Well I just received a promotion - Executive Director of Support Services @ the University of Chicago! Unfortunately, I don't know a soul in Chicago (besides the 4 person panel I interviewed with). I'll be in town on 8-October to look for an apartment. I also have a firm start date of 14-Oct. Soooo, any advice? Where to catch Rocket's games? Areas to live? I have a car so parking is a must. Any help is greatly appreciated!
Congrats on the new position! How do you plan on getting to work (if you know yet)? I've had friends and family who live in and loved the Hyde Park area -- other than that, not so sure about the South Side. I lived in Lakeview for a couple of years and loved it -- you could probably commute to U of C on the Red Line. Not sure about the parking situation there. To be honest, I found owning a car in the city of Chicago to be a pain the ass.
South Loop/River North depending on your budget. Lincoln Park is a great urban neighborhood too. There's honestly a ton of neighborhoods to choose from that are great (Ukranian Village, Lakeview, Goldcoast, Bucktown, Lincoln Square, Bridgeport, etc.). It really comes down to your budget and what your preference is. I would ask on city data, some of those guys have such a good idea > here Parking is a b**** in the city, expensive no matter where you look. I don't own a car, but I can see how much of a hassle it would to own one. Usually though, if you live in the Loop/RiverNorth, parking can rage from $150-400 a month depending on the apartment/condo. The bike idea mentioned by someone in this thread isn't a bad idea either. Tons of sports bars -- none that specifically feature the Rockets that I know of, but for national tv games, West End is a pretty nice bar in the West Loop. Mother Hubbard's is in River North, I've caught Hockey and Football games there. Joe's Bar is another good one. Don't forget winter clothes, by the time you start, I can probably assume that cooler temps will have arrived but you'll want some winter gear for later (January-April) when it gets bitter cold.
If you're considering public transportation, 30-day unlimited passes (includes the "L" and CTA buses) cost $100. As mentioned, Red Line swings by U of C (Garfield Station, I believe).
If you have any Obama Sucks type bumper stickers, better get rid of them now. You won't be in Texas anymore, Dorothy.
For some reason this is all I see when I think of any Midwestern city. Just a bunch of bars with signed, framed pictures and dudes in hockey jerseys with backwards hats.
Dump the car, live on the north side near the metra, and take the metra to u of c. The red line will take you too long with all of the stops, and is not within walking distance of the university. Also, the red line closest to the university is in a pretty terrible part of town. Message me through the board and I can give you some more tips.
I know it gets very, very windy at times, and freezin' ass cold during the winter, but putting that aside, congratulations! You'll be at a great university in a great city. Wish I could help you with your questions, but all I can say is good luck. Get League Pass and NBAtv, if you really want to get all the games. -
i interviewed for admission at U of Chicago once upon a time. driving thru the neighborhoods around there, i was flat out in shock. looked almost as bad as a 3rd world slum. ended up applying to northwestern instead after that
I moved to the West Loop a few months ago (across the street from West End, actually). It's a nice neighborhood. Very family oriented. As far as Rockets game, I plan on purchasing League Pass. Also, Rockets at United Center in March. Get tickets to that.
