Best place for thirtysomethings to live in Chicago?

Hi, you all! I am moving to Chicago in about six weeks, to take a faculty position at a school in the Hyde Park area. Is that a good place for a young-ish, single, academic type to live? Are there other suggestions for great neighborhoods? I want to be in the city, but still need trees around! I'm kind of past the stage of needing late-night bars and clubs, but need things like great coffee shops and restaurants, as well as a nice place to get a glass of wine. Also, while I'm no chicken, I do want to feel relatively safe... Thanks for any advice you have to offer!Best place for thirtysomethings to live in Chicago?
Plenty of trees, parks and the beach around Hyde Park. There are also plenty of coffee shops and such around the area too, as well as a few restaruants. The Museum of Science and Industry is there as well. Hyde Park is anchored by the University of Chicago so you can be sure there are plenty of places to study, etc. It's a mixed community and admittedly there have been some problems. But I know plenty of people of all walks of life who live there and they do OK. There are a couple of cool bars, both upscale and "divey" and Hyde Park is now the new home of the legendary Checkerboard Blues Club.



I would suggest other areas of the city, but why move all the way to, say, the North Side, only to have to commute all the way back there each day. If you can find a nice place to live there, go for it. I'd schedule a visit first, thought, during the day and night to see what the area is like. After taking that visit, decided whether you want to live there or not. If not, come back and ask for further suggestions.
Hyde Park is not a bad area to live at all...its very eclectic as its the home of University of Chicago so there are always students that are around the area. Besides the University setting off of 57th - 59th Streets there is the main business areas of Hyde Park where there are all kinds of restaurants and so on....if this area is not for you, its only a short bus or train ride just a bit north to the South Loop area.Best place for thirtysomethings to live in Chicago?
Hyde Park is cool but personally, if you are a young, single, academic type, go for the UIC area. It's booming and it's fun. My 21-year old niece lives in that area and LOVES it. There are many safe areas in that neighborhood--be sure to have a realtor help you out. Stay close to the areas that have a Starbucks and stay away from the Cook County Hospital (Stroger) area and you'll be just fine.



Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Old Town, and Bucktown are a bit more safe, but also pricier and not as academic as the UIC and Hyde Park areas. Just as hip and young though.