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Archive for the ‘Neighborhood journal’ Category

Name the nabe of the shy home

Sunday, September 14th, 2008

One is the loneliest...

Talk about putting a wall up and pushing away! Be the first to name the neighborhood where this wallflower home stands and win a Yo yo-yo, something that's sure to make you stand out.

Name the nabe that Kardas shot

Thursday, September 11th, 2008

Photographer Michael Kardas, on safari in Chicago

Our staff photographer Michael Kardas is captured on safari in the wilds of Chicago. Name the nabe where I shot Kardas and we'll send you a spiffy YoChicago yo-yo.

Please, share your "-views"

Tuesday, September 9th, 2008

Caption Caption

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Love 'em or hate 'em, these brick condo developments with the polyomino-shaped balconies facing the street have carved out a niche in Chicago's architectural landscape. Joe says they look like Aztec art, others say they look like Legos or Tetris. I say they look pretty dark inside, with those big balconies hanging over and shading the windows.

Can you tell them apart? Our game is simple: Give the name of each development (or its address) in order, clockwise from top left, and we'll send you your very own YoChicago yo-yo.

Name the nabe of the wacky weathervane

Monday, September 8th, 2008

Whichever way the wind blows...

Roosters and trash cans and bowling balls, oh my! Be the first to name the neighborhood of this artistic apex and win a Yo yo-yo.

Name the nabe of the edible adventure

Thursday, September 4th, 2008

Late night diner

Eating at a diner is kind of like floating down a river: If you don't pay attention, you'll never know how long you've been there or where you'll end up. Be the first to name the neighborhood where there's no need to count the seconds and win a Yo yo-yo.

Chicago's most walkable neighborhoods

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008

WalkScore map of ChicagoI rarely mention the "walk scores" of developments and neighborhoods, not because I don’t like WalkScore.com – its maps often reveal a lot about neighborhood amenities — but because its ratings have to be taken with a sizable grains of salt.

See, walk scores aren’t exactly “carless scores,” which might be a more helpful way of looking at accessibility in this city. WalkScore’s founders admit up front that their algorithms don’t take public transportation into consideration. That’s fine if you’re living in my old hometown, but it’s not as suitable for a city with multiple rail and bus systems.

Nor do the scores reflect factors like bike paths and street designs, both of which can open up “unwalkable” neighborhoods to amenities without the need for cars. And finally, I don’t care what anyone says: That bodega a quarter-mile from my front door isn’t a serviceable substitute for a grocery store.

Okay, so walk scores aren’t perfect, but they aren’t useless, either. There’s a lot to be said for living in an area where stores, schools and entertainment are just a short stroll away. According to Walkscore, eight of Chicago’s 77 community areas are “walker’s paradises” (the really green areas in the map above):

  • Loop
  • Near North Side
  • Lincoln Park
  • Lake View
  • Uptown
  • Edgewater
  • Near South Side
  • Rogers Park

None of those come as a surprise. It gets a little more interesting as you branch out beyond downtown and the North and Far North sides. The following are lists of the three most “walkable” community areas on the Northwest, West / Southwest and South sides.

Northwest Side:

  • Logan Square, west of Western Avenue
  • Albany Park
  • North Center, west of Western Avenue

West / Southwest sides:

  • West Town, south of North Avenue and west of Western Avenue
  • Archer Heights
  • South Lawndale

South Side:

  • Hyde Park
  • Bridgeport
  • Armour Square, south of the Stevenson Expressway

Just one more thing to consider as you’re weighing your next home purchase.

Name the nabe of the block game

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008

All I need is one straight piece!

One look at this structure and I feel I could play Tetris for hours. Be the first to name the neighborhood and win a Yo yo-yo.

Name the nabe with a star in the sky

Tuesday, August 26th, 2008

I'm seeing stars

Who says you can't see the stars in Chicago? Be the first to name this celestial neighborhood and win a glowing Yo yo-yo.

Name the nabe that turned the city upside-down

Thursday, August 21st, 2008

You spin me right round...

Talk about art reflecting life, or at least flipping it. Be the first to name the neighborhood where this art piece can be seen and win an equally dynamic Yo yo-yo.

Name the nabe where textures war

Tuesday, August 19th, 2008

Name the nabe where textures war

Can you be the first to name the neighborhood of this colorful clash? To the victor goes the spoils (or is it just spoil?): a mighty Yo yo-yo.