Hello,
We are moving to NYC from Chicago next month. I have no idea about the neighborhoods there and would like your input on good areas to live- close to Manhattan where I can walk around with my 1 year old.
Also, if you could give me information on activities that I could take my toddler to to socialize with other toddlers that will be great. I know that they have story time and other free activities at public libraries and parks here, do they have any such activities there?
Thanks a ton,
Sai
Call BAM Brooklyn Academy of Music they have great programs for children and a lot of information.
M.
A lot depends on what exactly you are looking for. Chicago, unlike Manhattan, is made up of many small neighborhoods. In the loop area, there are now a lot of condos, and large parks, but not a lot of playgrounds. On the Northside, in neighborhoods like Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Lincoln Square, and surrounding areas, there are lots of things to do and parks with playgrounds.
Public libraries do have activities, but they tend to be on a lottery basis because of the interest. The Chicago Park District has a lot of activities, as well as yoga studios such as Sweet Peas, Gymboree, My Gym and Little Gym and the YMCA (all at a price).
If you have an idea of what you are looking for as far as a neighborhood, please feel free to email me and I will tell you what I know about it. My husband and I have lived in Chicago for 12 years, and have friends in many different areas.
Good Luck.
M.
Hi, from your question, it seems you are moving TO NYC. Is that correct? Is Manhattan an option at all? If so, you will be best off on the upper West or upper East sides. They are the most family friendly in that they are close to Central Park and the housing there is more spacious and cheaper than downtown. There are defin. families that live downtown, but it's harder to find affordable places in more kid-friendly environments. I'm not that familiar with Queens, but you can find single family homes there which do not exist in Manhattan.
In Brooklyn, I would suggest Brooklyn Heights or Park Slope. Here you will find mainly brownstones, but some of them have small yards or will be close to parks. There are also more families there.
From Queens or Brooklyn, you can take the train into Manhattan. Be warned though, that many of the stations do not have elevators for strollers. Also, if you take a cab, you will have to lug around a car seat.
When I lived in Manhattan, I didn't have kids, so I'm not that familiar with kids programs. However, I am sure that the many museums and libraries there will have events for your child. I would check the web or get a book on NYC with kids.
I suggest the Old Town neighborhood of Chicago. It's got what you are used to in NYC with everything being right outside your door, i.e. shops and restaurants. Also, you are walking distance to the best free kids entertainment in Chicago, the Lincoln park Zoo. (A free zoo with storytime and other fun kids activities). The beach in Chicago is fun in the summer too, and just a few blocks. There are other wonderful neighborhoods too, like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Roscoe Village and Andersonville. Chicago Park District is a great resource too. Good luck!
