THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Jackie Burgdorf, 24, and Patrick Johanning, 26
How they live: Johanning, a mechanical engineer, and Burgdorf, a fifth-grade teacher, rent the 1,400-square-foot bottom floor of a 1920s two-flat in Andersonville.
Why it works: The two have lived in other city neighborhoods, but they like Andersonville because it is quiet but still has an urban feel. Access to a yard and the fact that their landlords live in the building and take care of everything are other pluses. They also like the diversity and the good food options in the area.
THE UNABASHED SUBURBANITES
The Kunzies: Gregg, 56; Jennifer, 50; Ryan, 17 (not pictured); Rachel, 10
How they live: Recent transplants from suburban St. Louis, the family was immediately comfortable in a 3,400-square-foot new-construction house with a small yard in Riverwoods, just a mile from Gregg’s office.
Why it works: “Because we’re from a Midwestern city, it was really easy to move here,” Jennifer says. “Deerfield High School is excellent, and there are lots of forest preserves and trails. We wanted lots of windows and high ceilings, and you sometimes don’t get that with older homes. We’re close to the highway and the train station to go downtown. We’ve got the best of both worlds.”
photography: Katrina Wittkamp
THE EMPTY NESTERS
The Ablans: Jerry, 71, and Thelma, 69
How they live: These retirees own a 3,900-square-foot condo in a modern building downtown on Chestnut Street.
Why it works: The Ablans raised three children in a big house in Beverly. When the youngest graduated high school, they moved downtown. “We eat out a lot and walk everywhere,” Thelma says. “We love not having to worry about the lawn or snow.”
THE SUBURBAN LOFT-DWELLER
Tom Kieft, 53
How he lives: This passionate art collector lived in Bucktown and other city neighborhoods most of his life, until a few years ago, when he tired of traffic, congestion, and fighting for parking. He also had outgrown his space. He found what he needed in a two-story 3,500-square-foot loft in a converted industrial complex in Forest Park.
Why it works: A nearby suburb with a city vibe, Forest Park is close enough to Chicago (and a highway and three rail lines) to keep him connected. His loft would have cost double had it been in Bucktown; he’s now got plenty of room for his collections, including the vintage motorcycles he displays on a wall in his kitchen.
photography: Katrina Wittkamp