We really had a really perfect stay at John's Lakeview apartment. The layout and amenities were exactly what our group of four (two dads and two teenagers) was looking for, and the location was really outstanding: quiet street just a block removed from the the main Southport corridor in Lakeview, and basically a 3 minute walk from the Brown line "L" station. We slept well, had plenty of room to hang out together and apart, the check-in and check-out processes were incredibly efficient, and John responded quickly to any questions we sent him before and during our stay. Worth noting, it was extremely hot and humid in Chicago during our stay, but the second floor apartment was extremely comfortable.
I'm admittedly biased (positively) about the Lakeview area as I lived there for a short while in the mid-to-late 90s, but I think it is a perfect place to stay when exploring Chicago and everything it has to offer. We spent time in Wrigleyville, Evanston, Roscoe Village, downtown Chicago, and of course Lakeview during our 3-night stay, and John's apartment proved to be an absolutely perfect home base. Easy walking to countless restaurants, bars, and shops, easy access to the "L" to go anywhere in the Chicago area with ease, and a safe, quiet street to call home when you're not exploring -- can't ask for much better than that!
It is worth noting that the "L" tracks run across the street on which the apartment is located (several houses down), so you will hear (and to a small degree feel) the dull rumble of the train from time to time. But neither I (familiar with the sound from years past) nor my traveling companions (new to it) found it to be problematic in any way. In fact, I found it to be quite comforting, similar to how general street noise can have a calming effect on people who have lived in big cities.
We would absolutely love to stay at John's apartment again in the future!