Chicago native (8 years) answering any ?'s about the Chi Forum

[lawoftheland]

I've lived here for almost a decade in various neighborhoods (Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wrigleyville, Downtown) so if anyone wants any info (if you're considering Northwestern, Loyola, DePaul, Kent, John Marshall, etc) let me know.

I think, through talking about my city, it'll also help me decide if I'd like to stay in it for LS. I'm leaning towards DC, but Chicago (despite winter) is still pretty spectacular.

[los blancos]

Another Chi native willing to help out OP. I also face a similar dilemma, though I wanna go to CA.

[ConMan345]

Thanks for answering questions guys, I might be moving there with my SO if Chicago says yes.


Couple questions:

What's the South Loop like?

Any other neighborhoods you'd recommend within a reasonable commute of UChicago?

The public transit system seems decent--thoughts? I've heard it can be tough in the winter to walk more than a few blocks to a stop without cursing the weather. (though I'm fairly cold-tolerant)

[APimpNamedSlickback]

what is your take on the neighborhood surrounding the university of chicago? how difficult is the trip from hyde park to the michigan avenue/downtown/gold coast area?

[lawoftheland]

Thanks for answering questions guys, I might be moving there with my SO if Chicago says yes.


Couple questions:

What's the South Loop like?

Any other neighborhoods you'd recommend within a reasonable commute of UChicago?

The public transit system seems decent--thoughts? I've heard it can be tough in the winter to walk more than a few blocks to a stop without cursing the weather. (though I'm fairly cold-tolerant)

South Loop is great.... definitely one of the neighborhoods that has already passed the "up and coming" phase and is now a cool, diverse, reasonably safe part of the city - close to soldier field, next to downtown, a ton of new developments, etc. Take a look at Chicago's craigslist to get an idea of apartment costs, etc:

http://chicago.craigslist.org/search/ap ... =&hasPic=1

Greektown is actually quite nice as well.... with a lot of nice loft buildings, etc. Google: West Town, Ukranian Village and River North as well. Public tran is all over the place so you won't have any problems there...

[MF248]

Thanks for answering questions guys, I might be moving there with my SO if Chicago says yes.


Couple questions:

What's the South Loop like?

Any other neighborhoods you'd recommend within a reasonable commute of UChicago?

The public transit system seems decent--thoughts? I've heard it can be tough in the winter to walk more than a few blocks to a stop without cursing the weather. (though I'm fairly cold-tolerant)

Wind chill.

Also, be prepared to blame everything on the "lake effect."

Go Sox!

[lawoftheland]

what is your take on the neighborhood surrounding the university of chicago? how difficult is the trip from hyde park to the michigan avenue/downtown/gold coast area?

Well, Obama's old 2 million dollar house is in Hyde Park so how bad can it be? But in general.... Hyde Park isn't as hip or full of interesting restaurants/bars/etc as LP, Lakeview, Wrigley, etc, but the area surrounding U of Chicago is it's own little city I'd say. It's all fantastic architecture with a ton of character around there.... but if you're looking for more fun, I'd go with living a little north of the University.

With that said... public tran will have you down to University of Chicago from downtown area in 10-15 minutes I'd say. It's really not that far.

[ConMan345]

what is your take on the neighborhood surrounding the university of chicago? how difficult is the trip from hyde park to the michigan avenue/downtown/gold coast area?

Well, Obama's old 2 million dollar house is in Hyde Park so how bad can it be? But in general.... Hyde Park isn't as hip or full of interesting restaurants/bars/etc as LP, Lakeview, Wrigley, etc, but the area surrounding U of Chicago is it's own little city I'd say. It's all fantastic architecture with a ton of character around there.... but if you're looking for more fun, I'd go with living a little north of the University.

With that said... public tran will have you down to University of Chicago from downtown area in 10-15 minutes I'd say. It's really not that far.

Really? Google Maps says something more like about 40 minutes, depending on where you are--they've been wrong before though...

[lawoftheland]

what is your take on the neighborhood surrounding the university of chicago? how difficult is the trip from hyde park to the michigan avenue/downtown/gold coast area?

Well, Obama's old 2 million dollar house is in Hyde Park so how bad can it be? But in general.... Hyde Park isn't as hip or full of interesting restaurants/bars/etc as LP, Lakeview, Wrigley, etc, but the area surrounding U of Chicago is it's own little city I'd say. It's all fantastic architecture with a ton of character around there.... but if you're looking for more fun, I'd go with living a little north of the University.

With that said... public tran will have you down to University of Chicago from downtown area in 10-15 minutes I'd say. It's really not that far.

Really? Google Maps says something more like about 40 minutes, depending on where you are--they've been wrong before though...

I'm saying once your butt is actually in the seat of the train.... full trip with walking a block or two, getting on/off, etc....maybe 30 mins.

[APimpNamedSlickback]

thanks. how efficient is chicago public transportation anyway? do you guys think having a car is a necessity for a law student?

[09042014]

what is your take on the neighborhood surrounding the university of chicago? how difficult is the trip from hyde park to the michigan avenue/downtown/gold coast area?

The CTA has their info on Google Maps. It'll tell you which routes, and the estimated time if you ask for directions and select public transportation.

With car 25 minutes, by bus/el over an hour.

[lawoftheland]

thanks. how efficient is chicago public transportation anyway? do you guys think having a car is a necessity for a law student?

Here's the CTA map: http://www.transitchicago.com/assets/1/ ... ainmap.png

It's actually really efficient.... and although I've always had a car in the city, I also have a garage. If it weren't for my garage, I don't think I would have had a car here. Parking is pretty atrocious and the term ticket nazi applies. The meters (come on Mayor Daley) were privatized so they're a little cartel as well. Parking sucks... I'll leave it at that.

With that said... the city is a blast, the train will get you almost everywhere so I'd say a car isn't completely necessary.

[lawoftheland]

downtown to U of Chicago:

Commuter Train
The Metra Electric commuter train from downtown Chicago takes approximately 15 minutes to reach Hyde Park. The train costs $2.35 and originates at Millennium station (Randolph St and Michigan Ave, across from Millennium Park). The Metra Electric makes stops downtown along Michigan Ave at Randolph St, Van Buren St (near the Art Institute of Chicago), and Roosevelt Rd (at the south end of Grant Park). You may purchase a ticket at the station or on the train. The fare is $4.15 if purchased on the train. The Metra runs frequently during rush hours and once an hour at other times of the day.

[champ33]

Thanks for answering questions guys. I'm curious how you'd go about comparing DePaul, Loyola, and Kent as far as reputation and job prospects both in and beyond Chicago. I've been accepted to DePaul with 20k/yr and Loyola with scholarship info in March, and still waiting to hear from Kent. I haven't spent any time in Chicago, and as far as I know at this point all three schools are similar in these areas. I'd welcome being corrected or any other opinions or info anyone has. Thanks.

[lawoftheland]

Thanks for answering questions guys. I'm curious how you'd go about comparing DePaul, Loyola, and Kent as far as reputation and job prospects both in and beyond Chicago. I've been accepted to DePaul with 20k/yr and Loyola with scholarship info in March, and still waiting to hear from Kent. I haven't spent any time in Chicago, and as far as I know at this point all three schools are similar in these areas. I'd welcome being corrected or any other opinions or info anyone has. Thanks.

Well I can speak in detail about DePaul.... two of my closest friends in the city (play on my intramural soccer club) both graduated from DePaul Law in 06.... both are doing very well. One does medical malpractice stuff and the other does banking/commercial/securities litigation.

Kent of course is part of the Illinois institute of technology and if you haven't noticed (if you took the last two lsats in sept and dec) there was a long RC about Technology, networks and so on. I don't think that's by accident. Law is definitely heading in a technological direction so Kent is particularly attractive with those regards, in my opinion. They also have a top ranked legal writing/intellectual property program.

Don't know too much about Loyola... but I think they're known mostly for medial related law, which is also a great field.

To be honest... and despite their relatively modest rankings... all three are quite strong. You won't have a problem finding a job in Chicago... not sure about the rest of the country, but they're all well known and recruited in the city.

[lawoftheland]

Oh... and all three are downtown so location is pretty negligible.

[champ33]

Thanks for the info, much appreciated. From what I've read overall I feel pretty good about all three of them, and from my not having spent any time in Chicago, and having no particular connection to any of the three schools, it will be pretty difficult to find what criteria to use for a decision, if I do end up deciding on a big change in moving to Chicago for LS (born and raised in NY). Are there any significant differences in the strength of alumni, or quality of life (i.e. notable differences in the makeup of their respective student bodies) or curriculum differences?

[Kobe_Teeth]

Hyde Park is connected to the rest of Chicago by the Green Line. It has only one stop in the premises of Hyde Park (and yes that stop is very near the U of Chi. campus). The Green Line does not really connect all that well to other vital lines such as the Red and the Blue. Look at the map, you'll see.

And yes, Hyde Park is an extremely beautiful neighborhood but it is surrounded by atrocious neighborhoods. However, the cool thing about Chicago is that atrociousness doesn't spill over that much, it stays in its own neck of the woods. Learn the boundaries and you'll be fine (read: safe).

[echoi]

What kind of gun do you recommend I get to protect myself in Hyde Park?

[lawoftheland]

Blatant HYS trolling.... our pres has a crib w/dozens of secret service folk lurking around in Hyde Park. It's a beautiful neighborhood.... just don't go for a 3 mile bike ride south. Stay near the school... or swing up north to the city after class and you'll be fine.

[09042014]

What kind of gun do you recommend I get to protect myself in Hyde Park?

[echoi]

What's the current market price for one of those babies?

[09042014]

What's the current market price for one of those babies?

You can buy the Chinese knockoff version for 10K.

[Oban]

what is your take on the neighborhood surrounding the university of chicago? how difficult is the trip from hyde park to the michigan avenue/downtown/gold coast area?

The CTA has their info on Google Maps. It'll tell you which routes, and the estimated time if you ask for directions and select public transportation.

With car 25 minutes, by bus/el over an hour.

FAIL. If you hop on the jackson park express(number 6) or the X28, the trip downtown takes 20 minutes.

[poslhs]

Is it really cold?