.

[24gotham]

If I were rich, I will admit that I would choose to live in NYC. But, my reality is that for my money, Chicago offers more bang for the buck than any other place in North America.

With no intention of coming across as gloating, I have the fortune of living exactly where I want to be in terms of being in Chicago. As a child growing up in the suburbs in California, I dreamed of living in an unusual space in the heart of a real city. I am grateful to say, I got my dream, albeit a bit different, but my dream none the less.

It may be small by Chicago standards (it would be a decent size for NYC.), but I got lucky when I was able to buy a small loft on State Street in the heart of the Loop. I have access to everything I need (especially now with Target open on Roosevelt), transit to anywhere I want to go, I walk to work, and every day, I get to walk amongst world class skyscrapers. While not perfect, with the exception of having a bit more square footage, I am quite satisfied with the space and location I am in. So at this time, I plan to go nowhere.

[edsg25]

^According to Micheal Moore, the GOP plans to have the Supreme Court declare Jeb, Neal, Barbara, Jenna, and Goerge Sr. Co-Presidents for life. And only John Kerry can save us!
:nuts: :jk:

Presidents for life, huh? Any idea about Canadian immigration laws?

[Wu-Gambino]

I'm hoping to go to Loyola University and live in an apartment in that area.

[Suburbanite]

I would prefer an apartment anywhere on the Mag Mile or perhaps somewhere in the River East or perhaps Streeterville area. As far as suburban chicago goes I would definitly opt to live in the old part of downtown Elgin on the east side of the fox river. It is really quite beautiful despite it's crime-ridden reputation.

[MCC]

Lake Point tower, I'd move into Sammy's condo after his ass is booted out of town.

:lol:

Oprah's condo would be nice too but there's no way she's going to leave town.

[oshkeoto]

I'm really, truly surprised that Uptown hasn't come up here. For me, that neighborhood is ideal: it's the most diverse neighborhood in the city both ethnically and culturally--this is the place that has the Little Asia of Argyle Street mixed in among plentiful Mexican and African restaurants, not to mention historic jazz clubs like the Green Mill and beautiful architecture in both infill and theaters like the Aragon and the now-empty but still-impressive Uptown; it's got great access to the El and is only a twenty-minute ride to downtown; it's one of the densest and most urban-feeling neighborhoods in Chicago; and it's RIGHT ON THE LAKE!

So I would love to live in Uptown. I have two friends who live there, and they absolutely love it.

If not there, then I would not complain about living in Hyde Park, Albany Park, Rogers Park or the South or West Loop.

[geoff_diamond]

Uptown rapid access is great, as long as all you need is the Red Line (or even Brown I guess). But, if you want every line at your doorstep with no transfer requirements... then the Loop is the only place to be :)

[simulcra]

though I am a Cubs fan, I'd be more attracted to the north.
um... you should be fine since cubs are north side territory.

I'm really, truly surprised that Uptown hasn't come up here.
I've heard lots of great things about it (and the Argyle station on the red line is delightful), but I can't pass judgment on it until I've seen it in person.

[mypetrobot]

what can kind of place can one get if they are making 60,000? probably nothing to big i imagine.

[geoff_diamond]

Alot of that depends on whether or not you plan to have a car, and where you want to live. If you're okay being outside of downtown, you can actually get a pretty decently sized place for a reasonable amount of money (save for certain hot-spot neighborhoods). Unit sizes will shrink considerably downtown though, as you might imagine.

[pottebaum]

Do you guys know of any websites that list Chicago city neighborhoods (North Side, specificly, and close or in downtown)? I've been to Chi a few times, and I LOVE IT, but I don't know the neighborhoods as well as I do cities like NYC.

Now that I think about it, I love downtown---are there particular neighborhoods within that area?

[geoff_diamond]

potte - here's a link to the map depicting the 77 Chicago Community Areas (CCA's) - which are the officially recognized neighborhoods. But, many of these areas consist of smaller enclaves (or neighborhoods) within them.

http://www.cagis.uic.edu/demographics/camapreq1.html

Downtown would probably be considered to consist mainly of the Loop, Near South and Near North. However, if you dig deeper... just inside the Near North you've got several neighborhoods like Streeterville, the Gold Coast, River North, Northbridge, Old Town, etc.

[oshkeoto]

There's a poster, which I have on my wall, that's a map of Chicago and all of its neighborhoods--not just the official 77, but all the little ones inside.

Hmm. Here's a small picture of it, but you can't make out the neighborhood names:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/1929687001.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

Here's a bigger one, actually:

http://www.thesavvytraveller.com/agraphics/insights/geography/north_america/united_states/1general/2maps/big_stick/chicago_large_view.jpg

Two hundred twenty-two neighborhoods are covered in this map, according to the website.

[benji45]

I plan to live in Cassablanca area If i ever moved to Chicago.

[benji45]

..um.. there is a Cassablanca area ..rigth?? Something that starts with a C ..

[oshkeoto]

I have never heard of a neighborhood in Chicago named Casablanca.

But maybe there's something...

Here's a question: what neighborhood names do you like the most? Most are (something) Park, or something fairly generic, but there are interesting ones like The Island on the Northwest side and Streeterville downtown.

[benji45]

Hmm .. maybe thats not Chicago im thinking of. My favorite suburb name is Kenosha. It sounds so cool.

[geoff_diamond]

Yeah, I don't know of any Casablanca in Chicago. I think my favorite neighborhood names are probably Bucktown, Bridgeport and Wicker Park - they've all got nice, distinct rings to them.

[DeMaFrost]

Since we are on the topic of dividing Chicago up, does anyone have a list of Chicago Street designations, like the hundred blocks each street is.

For example:

Madison - 0 N/S
State - 0 E/W
Jackson - 300 S
Van Buren - 400 S
Congress - 500 S
Harrison - 600 S
Dearborn - 50 W
Clark - 100 W

etc etc. I've looked everywhere for such a list online and can't find it

[oshkeoto]

Um...seeing as there are thousands of streets in Chicago, I'm not sure there is a list of those.

[DeMaFrost]

Um...seeing as there are thousands of streets in Chicago, I'm not sure there is a list of those.

Well I'm sure someone would be crazy enough to list them all or a lot of them. At least the 100 blocks. I know a few places where you can find the 400 (1/2 mile) and 800 (1 mile blocks), but I'm looking for one that has more then that.

[geoff_diamond]

Yeah, I've got the 400 list somewhere, but, I've never seen it drilled down any deeper than that.

[itsnotrequired]

Since we are on the topic of dividing Chicago up, does anyone have a list of Chicago Street designations, like the hundred blocks each street is.

For example:

Madison - 0 N/S
State - 0 E/W
Jackson - 300 S
Van Buren - 400 S
Congress - 500 S
Harrison - 600 S
Dearborn - 50 W
Clark - 100 W

etc etc. I've looked everywhere for such a list online and can't find it

Ask and ye shall receive...

http://egov.cityofchicago.org/webportal/COCWebPortal/COC_ATTACH/Chicago_Street_Names_3.xls

[geoff_diamond]

Wow!!!! Great find!

[itsnotrequired]

Wow!!!! Great find!

I was also blown away by all the stuff on there. They also have aerial color photos of the entire city from spring of this year. I think the Terraserver photos are from 2002 and are only in black and white. There are also building footprint maps and plat maps. You could spend hours on there.

Check out the site:

http://maps.cityofchicago.org/kiosk/mpkiosk.jsp

[NYaddict]

check out this fantastic Condo (http://chicago.craigslist.org/rfs/45534127.html)
:eek2:

[simulcra]

South Shore, Wicker Park, Streeterville, and Kenwood are all neighborhood names I like.

[The Urban Politician]

Too many Chicago neighborhoods end in the word "park" for my taste.

And now, there's going to be Riverside Park and Lasalle Park!

[NWside]

Back of the Yards neighborhood... Best name.

[The Urban Politician]

Back of the Yards is an odd name--how did it ever get called that?

Personally, I like "uptown" and "Pilsen" as far as names go.

[geoff_diamond]

The neighborhood was situated right behind the old Chicago Stockyards. Hence the name :) Hmm... looks like I did pay attention during that History of Chicago class :)

[pottebaum]

If I were to live in Chicago, I'd want to live in an area with highrises around, and a somewhat busy street life. I'm not talking Mag-mile level street traffic, but people walking around to pick up groceries or grab a cup of coffee. Oh, yeah, I'd need to be in an area with very low crime. I mean, I'm not that picky, but I grew up in a very quiet area--and being in an area known for crime would just be to big of a transition for me. :p Does anyone know of any 'hoods that would meet my qualifications?

[geoff_diamond]

Lincoln Park, Edgewater, Lakeview, Streeterville, Hyde Park and Old Town all sound like what you're describing (although, you might find Streeter a bit too busy).

[Blackbelt Jones]

Well, I am pretty content renting in the (aesthetically questionable but reasonably priced) 56-story Near North high rise (http://www.30easthuron.com/) that me n' the missus call home, but I have to admit I have been eyeing some of those South Loop lofts. I have always wanted to try "loft" living...

I have also flirted with the idea of an apartment above a funky store somewhere in Lakeview or Wicker Park. I would just love to soak up that street culture... but the wife ain't havin' it.

Hmmm... just give me one o' each, and I think I'd be set.:)

In reality, we will likely buy somewhere south of the Loop, where our dollar will go a little farther.

[pottebaum]

Id like to be in the loop. Can anyone direct me to a place where I can see pics of Lakeview, Streeter, or near north? Thanks-- Just talking about someday moving to a city like Chicago really gets me excited

[Chi-town]

Um...seeing as there are thousands of streets in Chicago, I'm not sure there is a list of those.
Taxi drivers have little books that look like dictionaries, with every street in alphabetical order and its number & direction...

[pottebaum]

Oh, and blackbelt jones, I'm wondering...how much would a convertible apartment rent for a month in that building of yours? It looks fantastic!

[geoff_diamond]

Good choice blackbelt... I've always liked 30 E.

pottebaum - try going to google's image search and typing things like "streeterville chicago" or "lakeview chicago," you might get some decent results. Alot of these community areas may even have their own web sites (sort of like a local chamber of commerce). I'm not sure thought, I've never really checked.

[Blackbelt Jones]

Good choice blackbelt... I've always liked 30 E.

Thanks. :) The location is top notch. Fortunately, they gutted the apartments when the building went condo this Summer and the various new owners redid them top-to-bottom. We were very lucky to get an unobstructed south-facing view (overlooking the St. James Cathedral) with our newly redone apartment (rosewood floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and a damn Jacuzzi bathtub! The countertops did it for my wife... the view did it for me. :) ) The only pisser is lack of garbage disposal. The rehab may be 2004, but the plumin' is still 1984.

Oh yeah, the missus and I have a killer view of all the rich-folk shenanigans over at the Pinnacle. :)

Oh, and blackbelt jones, I'm wondering...how much would a convertible apartment rent for a month in that building of yours? It looks fantastic!

We are renting somebody's condo (he owns twenty units in the building, actually), so it's hard to say what any of these places run, as they all very from unit to unit. You should phone them and see (the management represents the various condo owners, or they can get you in touch with them directly... and always remember to haggle!), but I'm guessing its around 1K+ a month (plus electricity).

[pottebaum]

oh, cool. Thanks bbjones! What do you think the average rent is for a studio or, even better, a one bedroom place in Chicago---in or very close to the loop (like in near north, lakeview, lincoln park...or anyother busy, urban, safe neighborhood)?

i can't wait till me next trip to Chicago!

[geoff_diamond]

pottebaum - I can speak from experience here. Rents vary wildly depending on the building, exact location, amenities and time of year. As a little history though, I have paid anywhere between $1037 and $1750 for three seperate one-bedroom apartments downtown. I have a friend of mine who pays $1250 for her one-bedroom at the Fisher Building (right in the Loop), another couple I know pays $2000 for a great two bedroom in River North and I have another two friends (one at 200 N. Dearborn and one in Marina City) who both pay under $1000 for fairly large studios.

Hopefully this helps.

Blackbelt - whaddaya think of the new neon-blue light treatment on top of the Pinnacle? I love it! It was quite the unexpected surprise.

[Blackbelt Jones]

Blackbelt - whaddaya think of the new neon-blue light treatment on top of the Pinnacle? I love it! It was quite the unexpected surprise.

You know, I haven’t fully figured out just how I feel about it... walking back from Michigan Ave up Huron the other night, I had a chance to really absorb it. While I love funky neon lighting, and I love it on 'scrapers, I somehow just don't think it "goes" with the rest of the building. Maybe a building has to have a certain character to pull that off? Skinned in glass, or cylindrical in shape? I don't know. All in all, I feel the Pinnacle (in spite of the rumblings a few here) to be a fairly classy building, and I'm happy to have it as a neighbor. But the blue neon just doesn't fit with me 100% yet.

Maybe my feelings will change when more folks start to move in, and the ambient apartment light fills the building shape out. As of now, there are only a few occupants, so the building takes on this hulking form at night, capped with a blue halo.

[pottebaum]

That Pinnacle building looks like pretty cool place! I'm going to see if I can find any pics of it with the neon.

If I were to move to Chicago Id like to live in a newer building. Old buildings are awesome, but I just feel more comfortable in a newer one--you know what I mean? It wouldnt really need to be a high-rise...but I guess I wouldnt mind ;)

Right now, though, I'm so confused on where certain neighborhoods are and what they're like. I'm going to try and find a website that explains them with a map.

[edsg25]

I'd have a heck of a time picking one neighborhood to live in in Chicago, but I will make this observation:

if Hyde Park could have been magically moved from the South Side lakefront to the North Side lakefront, it would probably beat all the others. Why? Disregard new construction that has gone with gentrifiction. Hyde Park (and Kenwood, too) have a far more original housing stock than virtually any North Side neighborhood (I'm counting Gold Coast as downtown). The classically beautiful homes in these areas have no peer in North Side neighborhoods that I can think of. Lots of beautiful apt. bldgs. as well.

[The Urban Politician]

^Actually, I consider HydePark's location on the south side to be an advantage, not a weakness. It is likely that it's presence on the south side is why the original housing stock has been preserved. It has largely been protected from developers, gentrification, and the enormous machine of demolition/construction that has hit north side neighborhoods.

Hyde Parkers are very smart. They see that huge machine coming their way, and they are getting prepared. Already they are considering a proposal to landmark their ENTIRE district. Don't believe me? You can learn a lot about the intricacies of Hyde Park society if you go to www.hpherald.com

Hyde Park is one of Chicago's most organized, politically active neighborhoods, and are VERY interested in keeping Hyde Park intact.

[24gotham]

I was noticing the funky blue lights at the top of the Pinnacle last week as I waited fom my #36 bus to take me home from Whole Foods (Too many bags to carry the 12 blocks, and too cheap to pay for a cab.)
I agree that although I love the color of the lighting, and the fact that they have outlined the top of the building, I am not quite sure it is right for the Pinnacle. But, I will not complain, as I think more buildings should place more emphasis on their architecture by adding lighting at the top.

[geoff_diamond]

Absolutely. I absolutely love when buildings add dramatic lighting (it's one of the things that makes HK's skyline look so beautiful at night), but I agree that the blue neon doesn't exactly fit with the Pinnacle's program.

[The Urban Politician]

Absolutely. I absolutely love when buildings add dramatic lighting (it's one of the things that makes HK's skyline look so beautiful at night), but I agree that the blue neon doesn't exactly fit with the Pinnacle's program.

^Hey, it could be worse....
You could be me, and not even be able to see the blue light.. :cry:

[24gotham]

I'm all about blue light, sorry you can't see it TUP.

[The Urban Politician]

Perhaps we should all move to Edgewater. I had no idea the neighborhood was this hot! Very impressed:


Edgewater regains past glory

November 28, 2004

BY CELESTE BUSK HOMELIFE STAFF REPORTER






The Edgewater neighborhood, one of the Windy City's established premier neighborhoods, is undergoing a renewed burst of residential and retail development as young singles, couples and families continue to flock to the North Side enclave.

The community -- bounded by Foster, Devon, Ravenswood and Lake Michigan -- is known for its stable and diverse population of about 62,500 residents and a prestigious lakefront location. Once graced with premiere mansions along the lakeshore as well as the former landmark Edgewater Beach Hotel, today Edgewater has many high-rises, large mid-rise vintage apartment buildings and historic and architecturally significant buildings throughout the neighborhood, including residences in the Lakewood Balmoral Historic District and buildings in the Bryn Mawr Historic District, a commercial area.

One of the biggest attractions of Edgewater is its location. "One of the best, but underrecognized, resources of Edgewater is the lakefront," said Alex Cos, associate director of the Edgewater Community Council. "It's on the 'edge of the water' and the location is always going to be of interest to people. We have a beautiful coastline from Foster to Devon.

"There has been a lot of new developments in the neighborhood recently," Cos said. "Many of these are by developers trying to bring new retail space into Edgewater. A good example is the old Walgreens building at 1055 W. Bryn Mawr. Plans are under way to turn it into new commercial space with six new businesses."

Twenty-five new restaurants and 21 antiques dealers have moved into the neighborhood in the last few years, and there also has been a steady influx of children and families to the area, real estate experts say.

Fueling the renaissance is the promise of increasing residential property values. "Real estate resale values of the area's 30,000 housing units have dramatically increased," said veteran Realtor Ken Goldberg, executive managing director of Sheldon Good & Company, and marketing and sales agent for Catalpa Gardens Condominiums, one of the area's newest developments.

"The neighborhood's history has gone from vandals, broken windows and arson a decade or so ago to the sale of a 3-bedroom town home on Bryn Mawr this past spring for $760,000," Goldberg said.

For example, Goldberg said, a 2-bedroom condominium at 5415 N. Sheridan sold in 2002 for $300,000, then resold in 2004 for $420,000 -- a 40 percent increase.

Statistics from the Chicago Board of Realtors show that the median price of the 347 single-family homes, town houses and condominiums sold in Edgewater was $200,000 between May and July of 2004, up a whopping 26 percent from the same period a year earlier.

Realtors and developers gave several other examples of increases in housing value in Edgewater.

*A typical Edgewater single-family home that sold for $43,000 in 1971 is now valued at $500,000. Large vintage single-family homes in the exclusive Lakewood-Balmoral area east of the Andersonville district recently sold for more $600,000. One recent sale was for more than $1 million.

*New masonry single-family homes built at the new Edgewater Square development just east of Rosehill Cemetery were base-priced at $689,900. However, one sold for more than $900,000, said builder Paul Bertsche of C.A. Development.

Located at 1600 W. Rosehill Drive, Edgewater Square is an enclave of 27 luxury single-family homes on two acres. The homes of Edgewater Square feature 4 or 5 bedrooms, finished English basements and attached garages on oversized lots. One home remains for sale, priced from $679,900.

Bertsche said a similar home in West Lake View might cost more than $850,000. "In Lincoln Park, it would probably be $1.5 million. So the prices are 20 percent to 50 percent less at Edgewater Square, and the savings is measured in hundreds of thousands of dollars," he said.

Despite the impressive residential prices, real estate experts say there still is affordable housing in Edgewater.

For example, at one of the biggest new developments under way in Edgewater, Catalpa Gardens Condominiums at 5539 N. Broadway, base prices on 1-bedroom residences range from $155,900 to $236,900. Two-bedroom layouts run from $259,900 $366,900.

In only a few weeks, more than 60 condominiums have been sold at the planned 126-unit development. The 11-story condominium was conceived and designed by Thomas J. Green of Greene and Proppe Design, a long-time resident from the Edgewater neighborhood. The development will feature three brightly colored towers, each connected by a glass walkway, said Charles L. Cornelius Jr. a partner in Catalpa Partners LLC.

The development promises to be an architectural standout because of its unusual festive painted design, which consists of colors such as blue, beige, green and red, said co-developer William A. Lockhart. He, along with Reza Toulabi, owner of the two Reza's Restaurants in Chicago, also are development partners.

Like the ethnically diverse Edgewater, buyers at Catalpa Gardens are a melting pot. "The purchasers are a diverse eclectic group of people, a wide range in ages, lifestyles and ethnic backgrounds," said Toulabi, who has been a neighborhood resident since 1977 when he immigrated to the United States from Khorramabad, in the southwestern part of Iran.

"We have first-time buyers, empty-nesters, singles and couples. They are coming from Edgewater, Ravenswood, Lake View, Lincoln Park, even the Gold Coast," Reza said.

Reza opened Reza's, a Persian restaurant, 24 years ago. Today, the restaurant, a neighborhood landmark, has been relocated to 5255 N. Clark, around the corner from the original location.

"Toulabi has been a real estate investor in Edgewater and Andersonville for more than two decades. Residents call him the mayor of Andersonville," said Goldberg, who assembled the 31,800-square-foot vacant commercial site for Catalpa Gardens.

Catalpa Gardens Condominiums will consist of three 11-story buildings, each containing 42 units. The three-towers design, as opposed to one single building, will create additional corner units.

Nearby, the Bluewater Group is planning 5430 N. Sheridan, an eight-story new-construction condominium building across the street from Edgewater Beach. Plans call for 48 units. Preconstruction base prices ranging from $267,900 to $499,900.

Tucked into the southwest corner of Edgewater is Andersonville -- bounded by Foster, Clark, Ravenswood and Bryn Mawr. Andersonville has a decidedly Swedish presence, with a business district featuring a Swedish bakery and Scandinavian delis and restaurants.

One of Andersonville's newest developments is the Balmoral Gardens Condominiums, a development of 26 renovated residences at 1733-1737 W. Balmoral. Base prices range from $185,900 to $192,900 for a 1-bedroom condo. Only four units remain for sale. Developed by SBR Enterprises Inc., the three-story walk-up development features a central landscaped courtyard with a central garden area.

The history of the Edgewater/Andersonville neighborhood dates back to the late 1800s when the area was developed for upper-income residents seeking housing along the lakefront.

The name Edgewater was crated by developer John Lewis Cochran in 1885. The name was given to a subdivision bounded by Foster, Broadway, Bryn Mawr and the lake, reports the Edgewater Historical Society on its Web Site, www.edgewaterhistory.org.

Originally, Edgewater was developed as a suburb. Affluent residents moved to the area to escape the density of the central city. Early residents built large homes on spacious lots. Edgewater rose to more prominence in 1916 when the prestigious 1,000-room Edgewater Beach Hotel opened its doors at 5349 N. Sheridan Rd.

The surrounding neighborhood still has a large entertainment district, centered at Broadway and Lawrence, with venues like the Green Mill, the Riviera Theatre, the Aragon Ballroom and the Uptown Theatre.

"Today, Edgewater and the nearby Andersonville neighborhood's ethnic diversity is one of the premiere attractions, with a variety of people with ethnic and religious backgrounds," said Charles Huzenis, president of Jameson Realty Group, which is marketing Balmoral Gardens Condominiums.

Restaurants abound in the Edgewater/Andersonville area. The neighborhoods have everything from the finest Swedish delicatessen and bakeries outside of Sweden to many Middle Eastern restaurants and acclaimed Mexican, Japanese, Italian and contemporary American dining options.

Restaurants include Pasteur, 5511 N. Broadway; Calo Restaurant, 5343 N. Clark; Augie's Restaurant, 5347 N. Clark; Svea, 5236 N. Clark; La Tache, 1475 W. Balmoral; Angel's Restaurant, 5403 N. Clark; Los Arcos, 5525 N. Clark; La Donna Italian Restaurant, 5146 N. Clark; Charlie's Ale House, 5308 N. Clark, and Mia Francesca's, 1039 W. Bryn Mawr.

Other notable landmark eateries are the Fireside Restaurant, 5739 N. Ravenswood; T's Bar & Restaurant, 5025 N. Clark; Ann Sather Family Restaurant, 5207 N. Clark; Gourmet Delights, 5707 S. Monitor, and the landmark Huey's Hot Dogs, 1507 W. Balmoral. Bakeries include the Swedish Bakery, 5348 N. Clark; and the Turkish Cuisine & Bakery, 5605 N. Clark.

* Catalpa Gardens Condominiums, (773) 878-4599.

**Edgewater Square, (773) 883-244. The Web site is www.cadevelopment.com.

**A sales center for 5430 Sheridan is at 5501 N. Broadway. Call (312) 981-4840; www.5430Sheridan.com

**For information on Balmoral Gardens Condominiums, call (312) 751-0300; www.jameson.com.

[24gotham]

I moved from Edgewater to the loop last year. While I enjoyed my highrise apt with an amazing city view, and having the lake behind my building, I nearly died from boredom. For a family or a couple, the neighborhood could be just fine. For me it was just too residential, and too far from where I wanted to be. I also grew tired of the commute to work in the Loop, and when the chance came up to actually own a place in the Loop, I snapped it up faster than you can say "L Train".

[Chi-town]

^ Edgewater is way too far north and has no shopping, dining, or nightlife.

I'm moving to Manhattan when I graduate in May and will be there for at least 2-3 years. But if and when I come back to Chicago, it'll be to the Gold Coast, Old Town or Lincoln Park.

I like being near the lake, I like being near downtown, I like older neighborhoods. I also like really nice restaurants and shopping. Those are the three places that satisfy all requirements.

[simulcra]

I've decided that I no longer want to live in Chicago. I'm moving to Phoenix once I can.

[pottebaum]

That's quite a change of mind Simulcra!

[geoff_diamond]

Uhhh... wtf sim???

Chi-town - I guess you don't need transit? If so, you need to scratch Old Town from ur list.

[Chi-town]

Uhhh... wtf sim???

Chi-town - I guess you don't need transit? If so, you need to scratch Old Town from ur list.
Brown Line @ Sedgewick?

And you're close enough to cab it to Michigan Avenue...

[The Urban Politician]

I've decided that I no longer want to live in Chicago. I'm moving to Phoenix once I can.

^Have fun living in that shithole. Might as well live in Nashville, TN!

[geoff_diamond]

Nashville is SOOO much better than Phoenix... at list Nashville's got some history!

Chi - The Sedgewick brown line stop is well off the Wells St. corridor that I think of when I think Old Town. 4 or 5 blocks might not seem like a distance... but, when it comes to doing it every morning, rain or sleet... it's a bit of a hike.

[The Urban Politician]

Guys, I have an announcement to make.

I no longer like the north, urbanism, or good transit.

I've decided to buy a Ford Truck, grow a mullet, and live in Assville, Mississippi like my friend Simulcra

[24gotham]

Tup, While I am sure you could find happiness driving a pickup, sportin a mullet, and dining on roadkill... Somehow I think your'e just to darn citified for them folks. They have no urban to plan, just the quickest route to Wal*Mart. :wink2:

[Jules]

I'd like to live in the loop when I move out.

[24gotham]

^Avenue, Having spent the last year living in the loop on State, I can say you will love it! I couldn't imagine living anywhere else in Chitown.

[MCC]

Maybe simulcra is being sarcastic?

[geoff_diamond]

Let's not get carried away Dev... I love living in the Loop. But, I wouldn't complain if I were in River North again :)

[aion26]

So edgewater is hot now? Certianly a bit of a change from the edgewater in the 1980's (unless shady liquor stores and occaisional gunfire is 'hot'). I may have to go up there again one of these times and check out the changes.

I'm really interesting in Milwaukee Ave a bit south of Chicago Ave. If I could get my act together I'd be interested in that whole Fulton market district. I've ridden my bike through there a few time on my way home (I live in East Village, or West Town for all you traditionalists, which is also quite nice) and I like it.

[edsg25]

When Edgewater is raised as a subject, I always wonder: why not Rogers Park?

So, why not Rogers Park?

Look, I see as many negatives in gentrification as the next guy. So I think there are some very good things about this area not getting "hot".

My question is less on should RP be hot and more about why it isn't.

What makes RP immune to redevelopment?

Look at the advantages:

North Side lakefront location (and probably the only NS lakefront neighborhood without high price development)

adajacent to Evanston (where a helluva lot of quality development is taking place)

major college community (Loyola)

What's taking so long here? I have absolutely no idea myself.

[LA1]

Rogers Park has more rough streets than Edgewater. Morse Avenue is dangerous, so is Howard.

[edsg25]

Rogers Park has more rough streets than Edgewater. Morse Avenue is dangerous, so is Howard.

I find Morse MUCH worse than Howard. Howard has a major retail component around the el station. And Howard, west of Clark, is not that bad at all. The Juneway area is still bad, but Howard itself is a far more hopeful situation.

Morse is a disaster; I remember it fondly from its lox and bagel days when it was a totally different place.

[LA1]

I haven't explored Howard. My experience with Morse avenue was terrible enought to avoid NE Rogers Park completely. I went there once by mistake, not knowing anything about the area. I don't think I will return to Morse until some giant changes are made.

[Monadnock]

Currently, I rent a smallish 1-bdrm apt on Sheffield, about 1/2 block from the Armitage Brown Line station (this would be the SW corner of the Lincoln Park neighborhood, AKA the Depaul area). Love the El commute into the Loop - above ground all the way, with excellent views of the skyline.

Ideally (very much so, since I am a poor grad student), I'd like to live in something glassy, with a jawdropper of a view of the Loop, a building like Skybridge in River West or the Comtemporaine on Wells in River North.

Better still, something with a killer view...on the river (Waterview Tower, anyone? Renovated bridgehouse?) That stretch of river that separates the Loop from River North contains some of the greatest urban vistas in North America - take a stroll along one of its promenades in warm weather, just before dusk, and you'll see what I mean.

As the water quality of the Chicago River continues to improve, this awesome urban amenity can only enhance property values, and it provides a natural barrier against newer projects that can obstruct views.

[pobjeda]

I haven't explored Howard. My experience with Morse avenue was terrible enought to avoid NE Rogers Park completely. I went there once by mistake, not knowing anything about the area. I don't think I will return to Morse until some giant changes are made.

I didn't think it was really that bad of an area. Some poor folk and homeless milling about, but otherwise I had an alright time there when I stayed on Lunt this summer (get off on that side of the stop ;)) That was before the Osco was closed, though. Maybe it's gotten worse since I was there.

Of course, the neighborhood is a bit boring, and it takes nearly an hour to get to the loop...but I thought it was nice.

[24gotham]

I first visited Chicago in the fall of 98, with the intention of scouting out the city as a place to move. While on my first trip, I visited Rogers Park on a Monday during the mid-morning hours. My friend and I took the "L" up to Jarvis, got off and wandered around the area a bit. We meandered over to Sheridan, and eventually got back to the "L" at Morse. At the time I thought that RP was nice, quiet, had many beautiful tree lined streets with large homes, and it being next to the lake made it the perfect neighborhood to make my transition to Chicago in. I was completely oblivious to what the area at Morse was like.

When I moved from Seattle to Chicago in the summer of 99, I rented an apartment in Rogers Park, sight unseen, off of the internet. It was located three blocks from the Morse "L" stop on Estes. The building name was "Estes on the Lake", it sounded quaint, the unit had just been re-habbed, and for my money, it was the biggest apartment I ever rented. I paid less for this large apartment than I did for my studio in Seattle. The website where I rented the place from had several pictures of the place inside and out, and it seemed like a nice place to get started in Chicago.

Well, boy was I W-R-O-N-G!!! My first clue that I had moved to the ghetto (in comparison to sketchy neigborhoods in Seattle) was when my friend and I began to unload the furniture from the truck. While climbing the winding back stairs to our top floor apartment, I noticed that all of the screen doors on the back doors of each apartment had had the screens cut to access the latches on the screens, I also then noticed how many people had put up bars on their backdoor windows, and or just bolted plywood over the windows. Later that day I saw things at the building which were carefully edited out of the images posted on the internet, such as the crack dealers selling crack out of their units in the courtyard, and the huge packs of "Homeboys" hangin on the corner taunting little kids. I was initially freaked out enough that it took me more than two weeks before I would go out after 9pm. My friend who had initially helped find the place was racked with guilt, I was thinking "what the hell have I gotten myself into". I saw a couple of muggings while walking on Glenwood, to and from the stores or the "L". I saw the shattered windows in cars from vandals, and the shuttered storefronts of businesses that were once viable resources for the locals. After a while I finally got somewhat used to it, and found that I would even walk back from a bar near Clark and Devon at 3AM. But I never felt at ease.

I stayed there for the first year I was in Chicago, when on my one year anniversary of living in Chicago, I moved into my first condo in Edgewater. After moving to Edgewater, I began to fully realize just how bad it had been, I could finally walk outside of my front door without wondering what I was going to encounter. I then found I had no interest in ever spending time in the "old neigborhood", even to go the the Heartland Cafe. Rogers Park is very, very, block by block, there are some spectacular areas with amazing homes, and there are areas which are very deceiving in their beauty but have a strong underlaying uneasiness. Morse Ave. was a nightmare, I loathed going to the Osco, and also the Super Mercado across from Osco which were the only two places where one could get groceries close by. I later discovered that while riding the Red Line home from work, I could stop at the Jewel-Osco at Berwyn and get back on the train, that way I could at least shop in a place where I didn't feel threatened.

Now let me follow this up by saying that I am not a pussy when it comes to dealing with the realities of the streets. I have streetsmarts, and I have been through several less than fabulous areas in Chicago. But I am also not stupid. Why put myself in areas where I feel I need to watch my back on a constant basis? Now that I live in the Loop, I don't have any real need to go to areas like that, I just don't go. Chicago has plenty of safe and comfortable neigborhoods, and I have chosen to spend the majority of my time where I don't have to feel like I need to worry about being jumped. I also am clearly aware that I cannot just walk around without being somewhat aware of my surroundings, even in the "nice" areas, but is sure is nice to not have to be stressed out when I walk down the street. It should also be mentioned, that while RP is in the city, it is nine miles north of the Loop, and a 45-55 minute train ride downtown. That commute gets real old, real quick. (I did it for a year.)

These are just my thoughts and observations... Rogers Park does have some nice qualities, like the Heartland Cafe, or Enui Coffee House, and the beach along there is nice, But I would suggest you give any idea of living there just to save a few bucks, more than just a once over. Is it really worth the stress you would endure just to save a few bucks? For me, HELL NO!

[LA1]

I live in downtown too, and I like exploring other neighborhoods. But only the ones that I know are safe. I saw too many drug dealers and gang members near the Morse el to return. The areas south of Morse seemed okay to me.
Like you said, it isn't about being a pussy, its about staying away from AREAS YOU KNOW AREN"T SAFE. If some suburban kids want to see raw, gritty streetlife, be my guest. It just isn't a good decision imo. The "Whiteboyz" movie is one to check out..a bunch of rural Iowa white kids who love hip hop music desperately want to visit Cabrini Green. Utterly stupid. Makes you wonder if that shit really happens.

[dancethingy]

Edgewater is getting better, as well as uptown. I give those areas three-four years till it completely becomes transformed. Rogers Park defies all logic however, but things are changing there slowly. Loyola really is a bad school in terms of neighborhood outreach and influence because its probably one of the only University in Chicago whose neighborhood isn't improving as vastly as all the other schools.

[dancethingy]

Oh yeah, by the way, I'm a senior at Loyola so I can definitely attest that the school sucks.

[pottebaum]

Where do you guys, who are already in Chicago, live? Right now, even though my move is a long way off, I'm having a really fun time checking out potential neighborhoods. :D

If any of you think you could help, here's what I'm looking for:

-Safe area
-dense
-really close to downtown
-CTA access (being able to use the el everyday is sort of becoming a dream of mine)
-highrises would be awesome, though not necessary

Thanks!

[LA1]

Old Town-right next to the Sedgwick Brown Line stop. I love that neighborhood. Tons of shops, bars, coffee houses, clubs, restaurants, only about 1 mile away from downtown. The brown line would be about a 10 minute ride to the Loop. Old Town is right next to North Avenue beach, and the awesome Lincoln Park. When it is warm, this area can't be beat.

[ThirdCoast312]

Lincoln park a block away from the zooo!!!!

[pottebaum]

You guys got any pics of your neighborhoods? If you don't that's fine, but I just thought it'd be cool to see what these hoods look like. :)

[oshkeoto]

Wow, I really disagree with you guys on the Rogers Park bit. It's not Lincoln Park, but I have never, ever felt uncomfortable or unsafe there. It's definitely on my short list of neighborhoods I would like to live in.

[pottebaum]

Does Lincoln Park have decent el access? And what's old-town like? Is it pretty dense? Im gonna look for some pictures!

I found this a bit concerning with the Old Tower transit though,



Chi - The Sedgewick brown line stop is well off the Wells St. corridor that I think of when I think Old Town. 4 or 5 blocks might not seem like a distance... but, when it comes to doing it every morning, rain or sleet... it's a bit of a hike.


BTW: I forgot to mention, I'd probably be renting...if that makes any difference.

So here's what I got so far:

-Safe area
-dense
-really close to downtown
-CTA access (being able to use the el everyday is sort of becoming a dream of mine)
-highrises would be awesome, though not necessary
-I'd be renting-- $700-1500 a month
-I'd like to live in a newer building.

[aion26]

I live in Westown/East Village (by Ukranian Village) "el" access is just okay (about 7 blocks away), but not great. However if you moved a bit north to Wicker Park then "el" access would be much better. I highly recommend it. The North/Damen stop or the Division stop (both on the Blue line) is closer to downtown than Lincoln Park, and there is plenty to do in the neighborhood.... however the newer building might be an issue, my building was built in 1896 and a lot of the rentals here are a bit older, and there are really no high-rises.

[Jules]

Where do you guys, who are already in Chicago, live? Right now, even though my move is a long way off, I'm having a really fun time checking out potential neighborhoods. :D

If any of you think you could help, here's what I'm looking for:

-Safe area
-dense
-really close to downtown
-CTA access (being able to use the el everyday is sort of becoming a dream of mine)
-highrises would be awesome, though not necessary

Thanks!

The Near North Side I think matches that description pretty well, although that could get a bit pricey.

[pottebaum]

Where's the near north side? I never see that name on the maps that I look at. Do you think it could possibly fall within my budget?

[Rivernorth]

The Near North Side is the area of downtown that is north of the Chicago River, and generally south of North Ave, and east of the North Branch of the river and west of the Lake. It includes the Streeterville and Rivernorth neighborhoods, as well as the Michigan Ave corridor.

If you got a crapload of money, then yes. it will fall in your budget :P

[expat_marla]

although i no longer live in chicago, before i moved (july '02) i was living in the ravenswood area (in the cheap seats of ravenswood manor) bloick of 4200 north on francisco. it was a great area in terms of availability of transport and decent neighbors. we lived there for five years and quite enjoyed it. there was not a hell of a lot around though in terms of restaurants (although a fantastic mexican take away nearby that i miss v v much). I imigaine the neighbourhood has changed a lot in the 2+ years with more development and such.

Prior to that area I lived in uptown (near lawrence, east of sheridan road). I fell in love with the apartment and had had had to live there. The block I lived on; the north side of the street was in alderman mary ann smith's ward and the south side of the street was in alderman helen shiller's ward. Unfortunately, the south side of the street was bdly looked after, torn down, gang bangers, kids runnig wild, etc. I worked with Alderman Smith and we got a task force out from the city, building inspectors, social services, etc. but unfortunately, nothing much improved. Walking the 3 blocks home from the train become more and more frightening. I moved out after 8 months. This was back in 96 so maybe things have improved since then. I sincerely hope so because that area has so damn much to offer. A few short blocks from my apartment was the green mill and the aragon. Argyle street restaurants and shops, parks, the lake... it was wonderful.

My then boyfriend lived on morse in rogers park. I thought the area had an incredibke amount of energy. A bit dicey at times but there always seemed to be heaps to do around the area.

If I could live anywhere though in Chicago.....
the john hancock observation deck would be completely renovated to my specs and would be mine, mine mine all mine!
Am also quite liking how waterview tower is looking (but then again I am biased, i worked for the company designing and developing it)

[pottebaum]

The Near North Side is the area of downtown that is north of the Chicago River, and generally south of North Ave, and east of the North Branch of the river and west of the Lake. It includes the Streeterville and Rivernorth neighborhoods, as well as the Michigan Ave corridor.

If you got a crapload of money, then yes. it will fall in your budget :P

Well, I was thinking around 1500 for rent each month; Im not quite sure how much that is as far as rent in Chicago goes.

[gichicago]

Ok, you may want to add the gold coast to your search.. $1500 should take you pretty far in Chicago, unless much has changed since I moved last year...

Case in point: 3 years ago but my wife was able to get an apartment at 40 E. Oak street. Right on the high end shopping street, 1 block away from the mag mile, walking distance to oak street beach (killer in summertime), and close to both the Chicago and Clark/Division Red line stop. Not in a highrise, and smallish studio, but in a great area. Oh yeah, and she got it for $900/month, which is in your range.

Additionally, there is a high rise on Oak Street and State I believe, that might be pushing your range....

One thing to note: some neighborhoods are pretty large, so there are some parts of a neighborhood (Lincoln Park, for ex.) that may be close to the El train, while other parts of the neighborhood will be quite far.

[lazar22b]

Near future...back to the west baby. After college, I want to become a developer so i'll see where i build a great apartment lol. :)

[24gotham]

Um.... I probably don't have to tell you where I live.... Units in my building rent for about $1150-1350 for a one bedroom. (with all the usual amenities... in unit laundry, granite counters, etc...)
As for amenities and transit... Subway is outside the front door, Groceries are two easy subway stops away. It's pretty hard to beat the loop for having virtually everything one could need (except for a video rental place, but that's God invented Netflix) Plus you get to live amonst the tall buildings! (and have very quiet Sunday's)

[pottebaum]

Woah---that'd be awesome! Which station is outside your building?

Are there many residential buildings going up around the loop right now?

[24gotham]

^State street is outside my front door, take your pick as to which station you want to walk to, there is one on each block. There is also the Blue Line a block away on Dearborn, and the Brown, Orange, Green, and Purple line a block away at Madison and Wabash.

There isn't a huge inventory of housing in the loop, but that is changing fast. Just don't expect a parking space. (Besides, you save so much money not having a car.)

[pottebaum]

Yeah---Id love to have close access to mass transit like that! I just hope those CTA cuts don't go through :sleepy:

[pottebaum]

I was looking at this apartment, http://apartments.com/search/oasis.dll?screen=map2&allbaths=1&allsizes=1&area1=y&lat=419067&lng=-876252&maxrent=1600&minrent=0&orig_lat=419067.497253&orig_lng=-876252.517700&page=location&property=100029.1&prvpg=8&rent_maximum=1600&rent_minimum=0&resultpos=13&rgn1=1&si=2&so=1&srt1=0.13&srt2=0.30&srt3=0.45&ss=1&state=il&status=12&streetaddress=1350-60%20N.%20Lake%20Shore%20Dr.&subarea1=y&subarea17=y&subarea3=y&type_listing=1&level=9&event=zoom&mode=4096,
and it said that it was within walking distance of the Clark/Division station. But when I looked at the map, it seemed farther away then what I expected? Is it really within a comfortable walking distance? I have a hard time judging from the maps.

[24gotham]

^Most of the time the walk wouldn't be bad, maybe 5 minutes. But, it would suck in bad weather... When I have looked for a place in the past, my goal was to always be within 4 blocks of a train. That address looks to be about 6-7 blocks.
The location is great for groceries, and many other amenities. Especially access to the lakefront.

[Simpatico78]

I was looking at this apartment, http://apartments.com/search/oasis.dll?screen=map2&allbaths=1&allsizes=1&area1=y&lat=419067&lng=-876252&maxrent=1600&minrent=0&orig_lat=419067.497253&orig_lng=-876252.517700&page=location&property=100029.1&prvpg=8&rent_maximum=1600&rent_minimum=0&resultpos=13&rgn1=1&si=2&so=1&srt1=0.13&srt2=0.30&srt3=0.45&ss=1&state=il&status=12&streetaddress=1350-60%20N.%20Lake%20Shore%20Dr.&subarea1=y&subarea17=y&subarea3=y&type_listing=1&level=9&event=zoom&mode=4096,
and it said that it was within walking distance of the Clark/Division station. But when I looked at the map, it seemed farther away then what I expected? Is it really within a comfortable walking distance? I have a hard time judging from the maps.
Walking distance is a relative term. This is about 5-10 min walk which I would consider walking distance.

[pottebaum]

Cool, thanks!

[edsg25]

Not moving, or planning to, and if I were the following wouldn't be in my plans. But I'm including it just in the form of observation:

I had to run some errands today for my city who lives around Lakeview and Diversey. I drove down Foster from around Harlem to Lincoln. I don't usually get that way that often. To me, it really is impressive how the far North Side neighborhoods, away from the trendy and denser parts of town, have taken such advantage of a Chicago location: close to the action, but necessarily part of it.

The areas around NEIU, North Park College, and other areas are attractive, alive, and well kept up. You can really see how they are thrieving. A place I hit far more often, Peterson from the Edens to Ridge/LSD connection, also illustrates the same thing.

One becomes aware of how many people are able to live in these far north side neighborhoods, have more breathing room, often very nice homes, attractive condos, apts, and still be close to all the city has to offer.

Chicago's core redevelopment has made the periphery a very, very attractive place to live. I think that is something a lot of people in the Chgo area aren't even aware of.

[Azn_chi_boi]

If I was going to move, I would move to 35th and Racine area.. with those new houses..

and have a riverview.

[oshkeoto]

Edsg, Albany Park is in my opinion one of the finest neighborhoods in this city. You will not find a more diverse area, you have a nice mix of three-flats and good old-fashioned bungalows, great commercial streets--especially Lawrence Avenue--and quick CTA/El access.

No one should discount it because it may be a little further from downtown.

[james2390]

In the Loop.:D

[berkeleyboy]

i'm looking to move to chicago from california this summer, looking to buy a condo in fact. I started looking at south loop and west loop, but after visiting this past weekend, I think I like south loop better for its proximity to parks, lakes, L, and better views of the skyline.

any recommendations on buildings in the south loop area? I'm not too fond of lofts b/c of the lack of privacy. I saw a nice unit in one of the Dearborn Park I high rises, but I'm concerned about the age of the building/development.

I also saw one on 41 E 9th which was nice, but it was close to the L and I'm not sure how much the sound would be bothersome.

[aion26]

consider carefully living close too close to the 'el' (having it run past your window). I did that for a couple of years and while after awhile you don't hear it anymore, it isn't the most ideal situation and made watching movies, etc. a bit annoying whenever the train would pass (and the train ran 24/7), also when you have guests in from out of town and they spend the night, they can never sleep because of the noise and are grumpy the next day.

[chicagogeorge]

i'm looking to move to chicago from california this summer, looking to buy a condo in fact. I started looking at south loop and west loop, but after visiting this past weekend, I think I like south loop better for its proximity to parks, lakes, L, and better views of the skyline.

any recommendations on buildings in the south loop area? I'm not too fond of lofts b/c of the lack of privacy. I saw a nice unit in one of the Dearborn Park I high rises, but I'm concerned about the age of the building/development.

I also saw one on 41 E 9th which was nice, but it was close to the L and I'm not sure how much the sound would be bothersome.
How about the Michigan ave. Towers? Doors literally just opened this week. It's an amazing new building! I have unit on the 12th floor (2 bed, 2 bath) of a 30m story building in the South Loop across from Soldier Field. Want to rent it out, but will entertain any reasonable offers for sale. Check out the website for more info!
http://1250michigan.com/

[zinc_cola]

Back to Hyde Park, or up to the South Loop. Maaaybe Wicker Park or Ukrainian Village.

That State St. apartment sounds perfect.

[Simpatico78]

i'm looking to move to chicago from california this summer, looking to buy a condo in fact. I started looking at south loop and west loop, but after visiting this past weekend, I think I like south loop better for its proximity to parks, lakes, L, and better views of the skyline.

any recommendations on buildings in the south loop area? I'm not too fond of lofts b/c of the lack of privacy. I saw a nice unit in one of the Dearborn Park I high rises, but I'm concerned about the age of the building/development.

I also saw one on 41 E 9th which was nice, but it was close to the L and I'm not sure how much the sound would be bothersome.
Have you tried craigslist? There are plenty of south loop advertisements on there. Also the Chicagoreader has pretty good listings, but they don't have pics available like craigs, and you need to know the zipcode.

[JB_Gold Coast]

I was looking at this apartment, http://apartments.com/search/oasis.dll?screen=map2&allbaths=1&allsizes=1&area1=y&lat=419067&lng=-876252&maxrent=1600&minrent=0&orig_lat=419067.497253&orig_lng=-876252.517700&page=location&property=100029.1&prvpg=8&rent_maximum=1600&rent_minimum=0&resultpos=13&rgn1=1&si=2&so=1&srt1=0.13&srt2=0.30&srt3=0.45&ss=1&state=il&status=12&streetaddress=1350-60%20N.%20Lake%20Shore%20Dr.&subarea1=y&subarea17=y&subarea3=y&type_listing=1&level=9&event=zoom&mode=4096,
and it said that it was within walking distance of the Clark/Division station. But when I looked at the map, it seemed farther away then what I expected? Is it really within a comfortable walking distance? I have a hard time judging from the maps.

That building is very close to where I live. As far as transportation is concerned, you don't have a problem. It is roughly 3.5 blocks (5 minutes walk at the most) from the Clark/Division Red Line stop. You also have an abundance of cabs and bus routes (Clark, Division and Michigan Ave/La Salle buses) very near by. You really can't beat that location, especially in the summer as you will have Oak St. Beach and North Ave. Beach right outside your door, as well as the nightlife and shopping of Rush/Michigan/Division all within a few blocks walk.

[pottebaum]

Cool, thanks for the info, JB!
How much do 1 bd or Stuio-conversions usually run for in that area? And in that building, do you think living right by lakeshore drive would be a problem?

[JB_Gold Coast]

Cool, thanks for the info, JB!
How much do 1 bd or Stuio-conversions usually run for in that area? And in that building, do you think living right by lakeshore drive would be a problem?

Like anything it depends on the building you choose, how high up you are, etc, but the range for a 1 bedroom is about $1100 - $1650. Again, depends on a variety of factors.

I don't think living right by LSD would be a problem at all. I assume you are talking about noise here? The noise shouldn't be too bad at all. I live right off La Salle which is a much louder street and it isn't that bad.

Overall, the pros are going to easily beat the cons in that location.

[pottebaum]

Does Lakeshore drive feel more like a busy street, or a highway?

[JB_Gold Coast]

Does Lakeshore drive feel more like a busy street, or a highway?

Actually, there is Lake Shore Drive, and right next to it is inner Lake Shore Drive. Inner Lake Shore Drive is like a busy street (but it really isn't THAT busy). Lake Shore drive is kind of like a highway, but certainly not like some huge interstate or anything like that.

There are certain points of LSD that vary to a degree, but between Geothe and Schiller (which is where that building is), it is more like I described above.