University Village

University Village is the name of a area in Chicago that has undergone a tremendous amount of development. Located in the shadow of the ever expanding University of Illinois at Chicago campus, University Village was built in part to cater to the large student body population.

The number of new and high end homes as well as new businesses that have been located in the area is quite impressive and makes from a stark departure from the areas past. Those visiting after a number of years will be stunned to see the tremendous difference that has taken place.

The Maxwell Street area has been replaced by high end, well, just about everything. Today, much of the areas character and charm has been replaced with a highly commercialized look. Those who liked the old look and feel of the area will no doubt be disappointed and shocked by the transition. Yet, there is no way around it, University Village is an interesting place to visit, especially if you are already on the Southside of Chicago or nearby.

With ample shopping and activities, a trip to University Village can be a fun time. In addition, the newly remodeled and expanded UIC campus also makes for great walking and has fantastic views of downtown Chicago.

The University of Illinois Chicago campus is parallel to University Village. Heavily populated and influenced by the college crowd, University Village is joined by Little Italy in the southwest part of Chicago. It's a down to earth, yet hip crowd with plenty to do. Just blocks from the heavily populated University, and filled with shops, cafes, bakeries, pizzerias, and stores. A great place for the younger crowd or college student. There is something for every college student here, and a great place to live for anyone who enjoys the laid back college lifestyle. collegeic

First, I'm 25 years old, I didn't go to school in Chicago, but my age does bias me in favor of areas with a lot of pretty girls. With a name like University Village, you might expect a school, and you'd be right. The University is a real god send for the area. The increased number of young women (besides being easy on the eyes) has forced the police to up their game. I went to school at the University of Iowa, and even out in Iowa they had to be vigilant or young women would be attacked. In the city the danger is that much greater, as a result, the police have a greater presence, which provides a much safer place to visit or live.

I've heard people talk about the gentrification in the area before, but I think that's a good thing. Yeah, there are more chain coffee shops like Starbucks around, but I like Starbucks! I'd say anything that brings more money into the area is a good thing.

The extra money has done a lot, too. Many of the buildings have, over the last few years, been renovated. Some old buildings that were looking rundown have had facelifts, both inside and out. While I'm sure the area isn't immune to the housing crisis happening right now, I'd still say if you're looking, University Village may be for you.

Transportation is exceptional, and walking around is more fun in the area. It's good to see a lot of young people. Reminds me of college. And again, pretty girls. Give it a look.

I go to UIC so I am around this area very often. The atmosphere is obviously of a college campus, student always bustling around, which I personally love. There are always kids running to and from class, ear buds dangling down, chatting with their friends. I've always been drawn to the city for college, and this was a perfect pick. There are tons of places to eat around here and it is close to many well-known Chicago spots. The El stop is right there, and there are also many bus stops in the general vicinity. All in all, this is a great spot in a great city will all the potential in the world!