So, I see two major housing options here.
Option number 1 is in wicker park, $600/month, including utils, approx 30 minutes from work, laundry in unit. Problems include: far from , , , , and most of the rest of the people I know in chicago. Also, far from my current (two year commitment) gym. Uncertain about the roommates. They were quite bland when we talked, but I got the sense that maybe they were holding back. Oh, and they’re a hetero couple, actress and designer. Bonuses include: lots of grungy, casual guys, who never bothered growing up. Near the gymnastics location. Pretty close to the city contingent of the northwestern suburban gamers, so I could get rides back pretty easy. Frickin’ cheap. (frickin’ cheap pays for alot of cabs).
Option number 2 is to get a 2 bedroom apartment in lincoln park. Pay for it for a month or so, while I find the “ideal” roommate. Slightly shorter work commute (by bus, and probably more sitting room). Much closer to a branch of the gym I already have a membership with. Still reasonably accessible to the gymnastics facility. Way close to and , closer/more convenient to the andersonville crowd (including and ). Easy access to the lake (not as cool as it sounds given that there’s a highway right next to the lake.) Probably coin-op laundry. Also probably significantly (100+) more expensive per month even with a roommate. Generalizing egregiously, the practical decision would be to live in Wicker Park. The emotional decision (close to friends! Pick my own roommate!) would be to live in Lincoln Park. Hmph.