apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Ideally, I'd like to have both!

Proximity to work is important to me, since I'm the first person called when schools are closed or delayed (I run the district's cable channel and operate the web site). I need quick access to the building, since living 25 minutes away didn't help me during an ice storm last year... yikes! I'm within walking or biking distance of anything I need. I'd love to be on a lake shore or in a high-rise apartment overlooking a city, because my view of the house next door (along with their chain link fence) is not enticing. But overall I'd say I don't have it bad at all.

go with the uk. village place! chicago winters are long-- so the nicer apartment, and more fun neighborhood are important for those 9 months of cold. in the summer, lincoln park is only a short bike ride away! (plus there are many great parks (minus the beach) in the village.

Look again at other apartments near the park. I think the obvious choice is the first one, though. I don't know where the Ukrainian village is, but it must have an outside. It also has all the stuff they want in an apartment, and sounds like it's conveniently located to shops?

I really like my apartment, out of the few I got to look at and choose from, and the only bit I don't like is how far out of downtown Boston I am, mostly for commuting purposes. I am right by public transportation (trolley/subway as well as a bus that takes me directly into Cambridge) however, though that's added to the misery because the MBTA is foul and poorly run. Even still, it's not that bad to have an apartment that works on the inside, and a landlord who's pretty good on it. I don't have a roof deck, that would be pretty sweet. I don't know who would sacrifice their chance at a private roof deck to live near the park. They have bicycles, they can have the park and the roof deck.

If they don't take the roof deck apartment, I will be a little angry at them.

Personally, I've always chosen to live near the lake. My thinking has always been that the lake is Chicago's one geographic plus, so why wouldn't you want to be near it. There was once that I moved further west in order to get more space and I only lasted 5 months there before moving back closer to the lake.

The view is important to me. I will not reside in an apartment which overlooks a concrete space like a parking lot etc. I don't like the energy this creates. I want to feel connected to the natural world around me so I have to have a view of some greenery, even if it is just a lonely tree.
A tree-lined street is a preference --it grounds me as the seasons change.
I also prefer to live in an area that has a "village" feel -- where I am walking distance to all amenities (grocery store, post office etc -- the "soul" of the community). People bustling about on foot creates a dynamic, vibrant energy in a neighbourhood. I find pedestrian/bike-friendly communities are not only more "green", but more spirited, intimate and cohesive than say living in the cookiecutter burbs where everyone drives cloned SUVs.

I guess it depends on their lifestyle. If they're a couple that spends every weekend at the park, likes the beach, wants to go to the zoo often - yeah, Lincoln Park/Lakeview would be ideal. However, there are parks in every neighborhood, and the lake isn't that far by bike/bus from UV. Having lived in a crackerbox in East Lakeview for two years, and now a large loft in West Lakeview, space is much more important than proximity to the lake. Because, like smiphed said, Chicago winters are long and no one wants to be at the park in February.

Then again, I am extremely partial to Lakeview, so...I'd suggest looking there. :)

I always look for heat included, storage locker/room and laundry on site.

I live in Lincoln Park, I've lived in Chicago my whole life, all over, and I Lincoln Park so far has been my all time favorite neighborhood. Safe, secure, beautiful, warm, the building I live in is right across the street from the free zoo... having a smaller apartment is worth having all this beauty and convenience around you! you have the trains and buses right outside your door vs. ukrainian village, which is great and artsy but it's just I don't know, not the same... I used to hang out around there and wicker park on the daily; if you're into hipster bars and that, then live around there. but if you really want the best of the best, move to lincoln park.

good debate! i think i can help - i've lived in both places! i left Uk Village last year to move to Old Town (which is a much easier commute to work for me).

Assuming you're not afraid to bike/commute in the city, i'd live in UV for sure. the neighborhood is growing with an excellent mix of new and old establishments, great nightlife, and access to Blue line and decent buses. and while proximity to the park is nice, it's true that you can only really appreciate that less than 1/2 of the year. and, in my opinion, LP doesn't have quite the variety of establishments that UV and wicker park offer.

i'd shoot for rooftop deck and more space. a field trip to summer green and lakeside is worth the trade off.

plus, seriously ... pass up a rooftop deck? you'll kick yourself later if you do!

I want to be up high, with a view of the street scene, so I can see people moving about. I certainly wouldn't want to look out on a rooftop.

Lincoln Park! We live in lakeview east and can walk around the block to tennis courts, doggie beach, have picnics by the lake or just lay there and read a book. And the running/bike path along the lakefront is a huge plus. You can take LSD anywhere, much quicker and less of a headache than 94! I like the western areas of the city, but wouldn't trade living by the lake (fresh air!) for anything.

I tend to go for practical considerations:

1. proximity to work and transit
2. proximity to grocery stores
3. laundry on site
4. top floor (no one living above me)
5. quiet street (no crazy parties)
6. desirable neighborhood amenities (cafes, hardware store, etc)

I figure the more one minimizes the time spent "have-tos" of daily living - one can maximze the time lounging (on a roof top deck or some other place) or riding a bike.

I like to live just outside of the chaos that can be found in dense neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or Ukrainian Village. Strategic access to downtown and expressways ensure that I am minutes away from the lake or my favorite places without having to deal with as many crowds.

But if you are from London, I'm sure that you are very used to crowded neighborhoods and parking may not be a concern. Sounds to me like you would be willing to give up the amenities of the first apartment to be closer to the lake. If that's the case, Lincoln Park or as someone else mentioned, Lakeview. If you don't mind highrise living the South Loop has some properties practically on the museum campus which puts you very close to the lake and closer to downtown.

I have lived in both neighborhoods, and I LOVE Ukrainian Village. The streets are filled with mature trees, gorgeous little gardens and charming and historical homes. Parts of UV have been designated as a historical landmark neighborhood, so you have less of the scourge of the horrible shoebox condo. Both neighborhoods have good restaurants, but UV wins the bar scene. If you go to the park or the lake more than twice a week, I would consider the LP apartment. But wanting to go to the park and the lake and actually going several times a week are two very different things.

I've lived in places I loved and in places where I loved the location. Hands down, I'd choose location over amenities every time. You can use sites like this to make a place a home, but once you move in you can't do squat about the location.

Give me a dishwasher in the unit and the view priority goes down. Give me a washer/dryer in the unit? I'll settle for almost any view.

I currently live in Gold Coast about 2 blocks away from Lincoln Park and live right on the lake. Yes, the summer is amazing, the views, the roof top deck, and even the farmers markets but, I have to say that once dark sets there isn't too much to do and I often find myself venturing out to other areas of the city. I have to say that this winter has been pretty miserable so if you want to go home to a place with tons of things to do close by then go to UK but if you want to be closer to everything else than go to LP. I think there is middle ground somewhere which is what I am trying to find now.

We live in UV, and the conveniences relative to traffic are wonderful. Like yesitisislandlove, I like nature in view, and there is something about UV that remains gritty -- the tree-lines streets are there, but the rear-view of many homes is of a tree-less alley. And there are no "grand" parks and few modestly sized ones. I would not say that the lake is a convenient bike-ride or bus trip away -- the trip certainly takes time and concerted effort. I'd go with what is closer to where you need to be when not home yet has the minimum amenities you require to be sane.

I would go with Ukrainian Village - is the rent for that particular apartment less than what you would be paying for the one in Lincoln Park? Most likely, I'm guessing.

If you're the type that is always out on the tiles and never at home (unless it's to sleep and shower), perhaps it's better to live in the center of lots of activities that pique your interest - but then again, would you want to pay an insane amount of money for an apartment that you're hardly ever in?

If you're more of a homebody, I think it's definitely better to live in an apartment that you love. A crappy living arrangement (whether it's a dingy apartment that you're unhappy in, bad roommates, or rent so astronomical that it leaves little cash in your pocket for anything else) can make or break your morale, especially in a new city.

In London I lived in a so-so [basement dungeon] apartment in a fantastic neighborhood. The rent was astronomical (as is typical of London). While the V&A and cool restaurants were mere blocks away, it was depressing to come home after a long day at work and sit in a dark fishbowl - with cockroaches. In retrospect, I would have rather lived in a nicer, cleaner, brighter apartment in a less glamorous part of town.

Now that I'm in Chicago, I have a wonderful apartment with excellent bones, plenty of space, and the rent is a steal. While it's in a nice, safe neighborhood, it's hardly glamorous or fashionable like South Ken - or Lincoln Park, or UV. But, my mood is much happier in this apartment. I look forward to coming home at the end of the day.

I'm also a homebody, which may have something to do with it!

The last thing Ukrainian Village needs is more people who would consider living in Lincoln Park.

I have never lived in Chicago, but from what I have heard, the winters are long and brutal. I would pick the place with the nice indoors. They always can use the roof deck in the summer as the place to hang out.


Beyond what I like in an apartment, there are five things that have to qualify for me:

-Winter is inevitable - the apartment has to be big enough inside to be able to cope
-How close it to shopping and my bank
-Proximity to work - no one likes a long commute
-Storage space, storage space, storage space
-Layout - it's very important

I will worry about the view later...the inside is usually more important. I'd say go with Ukranian apartment.

I am a little surprised here by the options. UK and LP are two entirely different neighborhoods with completely different vibes.

Who on earth would consider living in both?

If they are considering UK, there is Humboldt Park. It's not too far and is beautiful.

First of all, the winters in Chicago aren't that long. Second, Lincoln Park is also gorgeous in the fall and spring, and even in winter you can go to ZooLights. Third, I lived in Logan Square for five years and it is a pain in the butt to get from the West Side to the Lakefront in summertime. Traffic is ridiculous and the east-west buses run so late that they can't even put them on the CTA BusTracker.

So, if they really want to enjoy the Lakefront, I recommend taking the place in Lincoln Park.

For me personally, access to Rapid Transit is always my first consideration, since I don't have a car or a bike. I look for a management company that has great references. And then I look for a well-balanced area - is there a cafe and a dry cleaner? Will my guests be able to park? What's the street noise like.

The great thing about renting is that it's only a year lease! If you don't like it, MOVE! Try out as many hoods in the city as you can before you settle down & buy!

I stick with my opinion. You can always commute or drive/bike/etc - you can't change the inside of an apartment to make it bigger even if you've bought it since you're stuck with that square footage.

It sounds like they've picked these two neighborhoods, but if you're looking for more space for your money, and proximity to the lake and Lincoln Park, try looking in Andersonville or Roger's Park. I've lived in Andersonville for the past 2 years, with the exception of a 5 month sublet in East Lakeview- after that, I immediately moved back. The neighborhood is beautiful, it's close to the lake and the park, and you'll get more space for your money than Lincoln Park.

I've lived in Chicago for the past 10 years, always within walking distance of the lake. Relatively quick access to the lakefront is a real asset particularly during the nice weather months. With that said, the lake front space south of Irving Park Rd. is very congested when the weather is nice mainly b/c the park as not as expansive there as it is further north. Check out Andersonville (although its getting a little stale with the stroller set invasion in full swing) and also Edgewater, which is affordable, diverse and close to the nicest part of the park, from Hollywood down to Montrose.

Edgewater is where potentially vibrant people go to die.

I am Philippa & Jay's real estate agent & need to comment at first on how great the two of them were to work with. It's always a pleasure sharing my knowledge of the city with people who you know are receptive & will actually use it!

I am happy to announce that they chose the Lincoln Park condo & are very excited to move in & make the space their own.

They narrowed it down to two excellent options & after visiting them each a couple times, decided that though the UV condo was georgous, the benefits of the LP location outwieghed that of UV.

I like to see "newbies" to the city choose their new home based more heavily on location. Life is too short & uncertain to live in a great city & not experience it to the fullest. I see it like going to a resort across the world: the weather & the beach are great, but you could be anywhere! You're really cheating yourself out of life experience if you don't get out & enjoy the culture (:

It's always hard moving to a new city & having to choose the best location for you. Many times it just comes down to what just feels best. I absolutely love hearing from clients once they've gotten settled, raving about their new home...& neighborhood.

I give anyone kudos for moving to Chicago in the midst of winter, never having experienced the summer here. I know for me, it's the memories of street festivals, outdoor dining & long walks to the dog park that keep me still loving the city in March.

So, I'll stop rambling & say CHEERS to Jay & Philippa! I'm sure I can speak for everyone on this post & say "congratulations & we wish you all the best in your new home".

"I like to see "newbies" to the city choose their new home based more heavily on location."

Good thing I don't know your name or I'd report you - you should have your license removed. You are supposed to fill the client's needs - not what you wish they would do.

Wow Chrisgal, your judgment was way out of line! If you read my post again, you'll see I said that I LIKE to see them choose location, not "wish". Apparently you misinterpreted it. I am very professional at what I do & let the properties (& neighborhoods) sell themselves. I don't direct people into a location. They will choose what they feel suits them.