Where do you recommend I live if I am going to grad school at UChicago?

Hello!

I’m currently active duty Army and planning to move back to Chicago at the end of my contract (about 1.5 years).

Right now, my plan is:

• Return to my previous job (~$112k salary)
• Live at home for 1–1.5 years to save aggressively
• Start my MA at UChicago
• Eventually move into the city to be closer to my practicum site
• I’m debating renting for a year or two vs. buying and renting it out while I’m away (I may leave again for a military practicum before returning to Chicago)
  • unless I get a paid practicum - I will be using savings/BAH to pay for my living expenses.

A bit about me:
I enjoy running, working out, reading, cooking, stretching, judo, going to temples, architecture tours, exploring grocery stores, CrossFit, museums, cafes, trying new food spots, and farmers markets.

Questions:

• What neighborhoods would fit this lifestyle?
• Would it make more sense to rent first or buy and lease while I’m gone?
• Anything I should be aware of when planning this out?

Thanks in advance!