UofChicago - Housing outside of Hydepark? Forum

[AndyMcNally]

Dear all,

I am an LL.M. student from Europe and hope you do not mind if I chime in here. I have been offered a spot in the LL.M. programs of Columbia and of UofChicago and I really crave a big city experience (pro NYC) but academically I am really drawn to Chicago. So, if coming to Chicago I would really prefer to live closer to downtown. I think I need some city feeling around me with nice cafés, bars, small shops, ... On the other hand I am afraid that the commute from the Loop or Lincoln Park or wherever just might be too inconvenient. I probably won't by a car for the 10 month, hence I will be stuck with public transport.

So my questions to the Chicago experts:

1) What is your experience with realistic door-to-door commute times to the Law School from various parts of the city?

2) Is the commute a real hassle (like having to stand in the bus or train or problems due to snow, ...) or is it okay?

3) Any neighborhoods, buildings, etc you would recommend? For example I read about this one: http://www.canterburycourtapartments.com/index.asp

4) Anything you might want to add .

Thank you very much in advance!
Andy

[JollyGreenGiant]

Dear all,

I am an LL.M. student from Europe and hope you do not mind if I chime in here. I have been offered a spot in the LL.M. programs of Columbia and of UofChicago and I really crave a big city experience (pro NYC) but academically I am really drawn to Chicago. So, if coming to Chicago I would really prefer to live closer to downtown. I think I need some city feeling around me with nice cafés, bars, small shops, ... On the other hand I am afraid that the commute from the Loop or Lincoln Park or wherever just might be too inconvenient. I probably won't by a car for the 10 month, hence I will be stuck with public transport.

So my questions to the Chicago experts:

1) What is your experience with realistic door-to-door commute times to the Law School from various parts of the city?

2) Is the commute a real hassle (like having to stand in the bus or train or problems due to snow, ...) or is it okay?

3) Any neighborhoods, buildings, etc you would recommend? For example I read about this one: http://www.canterburycourtapartments.com/index.asp

4) Anything you might want to add .

Thank you very much in advance!
Andy

I preface this by saying that I recommend not living outside the reach of the #2 bus. Otherwise you have to connect from other places and waiting time increases.

1) Door to door time is like 40 minutes. That includes a 15 minute walk to bus stop. If you live close to a bus stop and take the #2 it is like 30 minutes.

2) Depends. The #2 always ends up requiring standing in the morning, but that is only if you get on in one of the most southern stops. The bus comes every 15 minutes or so, but you shouldn't spend more than 5 minutes waiting a stop once you know the schedule.

3) River North is probably what I'd recommend.

4) Try typing in your prospective address on Google Maps to see commute times at the times you would be arriving/leaving law school.

[Flash]

I second what JGG said but will add even though Lincoln Park's not on the 2 route, between the 2 and the 134, the commute is manageable.

I live in the new eastside and like it. My commute's abour 35 min door to door.

[Emma.]

JGG pretty much has you covered. Google maps can even give you commute times using public transit, but those times are usually on the long side compared with what it would actually take.

South Loop is very convenient both to school (~30mins) and downtown proper(~10 mins). Many students choose to live there.

[AndyMcNally]

Thank you!

I didn't know that google maps feature yet (we only have the car and pedestrian option for my home country so far).

Is the South Loop more like a business area or is it also nice to live there (supermarkets etc close by)?