andie1

is the Chicago that tourists talk about. Everything you could possibly want is located in the Near North Side. The area is famous world around and thus is a huge draw for tourists. It is also a heavily policed neighborhood, partially because of the the tourist draw and partly because those who actually manage to inhabit the space have some serious bankroll. The housing is astronomical, but you are paying to be in the absolute pulse of the city.

Boutiques and specialty shops are common in the area and you can find some truly interesting and one of a kind items. Food is incredibly as well. Any type of cuisine you can ask for is served up right in the neighborhood. Remember though that the stores and food spots in the area are also paying astronomical rents to be in the area so don't expect a bargain pair of pants or a cheap on-the-go burrito. If you are looking for a neighborhood that never stops moving and have the cash to get there the Near North Side is your destination.

The best way I can describe the East Side is nice. It is a fairly generic, easy to get too and average looking neighborhood. It sits close to the lake, which is nice and offers pretty easy access to the more bustling parts of the city, but overall there is very little going on and almost nothing that would draw tourists in.

For someone looking to call the area home the best part about it is coming back to a pretty relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The food around town is liked by locals and those who frequent them do so often, but it's nothing worth traveling to great lengths for. The same can be said for shopping for the majority of the neighborhood. It's a nice, quiet place to call home and retreat from the hectic city, but there isn't much else going on to warrant tourist stops.

This area is what defines "famous by association". The area is well known by residents and tourists alike, but only because it is very close to much cooler areas. Near South Side is the low man on the popularity totem pole. It's cool, but only because the other cool kids want to hang out with him for some reason.

The Near South Side sits extremely close to the Loop and other really hopping sections of Chicago, but has not yet been over-saturated with hungry buyers and renters. The living is affordable, and while you might have to trek a few miles to get your food, shopping and entertainment fix it is a nice place to come home too and the price point really does make a few mile walk or ride seem completely worth it.

As for safety I've never felt unsafe nor particularly safe. It is a neutral zone in which you realize your in a big city but don't feel like someone is coming around the corner to take your wallet any second. It really is a good option for people who are looking for proximity to the Loop without paying a ridiculous amount of money to live.

Once upon a decade ago a bunch of young professionals and groovy hipsters set their sights on NYC's Harlem. They moved into the area and set to renovating the brownstones to their former glory. Well, it worked somewhat. They did the same thing in Brooklyn. Some uber-cool kid from the burbs graduated college and decided walking over the Brooklyn Bridge everyday would be downright awesome, so they transformed a gritty area into a new Urban love-story. That is what is going on in Bronzeville as well. Once home to a bustling steel workers population Bronzeville fell into disrepair and saw economic decline several times. Things were getting pretty gritty in the area, but it is currently on the rise. While I don't think it's made it to "move-in" ready condition it certainly has potential and getting in early might be the best way to go about getting into the area.

Bronzeville is charming in it's own right and it's rich history makes it worth a look. While it might seem a bit rough, it really is only rough around the edges.

Douglas is an area that has struggled with it's identity. It has a low median income and the housing options are relatively cheap, but there are some crime issues to deal with. Douglas, however, is home to the Institute of Technology which has an amazing architecture program. The buildings in Douglas speak volumes of that program and several of the Institutes halls and buildings are designated landmarks. There isn't much to do in the area, but for people who are architecture buffs or simply enjoy the beauty of an amazing building Douglas might be worth a stop when visiting.

As for calling it home, eh, there are better neighborhoods to scoop up in Chicago and Douglas faces some serious issues with lack of accessibility and businesses willing to settle in the predominantly lower-class area, however it's affordable and not as bad as some of the most hardened Chicago neighborhoods.

This is another neighborhood that has fallen into disrepair and has just not managed to get out of it. There is a great deal of poverty and despair in the area which makes for a hostile and crime-ridden environment. While you won't feel unsafe on the major streets in the area because of bustling foot traffic the side roads will lead you down a lifestyle that you are better off not seeing. Vacant lots, slums and condemned and abandoned housing seems to be the norm. Grand Boulevard has been waiting for it's revitalization for a long time, but it simply does not seem to be coming. The area is rundown and while you might not worry in the stark daylight hours about your safety it is a concern as the streets grow dark and deserted at night. Not the ideal place for anyone.

Once upon a time a friend told me that Oakland was the next big thing in Chicago. She insisted that the area was going to grow quickly and everything that was being done to slow the crime rate and remove the projects would transform Oakland into the place to be. Well, that doesn't seem to be happening. Sure, the housing projects are being converted and nicer homes and apartments are being built, but there is little in Oakland to draw the upper crust in and there is little night life to draw in young trendies to jump start the area.

What Oakland appears to be is a project that grew in the wrong direction without outside support. You can build all the homes you want, but people need something to be drawn too, and sadly no one wants to buy a home with a housing project in close proximity. They either need to clear this place out or consider it a lost cause project. Either way the big swing isn't coming to Oakland anytime soon, buyer beware!

Kenwood is part of the inner city, but overall it has a nice feel. You won't find anything wild or crazy to do at night, and the food is only fairly good, but the housing prices and overall safety of the area makes it a bargain. This is no Mayberry and you do have to be careful and cautious when venturing out at night, but that goes for every neighborhood in a large city. I've personally never seen anything that caused me great alarm or distress in the area and the business areas offer a wide range of really cool services. Overall I think Kenwood has the ability to be a real up and comer, especially with the Obama connection. I would bet that Kenwood will see a serious revitalization in coming years and might become the next up and coming neighborhood in Chicago.

Washington Park is an area not for the faint of heart, actually it's not for those who wish to be able to leave their residence after the sun goes down. I've walked through the area with friends familiar in Chicago and have felt completely uneasy. Coming from New York I've seen some rough neighborhoods, but have felt relatively safe dealing with and talking to those who call it home, that was not the case in this area in Chicago.

The food is terrible and most of the business have appeared to give up hope for any type of revitalization. The shelves of most stores were grimy, dirty and poorly stocked. The food service was horrid at best in the few areas I've eaten and would prefer never to dine in the area again. The bars that exist seem like they might just be covers for drug and gang activity. I just felt uneasy and unsafe in the area and would never be willing to call it home, no matter how incredibly cheap it can be. It's cheap because the odds of you making it out of a 1 year lease without having something stolen from you is slim. I'll pay a higher rent for some peace of mind.

Woodlawn has the University, but other than that there isn't much going on. The area, because of it's University feel offers reasonable housing and has a pretty active social life, but overall there is nothing going on that would make the masses run to the area. Because of it's college credentials the residents tend to be transient and don't really worry much about how the neighborhood looks and feels. It is doubtful that a group will suddenly come into Woodlawn and turn it into the new hip neighborhood to be in, but it isn't the worst you can find.

The area is rough and crime is not particularly uncommon. I wouldn't sit outside at 2am and have a cigarette, but I wouldn't feel the need to clutch my bag close to me at high noon either. There is talk that some improvement are coming, but there has been talk for years from what I understand and little has been done to improve the area. The eats are cheap, because of the college crowd, but mediocre at best and the shopping is basically non-existent. It would not be my first, second or third choice.

South Shore is simply an average neighborhood in an incredibly amazing city. Chicago has so much to offer, but South Shore just seems to fall short especially considering it's proximity to the lake.

The areas claim to fame is the access to the Lake which draws a huge amount of visitors during the warmer months, but unlike other neighborhoods along the Lake South Shore has failed to utilize that fame to really improve the neighborhood. The shopping is pretty sparse and the eateries in the area are nothing to write home about. There are some small historical points of interest, but again nothing that will draw a large crowd. The crime is not a rampant issue, but I would hardly consider the area one of the safer neighborhoods in the city. Simply put South Shore is nothing special and could likely be glossed over by most visitors. Those looking for a fairly affordable housing option in a reasonably safe area could be drawn to South Shore if they were willing to sacrifice a great nightlife, or wonderful food, but overall the area is simply okay.

Burnside went from a middle class neighborhood to a declining area fairly rapidly some 50 years ago and has yet to rebound back to it's middle class roots. Those who originally resided in the area headed for greener pastures and the crime rate rose steadily into the new millennium.

Burnside fell victim to the declining steel business. When steel mills closed shop and companies that built the area up began to slowly remove themselves from Chicago Burnside fell into decline. Those who had the means left the area and those left had to find a way to fend for themselves.

There have been some revitalization efforts in recent years but little has been done to stave off the gang and drug violence that is a regular part of life in Burnside. There are few businesses and little to do in the area. Besides a few historical points of interest there isn't much going on in the area that should or would attract new residents or visitors.

Pullman is a historical neighborhood that was developed to accommodate workers new to the city. Since then Pullman has been through several different stages of economic glory and decline, but today it is a perfectly acceptable neighborhood to call home. It has, for the most part, escaped the South side curse and crime hasn't taken hold of the neighborhood. Tourists flock to check out the historical district which keeps the police out and order in place. Add in those tourists frequenting local businesses and Pullman has done well to leverage its history to keep it well maintained and safe.

The residential area offers well-maintained, quiet streets where young families can set up shop and get started. While it is accessible by bus and public transportation it is a bit of a hall to more popular areas so those looking for a crazy nightlife might want to look elsewhere.

Hegewisch is one of those neighborhoods in Chicago that has simply been forgotten about. The area is fairly self-sufficient and offers residents some food options and minor shopping, but it's location near very troubled neighborhood makes it an area that most people would not want to be in. The residents are mostly lower-working class individuals who have not managed to make the jump out of the area into greater Chicago. It is also located extremely far south putting well out of the way of the neighborhoods where most businesses and corporations call home. Overall it probably should be avoided as it is not the best, but again it is not the worst the city has to offer.

Roseland is an established neighborhood on Chicago's south side, but it's reputation is not for anything good. The area is dirty, dangerous and has seen little, if any improvement for many years. The economic downturn has only created further despair in the area and abandoned and condemned buildings are a dime a dozen in the area. Drugs, crime and gang activity run rampant in Roseland and few business have mustered the guts to enter the area. Overall it has to be one of the worst areas in Chicago and is not one you would want to be caught in after the sun has set. Avoid the neighborhood at all costs.

Wicker Park is to Chicago what the Village is to New York City. Somewhere along the way the young, artistic hipsters decided to call Wicker Park home and the neighborhood has blossomed around them. The bars and nightlife came and the art galleries and retail therapy followed along as well. The neighborhood feels young and comfortable with a vibe that turns towards the liberal and artsy crowd. It is a world built for those out of college who are working and playing in the city they love. Anyone lucky enough to call Wicker Park home will likely fall in love with the vibrant spirit, wonderful nightlife and the great proximity to the Loop and other essential neighborhoods.

Palmer Park is centered around a great green space that offers open fields and play spaces for kids. It is where most of the neighborhood congregates and the area has been purposely set up around it. It offers it's residence a great space to enjoy the great weather, go for a run or let the kids let off some steam.

Away from the Park residents and visitors will find a busy business district offering a variety or wares ranging from services to eateries and everything in between. Away from the business district the residential streets are quiet and well maintained. The homes are comfortable, but nothing over the top or grandiose.

Palmer Parks greatest asset is the proximity to other parts of the city. Highways are close for those who have to commute to the loop and it borders Bucktown for those looking to head for a trendy art gallery feel. Overall it is a great space for young professionals and new families to set up shop.

Chicago's trendies have made Bucktown the place to be. The neighborhood is lively, bright and clean. It personifies everything a young, creative hipster would be looking for in a neighborhood. It is close to the big, busy and well-established areas, but has a recluse feel that makes it cool beyond words. Art Galleries and great establishments are not hard to come by in Bucktown and those who live in the area have taken a serious vested interest in their neighborhood and it shows. Everywhere you turn the neighborhood feels safe, secure and friendly, but it still possess a bit of edge that takes a neighborhood from cute and quiet to hip and trendy.

Austin reminds me a great deal of my home in NYC. The neighborhood encompasses a pretty large area and thus is rather eclectic in terms of what is offered and the demographic within the area. You will run into areas within Austin that are lovely, areas that are rough around the edges and areas that you wouldn't want to be caught in once the sun goes down. The area has had moments of sheer desperation. The decline of the area can be attributed to changing socioeconomic status and the changes in public funding and local and federal funding, but overall the area has held on. In recent years there has been serious interest in Austin and the revitalization of the area to it's former glory. As more and more public projects are completed and higher-end residents find their way back to the area it is only expected to climb in status. It might be best to get into the area now if you plan on moving in before it totally skyrockets through the pricing ceiling.

Austin also has a fairly centralized location making it convenient for people who want to live, work and play within the same generally area. I know I hate having to travel an hour to have a good time, so Austin is a great spot to call home without paying a premium for being very close to the action.

Have you ever walked into a neighborhood and felt like you stepped back in time? That's what Archer Heights feels like. From what I understand nothing has changed, literally nothing, for decades. The demographic has remained consistent and the same families who came to the area decades ago still live and work there. It isn't uncommon to hear that three generations of the same family are still living in the neighborhood; a relative oddity for Chicago.

Archer Heights has been and remains predominantly Polish and the culture is kept very much alive on the main shopping streets. The food is incredible and the charm and old-world style is reminiscent of the big cities of the 1940s and 1950s. If you are looking to find authentic polish fare this is probably one of the best neighborhoods for it. There is something especially friendly and charming about the area.

The living accommodations are modest to average. There is nothing there that will blow someone's mind or suggest great wealth has been found, but the properties are fairly well maintained and cared for and the neighborhood has generally been looked after well. It feels safe, if not a bit busy during the day, but overall it is a nice, clean area to call home or to visit for some authentic food.

Belmont Central seems to operate at it's very own pace. It has not become one of Chicago's neighborhoods that have gone to the tourists, but it is far from a ghetto as well. It consists of mostly working to middle class families who generally mind their own business. The area is not a tourist draw, but doesn't seem to have a desire to be either. I'd consider it a neighborhood with a fair amount of charm, but nothing to go out of your way for.

In Belmont Central you'll find average dwellings that are comfortable and affordable. The shopping is great for residents, but again nothing that a tourist would want to travel out of their way for. The dining is pretty much geared towards the residents and a fair amount of the food and eateries have a neighborhood feel to them. The demographic has moved swiftly from predominantly Polish towards middle-class, young Hispanic families.

This area would make a comfortable home for someone who isn't looking to go broke, or someone who doesn't need the trendiest of trendy neighborhoods. Overall it is a good mix of comfort and convenience.

The Loop is where all of Chicago's heavy hitters are located. It is the business district and houses the financial corporations. It is the home of high rise buildings, corporate offices and the Tower as well. It can be considered the true center of the city and does itself justice in that respect.

The food is great, the nightlife is fantastic and the public transportation to and from the area can not be beat, but it is a noisy and well traveled area that might not be the most suitable home for someone who isn't feeling such a vibe. At the end of the day there is no respite for the weary and you will feel as if you are in a very concrete jungle very quickly. With all that being said for someone who works in the area, who loves to eat and have a good time, all while staying in a small area then the Loop is the exact fit for you. The energy can be contagious, but at the same time the hustle can drag you down. The Loop is a personal thing. You might love to visit it, but hate to live in it. It's very individual in that regard.

Lincoln Park is a neighborhood in Chicago that just screams of how important location really is. Sitting on the water the neighborhood offers serious outdoor space with an amazing park and access to the beautiful water. During the summers it is also the host of many outdoor events that keep residents busy and happy in their environment. Add in the Zoo and it is a great summer time location, but it is so much more than that.

In recent years the area has seen an influx of great shopping, great food options and beautiful homes that are well cared for and held in high esteem. The entire neighborhood has an open and friendly vibe that feels safe, warm and welcoming. It really echoes what Chicago has been to me. Even in the bitter cold the area is still alive and warm; something that is hard to manage in the brisk Chicago winters.

Lincoln Park is the perfect location because of it's proximity to a little bit of everything. You are close to the nightlife that Chicago has to offer, you get a suburban vibe from the smaller streets, a wonderful woodsy atmosphere in the park and finally the glistening water when the winter finally lets up. What could be better!?

Logan Square is a great place to call home if you are a young professional who enjoys a convenient location but likes to come home to relative quiet. The area reminds me very much of my home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. It is central enough to everything happening that those who love to have a good time call it home, but yet it is removed enough to make city living tolerable.

Within Logan Square you will find many great eateries and retail options. It is convenient for those living within it, but doesn't have enough of a draw to make it a parking and traffic nightmare. The residents also take great pride in their neighborhood and the community vibe is strong and friendly.

The summer Farmer's Market is well known and caters to the "crunchier" inhabitants who love the organic lifestyle. It is also close enough to the Loop and Lincoln Park that it offers the residents several close and comfortable options for spending time outside the neighborhood.

Clearing is often grouped in with Garfield Park as "Midway" because the airport sits within both neighborhoods. Clearing is an average area with a fairly decent population and nice housing options. The area is moderate and won't break the bank too much, but it is still nice and can be considered an affordable option for people who don't need to be right in the thick of downtown. If you are willing to put up with Airport traffic and the noise that comes with it the neighborhood can be a nice place to call home.

Within the neighborhood you'll find a good deal of Polish and Slovak establishments. Buffets and eateries are grouped together nicely and the entire neighborhood has an interesting aesthetic. The nightlife is a bit lower than what a single, club-hopper would look for but the neighborhood doesn't cater to that crowd anyway. It is relatively quiet (except airport traffic and noise) and is a decent place to call home.

Those traveling in the area will find that Clearing is a bit out of the loop, but is convenient for transport from and to Midway Airport, but that's not what tourists worry about most.

I am no stranger to the Chinatown atmosphere. I spent many an evening, in my teens and early twenties, wondering around New York City's Chinatown. When I arrived in Chicago a friend insisted I needed to head to Chicago's version and that I'd be amazed and entranced by it all. I, ever the skeptic, insisted I'd seen Chinatown, but Chicago's version is perhaps one of the best.

The area is vibrant, colorful and bustling. The people, from store owners to others walking around, are friendly, happy and willing to chat. There is a cultural element to Chicago's Chinatown that can't be found elsewhere and even as the city changed and expanded the enclave stayed intact, unlike other areas of the city, that saw it's ethnic population dwindle and move on.

As I understand it the area has gone through a significant revitalization in the past few years and is now considered a beautiful and save neighborhood. The food is excellent, the atmosphere is lively and the goods sold are unique and interesting. This is worth a visit for just about anyone.

Back of the Yards is one of the neighborhoods that Chicago is famous for. It has been immortalized in literature, but not for a wonderful reason. Today back of the yards is humble at best for someone looking for living accommodations and the neighborhood borders between average and a bit sketchy. When living or working in the area you might not feel terribly unsafe, but it is not an area you want to go for a late night stroll in. The residential homes are moderate, bordering on humble.

The area is rich with Hispanic culture and there are some eateries that are worth a gander as well as some incredibly Chicago landmarks and history within Back of the Yards. Tourists would do okay in the area and literary buffs will consider it a must see.

For someone looking to move to the Chicago area Back of the Yards is an okay choice if your budget is moderate to low and your lifestyle is simple.

The area sits close to Midway Airport and has seen some serious revitalization because of it. The area is mostly middle class and has a fairly decent draw of working families and those raising children. It also is mingled with residents who have been in the area for years and years. Their are some nice shops and convenience type stores that are very much accommodating to the residents, but there isn't much that is going to make tourists go crazy over the area. The only real draw in the area is it's proximity to the airport which will work nicely for tourists or business people who spend a great deal of time traveling.

Midway can create some significant traffic and noise in the area so people who don't like noise and a great deal of traffic will find the area annoying and difficult to live in.

West Garfield Park is one of those neighborhoods that tried very hard to maintain some sembelence of safety, but failed miserably. Throughout it's history the area had several organizations and projects come through that attempted to revitalize the area and maintain a solid history, but the area fell victim to violence, poverty and the crime associated with gangs and drugs. The school system remains underfunded and they can't possibly offer children the education or programs they require to thrive and do well. Sadly most of the kids in the area will fall victim to the gang and drug lifestyle that has been seen, for years, as the only way to survive.

The area is predominantly African-American with projects and housing subsidized by absentee landlords who would rather wait for money than to fix anything that has become eroded in the area thus giving the area a debilitated and depressed appearance. There is nothing overtly good to say about the neighborhood other than to avoid it all together.

Englewood is a bad neighborhood, there is no two ways about it. It is an area that is immersed in gang and drug-related violence and the poverty level is staggering. The housing is sub-par to terrible and the school systems are lacking in both motivation and funding. The neighborhood has little to offer and those who find themselves in the area by mistake should attempt to get out as quickly as possible. It is not a "given" that you'll find violence, but it is rather likely.

The area is home to some of the city's poorest residents and worst slums. While there has been some attempt to bring the neighborhood up there is little funding to do so and the staggering poverty-rate in the area has not been helped any by a failing economy. Overall it is an area that you are best off avoiding. Tourists will find nothing of interest and those moving to the city are better off in a different neighborhood.

Englewood is not a newly "bad" neighborhood and it has been plagued with violence and drug activity for decades. There is little to suggest it will get better anytime soon.

When you enter the Beverly section of Chicago you feel like you've stepped out of a major city and into a quiet suburban homestead. Those who live in Beverly have usually been there for awhile and the community feel is strong. It's a great place for a family just starting out who wants to feel like they are a part of a community rather than just simply people living in close proximity to others.

Those living in the area are friendly, the schools are good and the overall feel of the neighborhood is safe. While it is quiet there are plenty of chances to become social. The area is rich in Irish pubs and has a fairly strong night scene for those looking for it, but unlike the hopping nightclub atmosphere of other areas the Beverly night scene feels a bit more personal and close-knit. The bars and pubs maintain a solid "neighborhood bar" persona that seems welcoming and warm rather than outrageous and ostentatious.

Overall the area is quiet and a great place for a young couple or a new family.

Near West End is one of those areas that speaks to the masses. It encompasses everything that a major city is without forgetting it's roots. Within Near West End you will find several smaller neighborhoods and communities that speak of the immigration into Chicago at the turn of the 20th century. Greek, German and Italian enclaves can be found in the area that offer great dining experiences and a taste of the old world charm that made Chicago the city that it is.

The business district has some of the most well-known companies in the world housed within it. Boeing has its headquarters close to the river. Harpo, the production studio owned by Oprah Winfrey, is located within the area and PepsiCo has offices in the area.

Near West End is one of those areas that just speaks to the mishmash of a large city. Huge companies are mixed and mingled on city blocks with smaller shops and businesses.

For everything great about the area it can easily become jam packed in traffic and one is probably better off walking than driving. Overall it has a great feel and has something for just about everyone.

Every major city seems to have one, but few can echo the history that Chicago's Little Italy can. The area is home to some of the best known Italian restaurants and the entire area, which encompasses about 12 blocks has a sweet Italian feel to it. Rosebud, a establishment frequented by Frank Sinatra, is still a favorite. Along the street you will find a plethora of Italian goods and you can smell the baking and cooking as you walk along the strip. But the Little Italy of today is not what it once was and most of the Italian residents have long since moved on from the area.

Little Italy had fallen into disrepair for a time in the late 20the century, but as the area around Little Italy and University Village began to be built up so did Little Italy. Today it is a nice area that still boasts some Italian heritage with great eateries and a nice relaxed atmosphere.

Tri-Taylor is an area within Chicago that is highly accessible and is working it's way up in terms of status. The neighborhood has landmark status, is close to the University, and within close proximity to Little Italy and Greektown.

Business are beginning to come in and develop a sprawling commercial district. In the residential areas the residents enjoy tree-lined streets and historic homes, many dating back to shortly after the big fire. The Rowhouses are being renovated and restored in the area.

Within Tri-Taylor you will find mostly mid-20's residents and students from the local universities who have chosen to call Tri-Taylor home due to it's proximity to the schools within Chicago, it's accessibility to public transportation and it's close proximity to the downtown area.

The Uptown area encompasses a set of several neighborhoods, but at it's core the Uptown area is an extremely popular tourist destination. It sits on the lake and is home to many summer time events. In addition to it's water space and summer, city events the area is home to a number of music venues and entertainment spots.

The Green Mile Jazz club, The Uptown Theater and several other concert and jazz arenas are located in the area. The overall feel is that of a large bustling city, however the Uptown area, as you get closer to the Lake offers up great residential streets for those who can afford the area. The homes are nicely sized and have a good amount of space for individuals looking to reside within the city.

Hyde Park is one of the historic areas in Chicago. It is where many of the institutes of higher learning are located, most notably the University of Chicago. It is a lake front community with a larger park that offers a great outdoor space for city dwellers. The layout of the area is fairly simply. Residential housing is located on the even numbered streets within the neighborhood and the odd numbered streets house businesses. Because of the proximity of the University of Chicago there are a plethora of affordable eateries and takeout businesses. The businesses clearly cater to the student demographic that resides in the area which is great for people on a budget.

Because of the historic nature of the area there are some very interesting architectural features that can not be missed. The Robie House, a Frank Lloyd Wright structure, is a prime example of this. The area near and around the lake is quiet and comfortable for young professionals, but as you move outward towards the University of Chicago and outlying areas the area can get a bit rough. The University has some pretty significant security presence and there is an obvious reason for it.

Hyde Park has always struck me as an area in which you have to really know where you are going and where you are headed to avoid walking into a less than wonderful neighborhood. That is common in most big cities though, so I wouldn't discount the area entirely based on that fact. Overall the area is nice, clean and relatively quiet with some really great cultural experiences to be had.

Lincoln Square is located in the northern part of Chicago and is accessible via the brown line. The neighborhood is mostly residential and is set up similar to most suburbs around the country. The businesses are located on three major roads, with most located on Lincoln Ave. The housing units stretch outwards from there with the business district being the most central area.

The area is somewhat trendy and a great place for a small family to get started. It offers the feel of the city while allowing for a more residential existence. The neighborhood is speckled with private residences and small apartment buildings with a few larger buildings being present. The area was once largely German and while the demographic has changed and altered over time the German influence can still be felt and several German businesses and restaurants still exist in the neighborhood.

Overall the neighborhood has a nice feel, but probably won't work for individuals who are looking for a true "big city" experience. The layout is very suburban even though it is located in one of the fast-paced cities in the world.

Lakeshore Drive, as the name suggests, runs right along the lake and offers a really amazing view. All along the strip are amazing attractions that tourists and city-dwellers alike should check out. Soldier field and Grant Park are two major attractions as is the Field Museum. For those looking to plunk down some serious change on a condo or luxury apartment the Lakeshore Drive area offers some great attractions along with a nice neighborhood vibe. It runs all the way along the city and loops around some of the most beloved areas of Chicago.

Michigan Avenue is probably one of the best known streets in all of Chicago. It runs through a great deal of the city, and thus has many different aspects to it. You can find quiet areas to the north, inner city type settings in the south and a bustling metropolis packed with businesses, shopping and amazing food in-between the two. It is a great spot for tourists who want to experience much of Chicago's culture, but for those looking to find a living arrangement Michigan Avenue can be busy and painful to deal with. Traffic can easily become out of control and the foot traffic carries through for a great deal of the evening in the downtown areas. To the north it gets pretty low-key and family oriented.

North Luna is a quiet and quaint little street. It is a street that is situated pretty far from all of the major attractions, but will work nicely for a new family that needs an easy commute, but also a residential area. The homes are pretty modest. You won't find anything huge or spectacular but they are nice enough homes to do the job. As a starter home the area is nice and the amenities meet the needs of a small, but growing family. Singletons will find the area to be dull and a bit too far off the beaten path to be worth looking at, however if a rather quiet and medium-range neighborhood is what you are looking for it should work nicely.

This street is one of those places that manages to mix the old with the new while keeping a really great "old world quality". It is fairly quiet and probably not the area for someone who is looking to really live it up, but it's a great mix between living in a city and living in the suburbs. It is a bit of both worlds. Singles would likely be bored and annoyed by the area because it isn't particularly "happening", but couples or families looking for a mix of convenience and quiet will likely find the area to be rather suitable.

Being a transplant from New York City I will be the first to admit that I was skeptical about what Chicago had to offer. I figured I had lived in New York City for so long that no other place would get it done just the way my hometown had, but Chicago comes close. The big city feel is injected with a smaller more hospitable feel than my fair hometown. You are offered the best of both worlds. Like New York there is some pretty rough areas, but if you avoid areas that are notorious for problems you are in a beautiful place with some really great culture, top notch eateries and wonderful amenities.

I don't know if I could have felt more at home than I did in Chicago.