Hi. I'm looking to move to Chicago north of the loop. Seems like everyone is charging an application fee before you see the place in person and on top of that a move in fee? I have never, in my entire life, heard of such a blatant rip-off. Is this normal practice or is this something that brokers and agents do?

https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/10/14/billionaire-family-behind-walmart-buys-lillstreet-art-center/

And if you are a billionaire bootlicker, do not bother to comment on this, please. I don't like them; you can like them all you want, but I just want recommendations, not a fight about billionaires being so misunderstood.

I'm looking for a place to get a small lineart tattoo, ideally located in north Chicago. Any suggestions?

Will Oktoberfest in Fulton market still have a decent crowd this Saturday? Just wasn’t sure if a lot of people go still since the event has kind of run its course lol. Thanks!

Are there any bars/happy hours that serve hot cider or drinks in the Loop or River North in November?

I've seen a lot of recommendations further north or in the suburbs, but I was wondering if there are any in the city.

Hello I am visiting your city on 10/24 to 10/27 . I was wondering if the city has any cool Halloween events those dates at any bars or clubs etc ??

I'm currently living in Back of The Yards and am looking to build more community on the South side since none of my friends on the North side are really able to make the trek to come hang out with me.

I'm looking into converting to Conservative Judaism to reconnect with my ethnic roots for a while now (maternal grandmother was Jewish, converted away from the religion for safety before I was born, she is now dead), but I've been really overwhelmed looking at all the options, especially since I've never really been a part of organized religion before and don't know what kinds of things someone might want to consider when searching. I also don't have any Jewish friends in my immediate circle I can talk to about this.

Has anyone on the South or West side of the city been involved with any synagogues that they liked? Or does anyone have any pointers on how someone can find something that works well for their needs? Like if there are any particular questions I should be asking myself to make a more concrete choice?

Thanks in advance!

If you haven’t seen them around: School bike “busses” are just kids and a couple adults, riding their bikes, picking up kids, and all heading to school together. It’s safe, it’s fun, and IMO a great idea, I wish I had this when I was younger for myself or my younger brothers.

I didn't mind the idea of students riding their bikes together with adult supervision and actually thought this was a pretty sweet opportunity for kids and parents UNTIL I heard them blasting music. These bike busses are usually going around the neighborhood around 7/730ish in the morning and are BLASTING MUSIC OFF A SPEAKER. Wtf?! Now, I wake up early for work myself but not everyone wakes up this early!!!

I find this to be so annoying and just unnecessary. The same way I don't go around blasting music at 3am in my neighborhood with families, neither should they that early in the morning.

What if you're sick and want to sleep in? What if you're a night nurse? What if you're unemployed??? Not everyone is on the same schedule and we already live in a loud city, please let's not add more noise to the list. I'm looking at you Nettelhorst bike bus crew (you're the closest school to me)

Am I overreacting? Am I being an a**hole? Do I value sleep too much? I just find this to be so disrespectful to other people but I’ll leave that up to you guys.

I’m looking for somewhere to buy comfortable but dressy women’s shoes for work. I’d like to try stuff on rather than buy online. I’m looking for brands like Pikolino and Andrea Conti or similar. Good quality but under $200 a pair. I’m in Evanston but willing to travel to a great store, especially if it has a good selection of both of those brands!

Going to be staying in Ukrainian Village this weekend and we’re looking for a chill bar with live music. Jazz, punk, shitty cover band, just someplace we can relax, have a few drinks, and listen to some tunes.

On a side note, best place to get an excellent espresso martini?

I'm new to the area and Halloween is my favorite holiday, so I'm looking for fun things to do on the 31st with a couple of friends. I live on the northside but would be willing to travel for a fun event.

Looking for:

- Events that encourage people to wear costumes

- All ages or adults only events are both fine, but nothing that is specifically geared toward kids/families

- Events that don't cost a lot of money to attend (less than $50)

- Events that offer more to do than just drinking (so no bar crawls)

So far the only event I've found that fits with what I'm looking for is the Halsted parade and block party. Is that a lot of fun? Is there anything else going on that day/night that you'd recommend checking out?

Hi! I live carfree in a high-rise and I mostly shop at my local grocery store on foot, but I've been using Amazon Fresh once a month or so to help keep in stock on heavy items. Sometimes I'll also use for my whole grocery shop on the odd week I can't logistically get to the store (sick kid, crazy work schedule, etc). Amazon's gotten unreliable and I'd like to give them less money anyway. Does anyone have experience with using Costco grocery delivery in a highrise building? Are they generally able to figure out parking/delivery/access? Thanks!

Howdy all. I'm currently planning on taking a train out of Chicago this Saturday the 17th for an out of state trip that is roughly 20 days long. I have been planning on leaving my vehicle on the residential street of my friend's home during that time but it seems as though both a permit would be necessary to do such and that I am not able to buy one as a non-resident. Is there hope to still park on their street? If not where should I go? Are there any other factors to the residential street parking I should consider? Thank you!

Edit: When I put their address into the city clerk zone lookup site it reads: "According to our records, your address does not fall within a residential permit parking area. Please contact your Alderperson's Office to see if you qualify for a letter of exception for your requested permit parking zone."

Looking to see if there are any current or former nurse who can speak to what it’s like to work at the facility. I’m especially curious about the ER’s acuity, trauma exposure, work environment, and how supportive the department is toward new-grad nurses. Would you recommend starting your ER career there?

TLDR: leak/hole in apartment building hallway for over two weeks with no updates.

hopefully this is the right place to post this.
over two weeks ago the ceiling outside our unit’s door began leaking water and not dripping, like a faucet turned on. (the water also was leaking through the doorframe into the apartment) the maintenance guy came and ripped out the ceiling, put a towel and a bucket down and that’s the last thing that’s happened in OVER TWO WEEKS. no updates, nothing.
the water has continued to leak on and off, the towel is soaked, the floor (which is carpet) is soaked it smells disgusting. we have paper towels and a towel to make sure it doesn’t come in the door. the top of the door frame was leaking before it was cut open, it’s completely squishy and swelling so the door is hard to close/open.
i had to go to my upstairs neighbor and we figured out is was probably coming from one of his sinks, which they never told him.

what do i do? i emailed them on saturday and got no response? do i call 311?

EDIT: I have called 311 and filed a report. Conveniently, the maintenance guy (who is the only guy that does anything and i feel bad it's all on him) showed up after. So obviously the building manager saw the email, but chose not to respond.

Anyway we discussed the previous leak in the apartment as well as the current and not only is the door swollen the top hinge is bent and almost off the frame. Also talked about the hole under the carpet in the hall. We have lived here for 3 years and they already were not renewing our lease which ends in January. Obviously want to move anyway. (It's been a nightmare especially the last year, multiple sags in the floor, roaches, dry rot under the radiator.)

All that to say thank you for all the advice, not sure whether to cancel the report, but I'll probably wait till they call me.

for reference, i plan on moving to chicago around july/august 2027 and i need help! i currently live in texas, 22f, so i just want to know which neighborhoods are best/safest while also getting my money's worth. i plan to take a trip in march 2027 so i'd like to know where to check out

edit: my budget is around $1700 and i'm open to living with roommates. i would like easy transit access, close to the heart of the city (venues, bars, resturaunts, etc) allows pets, possible garage for car

I will be visiting and staying in downtown Chicago mid November, and am looking for some recommendations for what to do as a first timer (basically)! I went during my Jesus freak days in hs for a mission trips, so we really only saw the north loop and the bean. I’m hoping some locals have good recommendations for the best restaurants and sight seeing or shopping spots in the city!

None of us are big on museums, but if one is amazing and a must-see then we’d be open to it. More so looking for good strips we can walk and shop, with good food options nearby or within short driving distance!

Any recommendations are welcome and appreciated 😊

hii I’m 23 and I’m looking to move from California to Chicago within the next couple months. I have 5,000 saved currently but I’m willing to save a little more (7,000ish) if it makes the move more secure. I plan on flying with a few bags instead of using movers to remove that from the cost. I also don’t plan on bringing a car and hope to live near transit and somewhere walkable.

Some issues I’m running into are:

1. ⁠I don’t have a credit score. I didn’t have a parent to teach me to start one so I just did this year. My way around this was hoping to get a guarantor but not sure how common that is in Chicago or how that works/if that’s a bad choice based on my savings. Any other solutions?

2. ⁠No job there yet. Like I’m planning to work in food service but im open to retail / something different that is customer service forward. I’ve been applying online but not much luck considering im not there in person.

3. Neighborhoods. I’m an artist and I’m looking to grow my career in Chicago. I’d like to be involved in the art scene and be around creatives. I’d like to have access to trains and groceries as well. I’ve already planned to live with roommates so my budget for a room is >1000.

Let me know if there’s any advice/things I could do to make this transition as organized as possible! I’m trying to make this happen as soon as possible, Thanks 🩷😁

Looking for some fun for all ages small kids and so that teens don’t complain

As someone gearing up for her first Chicago winter I definitely want to invest in an Aritzia Superpuff. I have a north face nupste puffer jacket that I love, but know I need something longer. I’m pretty set on getting the supersnug instead of regular super puff, but I can’t decide between the mid and long. I’m about 5’4” so the mid hits at or right below my knees and the long is mid calf to ankle length. Which length will I get more benefit from? My instinct is get the long, but I could see where the mid is more convenient going from outside into a warm train or store and could maybe get some more wear in slightly warmer temps?

I have about 10 min walk both to and from the station and to and from the office, plus walking to groceries and other errands. I do like going for walks tbd what that will look like when it’s freezing out. I’m also potentially getting an Aritzia wool slouch coat too in case that changes the verdict. Finally Im planning on getting the 2o waterproof version because if I’m investing this much might as well make sure it’s fully waterproof?? Any advice is appreciated!!

The first four Walgreens I’ve called are out of stock as well. I’ve called damn near every CVS up and down the red line and beginning to feel this is a lost cause.
My doctor is willing to send the prescription to most pharmacies and any tips would be very helpful.

My birthday is coming up and I want to host a poker game for me and some friends, and I think it would be fun to hire someone to deal for us.

When I google all I get are ads for casinos and online poker because the internet is broken now. Anybody have experience with something like this / any suggestions?

Hey, I (36, B, M) have MS and have recently progressed to using a manual wheelchair when I’m outside the home. Im waiting on my custom chair and I’m eager to build community as a navigate my new reality. Are there any social clubs for wheelchair users? I think I’m gonna pick up a sport too.

Planning on heading up there this weekend (husband and I live in NWI) and I was curious before we make the trek up, why are prices like at Lost Eras?

Looking to rent costumes for Halloween but also look at what’s for sale. I tend to prefer thrift stores that require a bit more work to dig but the prizes are super low cost. It looks like maybe that’s this place?

Also, I am 6 feet tall…will I have to crawl to look around the basement? lol