Chicago is a city of neighborhoods. That's what sets this city apart from all the rest: 77 neighborhoods, each with a distinct feel, a distinct style. And while Evanston does have a distinct feel - white, lackluster, pretentious and overpriced - as well as a distinct style - crass consumerism and whatever the latest trends are - Evanston doesn't make the cut. It's officially the first suburb to the north. And gets treated as such.
The gates to the city close at 1 or 2 a.m. to keep out the riff-raff, which means there is no public transportation unless it's to an early dinner with Grandma or out with that underage-curfew-abiding girl you picked up the previous week.
Whatever your means of transportation, there are certain areas downtown that you should know about within a few months of enrolling at Northwestern. This is a short list - only the most essential made the cut - but I encourage you to visit as many of the neighborhoods as you can. It is, of course, biased; but when you write the article next year, put whatever you want in. You can claim the suburb of Skokie with its pathetic strip malls the hippest nearby hangout.
LAKEVIEW
The Stops: Red line to Addison or Belmont.
The Scene: This is a large neighborhood and depending on where you go, you're going to find a different group of people with different senses of style. But no matter where you are in Lakeview - as long as you're not lighting pride flags or bashing the goth/emo look - you should feel accepted.
The Sights: Ditch a class and catch an afternoon baseball game at Wrigley Field. Leave your White or Red Sox paraphernalia in the dorm. Snicker at the multitude of sex shops, watch a drag show and then get something pierced at The Alley, a store at the Belmont and Clark intersection that features an entire room of leather outfits.
THE LOOP
The Stops: Any train will get you there eventually. The best, though, would be to take the Red Line. It neatly bisects the Loop, so get off between State/Lake and Jackson to explore.
Spring Break
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billyjoe
posted 8/27/07 @ 10:24 AM CST
Mr. Jackson meant "westward" on Devon Ave. from the Loyola el to experience Chicago's Indo/Paki/Eastern Euro community.
Walking eastward from that el stop would soon put you in Chicago's "fish" community, aka Lake Michigan. (Continued…)
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