If you’re looking for a peaceful yet vibrant neighborhood and a comfortable and spacious home base for exploring Chicago, look no further. Susan and Tim are amazing hosts, and their garden apartment was the perfect place for our family to spend the first couple of months of our new life in Chicago! The apartment, which is located in the lower level of a 3-story home on a quiet, tree-lined street about a mile west of Wrigley Field, is even more spacious that we expected. Our family of four stayed at the apartment for nearly 2 months and felt very comfortable throughout our time there. The two adults had our work-from-home equipment setup on the dining room table while the children played easily in their room and the living room and often ate meals and snacks at the breakfast bar. To allow us a little more surface area for eating and working, Tim and Susan graciously lent us another small table, which was much appreciated!
For cooking and preparing meals, the kitchen is well-equipped with all the necessary small and large appliances (coffee maker, toaster, microwave, gas stove, oven, refrigerator, freezer, and dishwasher). There is plenty of counter space for prep and cabinet space for storage. For cleaning clothes and linens, the washer and dryer in the utility room at the end of the hall significantly facilitated our life in the apartment. Both the steam shower and the large tub in the first bathroom were a hit for all members of the family, and when it was time to turn in for the night, we all slept very well in the two, comfortable queen-size beds.

In addition to the comfort and utility of the apartment and the graciousness of our hosts, the neighborhood was the cherry on top of our wonderful stay with Susan and Tim. This street in the family-friendly North Center neighborhood always had street parking available near the apartment at any time of the day. Our family enjoyed walks around the neighborhood, the kids enjoyed playing at the many nearby parks, and we loved exploring the surrounding areas by going for runs along the North Branch of the Chicago River as well as passing by Wrigley Field on the way out to the lakefront.
For grocery shopping, there are many options nearby, including a Trader Joe’s, a couple of Jewel Osco stores, and a Mariano’s. Pizza and coffee, among many other eating and drinking establishments, are also close by. If you like to shop, the Southport corridor is an easy walk or drive from the apartment. CTA bus and train stops are also in close proximity.
For a home base while exploring the Chicago area, we highly recommend Susan and Tim’s place!