What is the best trendy area to live in Chicago, IL?

Well considering the location you will be going to school there is a neighborhood specially developed for people going to the local downtown universities. It is close to UIC and called University Village. There are a number of brand new condo and appartment buildings there that you can rent or own and it is linked to the rest of the city by bus and el train. There are also a lot of new stores and developments in the area specifically catering to the students that live there. I think it is pretty trendy. You can check craigslist or appartments.com for actual appartment rentals that are available or click the link below for more about Chicago events and entertainment.

The "New East Side" (Columbus Drive and Randolph Blvd) is fast becoming popular. If purchasing, the housing (condo) prices are in the $1 million range. But, don't let that scare you off. The rents are very reasonable for downtown. I've lived downtown Chicago for over 25 years. The New East Side is very close to grocery stores, the Metra, Roosevelt University, and the CTA.

Or, the area just north of it close to the Chicago River (512 N. McClurg for example). (But quite a walk to the University.)

If you venture much outside of the downtown area you can easily catch the CTA from just about anywhere. (As said above). But remember, good housing costs money. If you want a nice place, you must pay a nice price. So, count on a $1,000 minimum monthly.

Finally, there is the Printer's Row area which is very close to Roosevelt University (5 minutes walk). Many students and new workers (young lawyers, etc.) reside there. The apartments here offer reasonable rent, good amenities, good restaurants, and 1-2 good pubs. It is within walking distance of the lake, Grant Park, and transportation of all sorts. And very close to the business district, LaSalle Street, where you will be working to support your academic endeavors.

Actually, the area Roosevelt University is in - the South Loop / Printer's Row area - isn't half bad in and of itself. It's right next to the Roosevelt Red/Orange/Green lines, next to several good restaurants like Yolk and Eleven, easy walking distance to the lake and Grant Park, and close to the Loop. You might walk along Dearborn Street near Harrison, or Wabash Avenue near Roosevelt, and you'll get the feel of the area.

The South Loop is VERY trendy right now - it's just south of downtown, borders the lake, is close to public transit (the Roosevelt CTA stop, all the Michigan Ave. buses, etc.), includes the museum campus and Grant Park, and lots of shops, grocery stores, and restaurants (the Chinatown neighborhood is also right next door) are already there or are opening up.

Well you'll soon find that as long as your near any L stop, your connected to the chicago blood stream... Lincoln Park is probly the best area in terms of location, bars, restaurants and livelihood... if you got money there are apartments off michigan avenue at around 1000/m for a single studio, the area is obviously great for restuarants and shopping but you might have to be creative with your hang-out spots..

There are a lot of nice apartment complexes on Oak Street. They are close to the Magnificent Mile, but not too expensive, and they are close to the beach. It's a bit of a ride to the South Loop, but I know a woman who used to do the commute on the bus and it's not that bad.

When I lived in Chicago I loved the Gold Coast/River North area. expensive but worth it.

Wicker Park. It's were Hi Fidelity was filmed.

Or Bucktown just a little northwest of there.

East Village is cool too.

Pilsen is quite artsy.

Southside is pretty sweet Westlawn/Midway area kills it. hangouts. groceryt stores. nice people.

close to midway train station-- actual walking distance