Unfortunately our stay was shortened to one night so we did not get a chance to meet Nicky or her urban farm. This apartment is a "Garden" apartment meaning it is subterranean. Nicky has done a great job decorating and updating the space. She also outfitted it with nice breakfast treats. The house is about a 5-10 minute walk from the nearest El station and a block from the bus line. Chicago is a great mass transportation city. In one day were were able to visit Wrigley Field and Ravinia all on mass transportation. We did not get a chance to check out the neighborhood, but my sense is there was not much in the immediate area.