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new to Chicago-South loop/West loop?
Hi all! I'm actually still a knottie, but thought I would get better feedback over here on my question:
I moved to Chicago in August, and currently live in the Uptown neighborhood until our lease ends in December. I work in Riverside, IL and the commute is starting to get frustrating. So I'm looking into other neighborhoods that would reduce my commute such as South Loop or West Loop. Any thoughts on these areas?
My fiance works downtown, so we need to stay in the Chicago area so he can take public transit to work while I drive out to Riverside. We like being in an area with shops and restaurants and we like to feel safe in our neighborhood. We love Lakeview and Lincoln Park, but those areas wouldn't shorten my commute much.
Any tips/insider information would be appreciated!
Re: new to Chicago-South loop/West loop?
We are currently relocating to Chicago and were focusing on South and West Loop areas in our search. We loved both areas, but ended up choosing West Loop. My partner will be commuting to Deerfield, so we chose a place that was very close to Union Station.
Here's my opinion, from a total Chicago outsider's perspective:
South Loop: Can be a very "bustling" area depending on where you're at. We looked at lot in the "Printer's Row" area and loved it. The buildings we loved were AMLI, Roosevelt Collection and Burnham Place. They were phenomenal. The nice thing about anything in that general region is that you are very close (less than a couple of blocks) to Target, Best Buy, Whole Foods, DSW, etc. There aren't as many close CTA stops, though - if you're taking Blue Line or Red line, you're close. But anything else I'm pretty sure you have to walk north to the loop to get to (which again, isn't far).
If you're looking further East in the South Loop (closer to Michigan Ave), you get a lot of bars and restaurants, but also some tourist traffic as well.
West Loop: Overall, I felt like this area was more "us" - which of course, doesn't help you, ha! We looked at a few places over here - can't remember all of the names. Lots of high-rises, lots of high end, trendy bars and restaurants. We ate at Province and knew we were in the right area. The new French Market is located at Ogilve Metra Station and it's amazing - the idea of having an indoor farmers market of sorts less than a block from us was awesome.
The thing we loved the most was the West Loop's proximity to the Loop. It's not that South Loop is really any farther, but we felt closer to theaters, the river, etc. being in the West Loop. We're big theatre goers and we're also runners, so we wanted to be close to the River Walk, etc. And ultimately, we ended up closest to Union Station for his commute.
We ended up choosing 215 West Apartments - a new building that was originally intended to be condos but was changed to rentals half way through. It's got amazing city views and a great story. We're excited. Actually, as I type this, Charlie is on the way to Chicago to move in. I'll join him next month after I wrap up my job here in Minneapolis.
Feel free to email me if you have any specific building questions - we looked at 15 places! marcytwete at gmail dot com.
I live in the South Loop now and we mostly love it. The location is great and you would have an easy commute to Riverside on I-55 (I work in Downers Grove and take I-55 to 1st Ave every day, it takes about 17 min from my parking spot to the exit).
We are currently looking into the burbs b/c my commute is so long (45 min without traffic, longer with) and my work is not close to a metra. However, we will miss being a 10 min walk to almost anything we want to do, we will miss walking out our door to get on a bus, we will miss the view, we will miss the Bongo Room.
Have you thought at all about Oak Park/Forest Park? You would be close to Riverside and your fiance could take Metra/Blue Line or Green Line in to the loop.
That is not true. If you are at Roosevelt Collection there is the Red, Orange and Green lines at Roosevelt. These three lines will connect you to all others. There are also a ton of busses nearby on State St, Roosevelt Rd and on Michigan Ave.
I live in the South Loop now south of Roosevlet and it is very family and dog oriented. There are 4 daycares within a few blocks nearby. Great choice if you plan on having kids soon.
My husband and I live in the West Loop (just a couple blocks west of Greektown) and love the area! We generally feel safe and there are a lot of cool restaurants/ bars super close by and within walking distance. Madison Street has a lot of laid back bars and restaurants (the Beer Bistro is a good one!). Taylor street (Little Italy) is a short drive or little bit longer of a walk. A lot of new restaurants have opened recently there. There's also a really nice new park (including a dog area if you have one) that just opened this past summer in the West Loop on Sangamon and Adams. It does the Movies in the Park!
My husband works in the loop (exactly a mile) and walks to work every day or takes the bus in when its crappy outside. Union Station is within walking distance too (roughly half a mile depending on where you're at). The Burlington Northern train line takes you from Union out to Aurora and stops in Riverside, if you're interested. It is very safe (I used to take it for years from the Downers Grove area before I moved to the city).
Overall, the West Loop is a great place to live if you want a more laid back neighborhood with a younger vibe (most people are in their 20s and 30s) that's safe, quiet, and clean!