Citizens of Chicago - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

maleficent · 07-25-2006, 05:02 AM

Dear citizens of the fair metropolis of Chicago...

If a person were to be contemplating a move to Chicago what neighborhoods would said person want to contemplate moving to?

Person is a middle aged curmudgeon.
Doesn't care about "coolness of neighborhood" because they've never been cool a day in their life and dont plan on starting now.
Doesn't want to own a care so accessibility to the train is ideal
Doesn't want to pay a huge amount of rent.
Will be downtown, so the purple/brown/blue lines are the trains I want.
Doesn't want to be around children or teenagers.
Can handle city noise easily, but can't stand people noise.
Would settle for a suburb as long as it's near the metra that runs frequently (and has to spend no more than 45 minutes in each direction)

What neighborhoods does person want to look in?

thanks

spectre · 07-26-2006, 09:08 AM

I don't really know each area well enough to make a good recommendation, but I can tell you, stay away from the Edison Park/Norwood Park/Jefferson Park area. It's pretty much all families with young kids and snotty teens. I know because that's the area I live in, and that's all that you'll see everywhere, and since you don't want to be around them, it's about the worst place you could pick.

maleficent · 07-26-2006, 09:12 AM

/me checks off sleeping on spec's couch as an option... OK

thanks

The_Jazz · 07-26-2006, 12:38 PM

Well I think you're going to have a hard time finding an uncool neighborhood with no teens and kids. I don't know if that really exists anywhere in the country, let alone Chicago.

Downtown itself is really an option, given that rental rates are still really low from the condo boom (that's now a bust). There are lots of rental units in The Loop, River North and Greektown, all of which are within easy walking distance of just about anything "downtown", which is sort of a nebulous term. Greektown has lots of great restaurants, and the Green and Blue Lines are close.

Stay out of Lincoln Park and Lakeview.

Uptown (north of Lakeview and Wrigleyville) might be pretty good, although there are some serious pockets of poverty, so be careful. There's also a big halfway house for the mentally ill in the northeast corner of the neighborhood (roughly Sheridan and Foster), so be aware of that. Farther west is better. You can get downtown on the Red Line in about 30 minutes or 15 on the Metra if you're within walking distance of Lawrence and Ravenswood. There's also some fantastic arcitecture and the neighborhood really is on its way back.

Edgewater is also pretty good and is just north of Uptown. It's farther along in the transition than Uptown, and there are lots of interesting ethnic pockets still. It will probably take you 40 minutes in by El, and there's no Metra stop.

Bridgeview is the political seat of power for the city, and it's on the Near South Side. It's....homogenous, so if you're looking for an ethnic restaurant that's not Irish, it might not be your spot.

Any other requirements?

maleficent · 07-26-2006, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Jazz

Any other requirements?

the motivation to actually look for a place... i'll give a shiney quarter and home baked cookies to anyone who finds me a place i will live in.. i don't wanna do it..

The_Jazz · 07-26-2006, 02:33 PM

How big and what do you want to pay?

Seriously, let me know if you need any help. I can always stick a copy of The Reader in the mail to you to peruse. And between my wife and I, we've been in every neighborhood in the city at some point or another. If you can narrow your parameters a little more, I can probably give you some advice that might be worth more than what you're paying for it. And I'm happy to help.

maleficent · 07-26-2006, 02:40 PM

i can get to the reader's website without a problem - and there's a lot listed - i'll, be out therein a about 2 weeks or so and wil spend an afternoon or two looking... but I HATE looking for an apartment because I am not fussy - despite all evidence to the contrary - the only thing i want is to NOT hear my neighbors television or stereo.. that's it... but no matter what i pick - it'll be the wrong one... i don't want ot live in a 5th floor walkup -- i'm too old for that...

I don't want to pay more than 1100 a month - i'd prefer a 2 bedroom, but downtown that seems impossible...for a 1 bedroom it better be bigger than 750 square feet... I also do not want to be in a building that has a lot of section 8 housing -I'd prefere none... but that'd be a stretch too i imagine ( i have that now and there's a world of difference)

joemc91 · 07-26-2006, 03:09 PM

This is really convenient, I hope you don't mind me jumping on the "where to live in Chicago" bandwagon, I'll be moving there soon as well. I'll probably be coming to Chicago for a few weekend in the next 2 months and will check out everything recommended!

23yr old
No car as well, so close to the blue line (to work at O'Hare)
In an interesting neighborhood with stuff to do in a good part of town
Inexpensive (~$500 a room, $1000 for a 2 bedroom place, etc.)
Closer to the city is better

So far I've been considering the Irving Park area, but haven't really looked in to all the neighborhoods. Looking forward to the replies.

maleficent · 07-26-2006, 03:30 PM

jump away - buy you're prolly the polar opposite of me

you want young hip and cool

Ooooh Spectre...

analog · 07-26-2006, 04:21 PM

mal, you're so transparent, I know exactly who you're inquiring for based on your description...

maleficent · 07-26-2006, 04:31 PM

OOOH - I like it i like it

but i need a dumpster -i really have too much crap for a single trash can

Ustwo · 07-26-2006, 05:24 PM

Having grown up in and around Chicago, I have no clue where to tell you to look in specific.

It sounds like you need an 'aging' area, full of elderly people who won't bother you, unless you get on their lawn. Oaklawn is pretty close to that, but its a bit too old and they are dying so its starting to turn over. I'm sure somewhere out there you will find the right combination.

Honestly I'd still move somewhere more fun and trendy just so you can make fun of the people there. My sister lived briefly in 'Boystown' doing the starving artist bit, and even going to the supermarket was entertaining.

maleficent · 07-26-2006, 05:47 PM

no old people- i lived in an anaprtment above a senior citizen couple -dang blasted people blared the tv set at full volume all day long... and night long.. made me insane.. er than i am..

Isn't oak lawn a cemetary?

ohhh hadn't thought of making fun of the trendoids... :0 that could be good sport

shesus · 07-26-2006, 06:45 PM

I'm really not sure of what to recommend, but I'll put in a recommendation for Roscoe Village. It's nice and quiet, close to the El and buslines. I walked around the area today. A lot of nice little shops, laid back people, and a candy store that makes their own icecream. Well, I like it anyway. Also, a lot of small taverns and restaurants. I had a fun time there today. Although I will say that there were kids around, but they didn't annoy me, so they must not be that bad.

There are a lot of places for rent around there. The only price I saw though was for a 3-br and it was about $1600. So, not sure where that would leave a 1-br.

Greektown is also nice. My office is there and it's close to the Blue line and busses and right outside of the loop on the southside.

Stay away from Lakeview though..it's pretty crazy. Too goth/sex shop driven in the area I was in earlier this week. Not what you want I think.

If I find any other areas I'll let you know.

The_Jazz · 07-27-2006, 05:10 AM

Roscoe Village is a part of Lakeview - so is Wrigleyville and Boystown. The goth/sex shops are really on at the corner of Belmont and Clark (the only ones I can think of anyway), and that corner is really like nothing else in the city. It's in Lakeview, BTW, which is defined by Diversey on the south, the lake on the east and Irving Park on the north. The western boundary is either Damen or Western, depending on which map you're using. Western was the boundary of the old Lakeview Township until it was annexed back in the 1910's, but on the last one I saw, Damen was the boundary. I'd say that Lakeview is best defined by either the strip of bars between Barry and Addison along Halstead that makes up Boystown or the strip of bars between Cornelia and Grace along Clark that makes up Wrigleyville. They're very different (think gay and frat boy) but only about 3 blocks apart at their closest. If you're going to live in Lakeview, you're gonig to have to deal with drunks, but you have your choice between drunks in assless chaps or backwards baseball hats.

Mal, for 1100/mo, you can pretty much make up your mind based on the building. Given that you're basically being the Golilocks of aging (these neighbors are too young, these neighbors are too old, these are juuuuust right), you're probably going to be hard to please. Go figure. However, you might try Lincoln Square, which is roughly 8 blocks in any direction from the intersections of Lincoln, Lawrence and Western. The Metra is at Ravenswood and Lawrence and can get you to Canal and Madison in about 15 minutes for about $2.50 a day (that's less than the EL). It's an old German neighborhood that's starting to turn, so the kids would tend to trend younger. The elderly either own their own homes or are moving out. There's also a little city-center area with some pretty cool shops.

You could also try North Center (Irving and Damen), but that means taking the Brown line, which is under construction and is a general pain in the ass to anyone taking it from that far out.

Joe, my best suggestions for you are either Wicker Park or Bucktown. Rents should in line with what you're looking for, and it's a pretty cool little area. It's along the Blue Line, although pretty close in, so it would probably take about a half hour to get out to O'Hare. There are lots of cool little shops and restaurants, including some of the best pizza in the city (Peace). I have several friends that own rental property around there, and from what I know about what they charge, your target range is right in what they charge. Keep on the lookout for folks that are renting out condos because you might find a good deal.

When you say you're looking in Irving Park, I assume that you mean Irving Park the neighborhood and not the street. If that's the case, I'd stay out of that neighborhood if you don't like gangs. There's definitely a criminal element out there, although it seems to be transitioning. They had a bunch of buildings go condo in the last 2 years, which is usually one of the first signs of the criminal element being forced out.

JustJess · 07-27-2006, 05:15 AM

This thread is making ME want to move to Chicago!

Impetuous1 · 07-27-2006, 05:30 AM

I grew up in Chicago. Don't live there now. However, I had moved all over Chicago while I was there. Roscoe Village, Lake View, Irving Park. By far though, the place that I loved the most was Evanston right outside Chicago. It's a nice college town with Northwestern University as it's base. Lot's of little ethnic restaurants. You can catch the train there while it's still empty. You'll actually get a seat on the train! The public library there is pretty large and clean. Most of the people there are students so there aren't too many problems. The one's who aren't students are pretty well off. Not sure what the rentals go for since at that time I was living in a condo. If I had to move back, that's where I would go.

jimk · 08-03-2006, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joemc91

23yr old
No car as well, so close to the blue line (to work at O'Hare)
In an interesting neighborhood with stuff to do in a good part of town
Inexpensive (~$500 a room, $1000 for a 2 bedroom place, etc.)
Closer to the city is better

So far I've been considering the Irving Park area, but haven't really looked in to all the neighborhoods. Looking forward to the replies.

i live near irving park & damen........it's pretty family-flavored, honestly.

i think you should check out wicker park: try the intersection of damen, north avenue, and milwaukee for some serious 20-something people watching, good restaurants, and the best small rock venues - double door & empty bottle.

rents may be at the top of your range, but the blue line runs directly through the intersection (well, on top of it actually).

joemc91 · 08-29-2006, 08:02 PM

So I have gone looking for apartments for 3 days straight and found two really nice ones. The only problem is figuring out which one. The first is a really nice three bedroom in Roscoe Village. There's a garage and a yard, two levels, and a great kitchen. The only problem is it's a good 20 minute walk to the 'L', although it's right next to a bus which runs every 5 minutes.

The second is in Lincoln Square and right next to the 'L' Brown Line. However it is 3rd floor, no garage, and generally not as nice, but the location seems really good.

What I'm looking for is insight into what kind of area Lincoln Square is to help me make my decision. I walked all of Roscoe Village while there and liked it but was shown Lincoln Square at the end of the visit and liked the look of it, especially Wells Park and the library. What kind of nightlife is in the area and what sort of demographics (younger people, families, not too good, etc)? Thanks for the info!

The_Jazz · 08-30-2006, 06:23 AM

Lincoln Square is older and still has a good number of German immigrants living there. Roscoe Village is either "Boystown West" or "Yuppieville" depending on who's making the description.

The nightlife in Lincoln Square is a little tamer than Roscoe Village, although neither are really big bar areas (as opposed to Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville or Boystown). There are certainly great bars in both neighborhoods, but those bars tend to be frequented more by locals. Personally my vote goes for Lincoln Square because of several of the restaurants in the area.

07-25-2006, 05:02 AM	#1 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	Citizens of Chicago Dear citizens of the fair metropolis of Chicago... If a person were to be contemplating a move to Chicago what neighborhoods would said person want to contemplate moving to? Person is a middle aged curmudgeon. Doesn't care about "coolness of neighborhood" because they've never been cool a day in their life and dont plan on starting now. Doesn't want to own a care so accessibility to the train is ideal Doesn't want to pay a huge amount of rent. Will be downtown, so the purple/brown/blue lines are the trains I want. Doesn't want to be around children or teenagers. Can handle city noise easily, but can't stand people noise. Would settle for a suburb as long as it's near the metra that runs frequently (and has to spend no more than 45 minutes in each direction) What neighborhoods does person want to look in? thanks __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

07-26-2006, 09:08 AM	#2 (permalink)
spectre Junkie	I don't really know each area well enough to make a good recommendation, but I can tell you, stay away from the Edison Park/Norwood Park/Jefferson Park area. It's pretty much all families with young kids and snotty teens. I know because that's the area I live in, and that's all that you'll see everywhere, and since you don't want to be around them, it's about the worst place you could pick. __________________ "Fuck these chains No goddamn slave I will be different" ~ Machine Head

07-26-2006, 09:12 AM	#3 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	/me checks off sleeping on spec's couch as an option... OK thanks __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

07-26-2006, 12:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
The_Jazz Asshole Administrator Location: Chicago	Well I think you're going to have a hard time finding an uncool neighborhood with no teens and kids. I don't know if that really exists anywhere in the country, let alone Chicago. Downtown itself is really an option, given that rental rates are still really low from the condo boom (that's now a bust). There are lots of rental units in The Loop, River North and Greektown, all of which are within easy walking distance of just about anything "downtown", which is sort of a nebulous term. Greektown has lots of great restaurants, and the Green and Blue Lines are close. Stay out of Lincoln Park and Lakeview. Uptown (north of Lakeview and Wrigleyville) might be pretty good, although there are some serious pockets of poverty, so be careful. There's also a big halfway house for the mentally ill in the northeast corner of the neighborhood (roughly Sheridan and Foster), so be aware of that. Farther west is better. You can get downtown on the Red Line in about 30 minutes or 15 on the Metra if you're within walking distance of Lawrence and Ravenswood. There's also some fantastic arcitecture and the neighborhood really is on its way back. Edgewater is also pretty good and is just north of Uptown. It's farther along in the transition than Uptown, and there are lots of interesting ethnic pockets still. It will probably take you 40 minutes in by El, and there's no Metra stop. Bridgeview is the political seat of power for the city, and it's on the Near South Side. It's....homogenous, so if you're looking for an ethnic restaurant that's not Irish, it might not be your spot. Any other requirements? __________________ "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - B. Franklin "There ought to be limits to freedom." - George W. Bush "We have met the enemy and he is us." - Pogo

07-26-2006, 02:33 PM	#6 (permalink)
The_Jazz Asshole Administrator Location: Chicago	How big and what do you want to pay? Seriously, let me know if you need any help. I can always stick a copy of The Reader in the mail to you to peruse. And between my wife and I, we've been in every neighborhood in the city at some point or another. If you can narrow your parameters a little more, I can probably give you some advice that might be worth more than what you're paying for it. And I'm happy to help. __________________ "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - B. Franklin "There ought to be limits to freedom." - George W. Bush "We have met the enemy and he is us." - Pogo

07-26-2006, 02:40 PM	#7 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	i can get to the reader's website without a problem - and there's a lot listed - i'll, be out therein a about 2 weeks or so and wil spend an afternoon or two looking... but I HATE looking for an apartment because I am not fussy - despite all evidence to the contrary - the only thing i want is to NOT hear my neighbors television or stereo.. that's it... but no matter what i pick - it'll be the wrong one... i don't want ot live in a 5th floor walkup -- i'm too old for that... I don't want to pay more than 1100 a month - i'd prefer a 2 bedroom, but downtown that seems impossible...for a 1 bedroom it better be bigger than 750 square feet... I also do not want to be in a building that has a lot of section 8 housing -I'd prefere none... but that'd be a stretch too i imagine ( i have that now and there's a world of difference) __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

07-26-2006, 03:09 PM	#8 (permalink)
joemc91 Insane Location: Chicago	This is really convenient, I hope you don't mind me jumping on the "where to live in Chicago" bandwagon, I'll be moving there soon as well. I'll probably be coming to Chicago for a few weekend in the next 2 months and will check out everything recommended! 23yr old No car as well, so close to the blue line (to work at O'Hare) In an interesting neighborhood with stuff to do in a good part of town Inexpensive (~$500 a room, $1000 for a 2 bedroom place, etc.) Closer to the city is better So far I've been considering the Irving Park area, but haven't really looked in to all the neighborhoods. Looking forward to the replies. __________________ I prefer desert wines to dessert wines. Dry and red

07-26-2006, 03:30 PM	#9 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	jump away - buy you're prolly the polar opposite of me you want young hip and cool Ooooh Spectre... __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

07-26-2006, 04:21 PM	#10 (permalink)
analog Banned	mal, you're so transparent, I know exactly who you're inquiring for based on your description...

07-26-2006, 04:31 PM	#11 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	OOOH - I like it i like it but i need a dumpster -i really have too much crap for a single trash can __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

07-26-2006, 05:24 PM	#12 (permalink)
Ustwo Pissing in the cornflakes	Having grown up in and around Chicago, I have no clue where to tell you to look in specific. It sounds like you need an 'aging' area, full of elderly people who won't bother you, unless you get on their lawn. Oaklawn is pretty close to that, but its a bit too old and they are dying so its starting to turn over. I'm sure somewhere out there you will find the right combination. Honestly I'd still move somewhere more fun and trendy just so you can make fun of the people there. My sister lived briefly in 'Boystown' doing the starving artist bit, and even going to the supermarket was entertaining. __________________ Agents of the enemies who hold office in our own government, who attempt to eliminate our "freedoms" and our "right to know" are posting among us, I fear.....on this very forum. - host Obama - Know a Man by the friends he keeps.

07-26-2006, 05:47 PM	#13 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	no old people- i lived in an anaprtment above a senior citizen couple -dang blasted people blared the tv set at full volume all day long... and night long.. made me insane.. er than i am.. Isn't oak lawn a cemetary? ohhh hadn't thought of making fun of the trendoids... :0 that could be good sport __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

07-26-2006, 06:45 PM	#14 (permalink)
shesus Fancy Location: Chicago	I'm really not sure of what to recommend, but I'll put in a recommendation for Roscoe Village. It's nice and quiet, close to the El and buslines. I walked around the area today. A lot of nice little shops, laid back people, and a candy store that makes their own icecream. Well, I like it anyway. Also, a lot of small taverns and restaurants. I had a fun time there today. Although I will say that there were kids around, but they didn't annoy me, so they must not be that bad. There are a lot of places for rent around there. The only price I saw though was for a 3-br and it was about $1600. So, not sure where that would leave a 1-br. Greektown is also nice. My office is there and it's close to the Blue line and busses and right outside of the loop on the southside. Stay away from Lakeview though..it's pretty crazy. Too goth/sex shop driven in the area I was in earlier this week. Not what you want I think. If I find any other areas I'll let you know. __________________ Whatever did happen to your soul? I heard you sold it Choose Heaven for the weather and Hell for the company

07-27-2006, 05:10 AM	#15 (permalink)
The_Jazz Asshole Administrator Location: Chicago	Roscoe Village is a part of Lakeview - so is Wrigleyville and Boystown. The goth/sex shops are really on at the corner of Belmont and Clark (the only ones I can think of anyway), and that corner is really like nothing else in the city. It's in Lakeview, BTW, which is defined by Diversey on the south, the lake on the east and Irving Park on the north. The western boundary is either Damen or Western, depending on which map you're using. Western was the boundary of the old Lakeview Township until it was annexed back in the 1910's, but on the last one I saw, Damen was the boundary. I'd say that Lakeview is best defined by either the strip of bars between Barry and Addison along Halstead that makes up Boystown or the strip of bars between Cornelia and Grace along Clark that makes up Wrigleyville. They're very different (think gay and frat boy) but only about 3 blocks apart at their closest. If you're going to live in Lakeview, you're gonig to have to deal with drunks, but you have your choice between drunks in assless chaps or backwards baseball hats. Mal, for 1100/mo, you can pretty much make up your mind based on the building. Given that you're basically being the Golilocks of aging (these neighbors are too young, these neighbors are too old, these are juuuuust right), you're probably going to be hard to please. Go figure. However, you might try Lincoln Square, which is roughly 8 blocks in any direction from the intersections of Lincoln, Lawrence and Western. The Metra is at Ravenswood and Lawrence and can get you to Canal and Madison in about 15 minutes for about $2.50 a day (that's less than the EL). It's an old German neighborhood that's starting to turn, so the kids would tend to trend younger. The elderly either own their own homes or are moving out. There's also a little city-center area with some pretty cool shops. You could also try North Center (Irving and Damen), but that means taking the Brown line, which is under construction and is a general pain in the ass to anyone taking it from that far out. Joe, my best suggestions for you are either Wicker Park or Bucktown. Rents should in line with what you're looking for, and it's a pretty cool little area. It's along the Blue Line, although pretty close in, so it would probably take about a half hour to get out to O'Hare. There are lots of cool little shops and restaurants, including some of the best pizza in the city (Peace). I have several friends that own rental property around there, and from what I know about what they charge, your target range is right in what they charge. Keep on the lookout for folks that are renting out condos because you might find a good deal. When you say you're looking in Irving Park, I assume that you mean Irving Park the neighborhood and not the street. If that's the case, I'd stay out of that neighborhood if you don't like gangs. There's definitely a criminal element out there, although it seems to be transitioning. They had a bunch of buildings go condo in the last 2 years, which is usually one of the first signs of the criminal element being forced out. __________________ "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - B. Franklin "There ought to be limits to freedom." - George W. Bush "We have met the enemy and he is us." - Pogo

07-27-2006, 05:15 AM	#16 (permalink)
JustJess Unencapsulated Location: Kittyville	This thread is making ME want to move to Chicago! __________________ My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.

07-27-2006, 05:30 AM	#17 (permalink)
Impetuous1 Insane Location: Arizona	I grew up in Chicago. Don't live there now. However, I had moved all over Chicago while I was there. Roscoe Village, Lake View, Irving Park. By far though, the place that I loved the most was Evanston right outside Chicago. It's a nice college town with Northwestern University as it's base. Lot's of little ethnic restaurants. You can catch the train there while it's still empty. You'll actually get a seat on the train! The public library there is pretty large and clean. Most of the people there are students so there aren't too many problems. The one's who aren't students are pretty well off. Not sure what the rentals go for since at that time I was living in a condo. If I had to move back, that's where I would go.

08-29-2006, 08:02 PM	#19 (permalink)
joemc91 Insane Location: Chicago	So I have gone looking for apartments for 3 days straight and found two really nice ones. The only problem is figuring out which one. The first is a really nice three bedroom in Roscoe Village. There's a garage and a yard, two levels, and a great kitchen. The only problem is it's a good 20 minute walk to the 'L', although it's right next to a bus which runs every 5 minutes. The second is in Lincoln Square and right next to the 'L' Brown Line. However it is 3rd floor, no garage, and generally not as nice, but the location seems really good. What I'm looking for is insight into what kind of area Lincoln Square is to help me make my decision. I walked all of Roscoe Village while there and liked it but was shown Lincoln Square at the end of the visit and liked the look of it, especially Wells Park and the library. What kind of nightlife is in the area and what sort of demographics (younger people, families, not too good, etc)? Thanks for the info! __________________ I prefer desert wines to dessert wines. Dry and red

08-30-2006, 06:23 AM	#20 (permalink)
The_Jazz Asshole Administrator Location: Chicago	Lincoln Square is older and still has a good number of German immigrants living there. Roscoe Village is either "Boystown West" or "Yuppieville" depending on who's making the description. The nightlife in Lincoln Square is a little tamer than Roscoe Village, although neither are really big bar areas (as opposed to Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville or Boystown). There are certainly great bars in both neighborhoods, but those bars tend to be frequented more by locals. Personally my vote goes for Lincoln Square because of several of the restaurants in the area. __________________ "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - B. Franklin "There ought to be limits to freedom." - George W. Bush "We have met the enemy and he is us." - Pogo