I'm thinking about relocating to Chicago from New York. How much should i save? Where to live? etc...?

Question

Ok let me specify, I'm very used to diversity and this is very important to me. I heard Lincoln Park and Wicker Park were cool places to live in along with Bucktown etc... I am a young, latina professional. I am very much so a social and outgoing person but even this has me a little nervous... maybe because i'm going out there by myself to start over. Can anyone give me pointers?

Answer 1

My son is going from Lincoln Park to NYC.  He says he needs a 30-40% increase in salary to stay even.

Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville and Lakeview are places for u to check out.  Wicker Park and Bucktown are more ethnically diverse and continue to undergo gentrification.

Being a Latina won't be a problem for you....probably help!

Check out more here:  The Wikipedia site actually has quite a bit of info if you search on the specific neighborhood.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neighborhoo...

http://chicago.metromix.com/neighborhood...

Answer 2

If money is an issue consider living in Logan Square. It's cheaper than Wicker Park/Bucktown and is a little edgier. Generally good housing stock. One problem is it's on the Blue Line, which separates you from most of the action on the Red Line/Brown Line.

Answer 3

I like 51st near the Ryan. It is close to transportation and rent is low!

Answer 4

I haven't found Lincoln Park to be particularly diverse.  There are lots of great shops and restaurants, though, so if that stuff is important to you, I wouldn't rule it out.

Wicker Park is definitely a little better.  Wicker Park has a cool hipster vibe (think Williamsburg Brooklyn).  Bucktown is cool too.  It's more expensive and a little fancier (it's been changing a lot lately and is starting to remind me of Soho).  Rogers Park is also a good place to look, if you're looking for someplace a little more affordable and very diverse.  It doesn't have as many shops and restaurants as Bucktown and Wicker Park though.  If you're looking for a more "urban" experience, as in downtown living with lofts and high-rises, check out the South Loop or River North.  Both are pretty pricey, but if you're working downtown, you'd be able to walk to work.  Where ever you decide to live, try to make sure you're close to the L.  That will make your life a whole lot easier, even if you're planning to bring a car with you.