I am seriously thinking of making Chicago my second home.  Maybe visiting here once a month and even setting up a second household.  But what area of the town, or suburbs, would be a good place to start?  I'm looking forward to my week there coming up!

Warmly,
Elisabeth

They may be one in the same, but you have to assess your needs.  Do you like quiet, or high energy in the evenings?  Are you a home body, or enjoy getting out?  Do you cook, or like a variety and access to restaurants?  Finally do you have children or plan on having children?  I think all of the above should come into play during your decision making.  I think both the traditional real estate market, as well as foreclosures make Chicago and the burbs desireable and more affordable.

I agree... the Chicagoland area has a little bit of everything, and plenty of great places to live and/or work.

You also have a great community here to aid you in your decision-making process along the way

Neeva~

One of the reasons why I'm so excited about Chicago, is I keep hearing that although it's an international city, that the people are actually very nice.  With that being said, what I was generally throwing out there for discussion was getting a small apartment or a place that I could stay in a certain amount of time each month while visiting.

I'm not much on night life, well not anymore , but I don't have one foot in the grave, either.  My tastes tend to run towards museums and nonprofit type of events and activities, for enjoyment.  Theater and the such.

But I stay at home, mostly.  Cook in and read.  I lead a double life and my quiet life is pretty quiet!!!

So I would want a place where it would be comfortable enough to have a tryst (or three!) at my home but also be able to just relax in a safe environment, which probably isn't asking for much.

But when I look at an area map, it's all confusing.  Although I have heard that South Chicago is an area to avoid!!!

Thanks, thus far, for the responses!  I would love to hear about the different suburbs in town.  Also, is there a convention and visitors bureau in town?  I'm guessing yes.

On a side note, though, I've heard Chicago has one of the most flavorsome kink communities in the US.  And I would be VERY interested in learning more about that as well!!!


Elisabeth

Posted By: Neeva

I agree... the Chicagoland area has a little bit of everything, and plenty of great places to live and/or work.

You also have a great community here to aid you in your decision-making process along the way

Neeva~

Posted By: oneperday

They may be one in the same, but you have to assess your needs.  Do you like quiet, or high energy in the evenings?  Are you a home body, or enjoy getting out?  Do you cook, or like a variety and access to restaurants?  Finally do you have children or plan on having children?  I think all of the above should come into play during your decision making.  I think both the traditional real estate market, as well as foreclosures make Chicago and the burbs desireable and more affordable.

Chicago is my favorite city in the states and I absolutely loved being able to spend a week or so out there each month to visit friends, family and my favorite gents in the world!

As far as a place to start, as others have mentioned, pick an area that is comfortable for you.  When I would test out new cities to live in, I would rent from corporate housing/short term rentals by owner--fully furnished apartments with all utilities included--until I found which neighborhood appealed to me.  In the Chicagoland area, as much as I LOVE the city itself, I was more comfortable in the Schaumburg/Woodfield area--lots of restaurants to choose from, great shopping, quaint community, easy to get around and many nice neighborhoods.  

Not sure where you're coming from but don't forget to take the car situation into consideration.  I used to fly in and rent a car during my stays out in suburbia.  Naturally, in the city, walking and cabbing/public transportation are all you need.  

Assuming you will be available for incalls at your location...One thing I didn't like about the city regarding hosting incalls was that all of the apts/condos I found that met my standards had security guards.  I'm sure there are ways around it but the suburban locations had buzzer entry/intercom systems and were still very upscale.

Good luck with your adventure and I hope you have a wonderful visit!

They may have issues with being around areas that are monolithically given ethic group, but make no mistake, there are challenges and crime throughout Chicago.  So regardless of any recommendation, including the burbs, always be prudent of your surroundings.

Having said that, Hyde Park, on the south side of Chicago would be an area that addresses your needs.  There are cultural activities, diverse restaurants, museums and parks and the President of the United States house is there. It is ethnically diverse.

The Lincoln Square area has a ton of diversity. Just a couple miles northwest of Wrigleyville  Over 50 different ethnic groups represented  in over a 2 mile square area. Tons of restaurants and nice bars, close to transportation.

Certainly downtown, pick your area.

From the suburb perspective, Oak Park, Evanston are close to Chicago.  There are a zillion others furhter, but those two again address most of your expressed needs.

Just my opinion.  Hope it helps.

Thanks!  I plan to!  With that being said, I hope to be meeting a few friends who will be able to drive me around to a few different areas.  I'm excited!!!

Hugs.