As a moderately cool city dweller, I am often asked by older acquaintances from other parts of the country for advice as to where their children or relatives should live in Chicago. Many of us came to Chicago first by way of Lincoln Park or Lakeview, ports of the college-educated and moderately stable. However, I always ask a few questions to ascertain where the offspring, cousin or nephew/niece should live. If they're in a band, I recommend Wicker Park/Bucktown. Like sports? Yeah, Wrigleyville. And if it's a sorority girl, I tell 'em Lincoln Park near Armitage.

But I really think that the best way to tackle where to live in a new city is to find a short-term lease somewhere and then get out and explore. What's worse that being locked in a neighborhood for twelve months and then spend all your time halfway across the city in a 'hood you truly love?

So this week, I bring you sublets! Sublets galore!

$1000 / 1br - Large one bedroom Presidential Towers
Need to Sublet: Located in downtown Chicago - Presidential Towers 20th floor, North view, unfurnished. Parking available. May extend lease with Presidential Towers Management office starting July 1st, 2007 at current prices. Great Price! 1 month $1000. - no deposit or fee. Cash at the time of move in. Located on the corner of Madison and Jefferson close to all train stations and bus access. Great for if you have family or friends coming and need extra room or want to move in permanently.

Building Features - Great for Summer Activities:
Large laundry rooms
24-hour door staff, service desk and maintenance staff
Supermarket/Bakery/Deli
Six restaurants
Dry cleaner / package pick-up
Complimentary concierge service
Video rental / newsstand
ATM
Gas grills/outdoor picnic area
Cyber Center
Gym membership available when leasing

Carolina thought it was perfect for her new start. Within 48 hours, she leased the apartment, booked the U-Haul, and boxed up every last item. Within the week she had given her notice and found a new job. Within the month, she had seven goodbye dinners and nine farewell lunches. Then she was installed in her new life. And for the first week, she didn't leave the building a single time, living a kind of self-contained life in her tower. She got sick from the air conditioning and then finally ventured out.

$650 / 1br - BUCKTOWN SUMMER SUBLET JUNE & JULY + OPEN HOUSE 5/13
One bedroom available in a two bedroom apartment smack in the middle of Bucktown - a lively summer spot. Other room occupied by friendly graduate student (who is often not there). Large kitchen, large living room, jacuzzi bathtub. Price includes rent and utilities.

!!!COME BY AND VISIT SUNDAY MAY 13. NOON to SIX P.M. XXXX ARMITAGE. FIRST FLOOR.

Duncan and his wife Felicia decided to try it apart for a while. She could tell he was about to crack under the collar of life as a lawyer, father, husband, homeowner, commuter. So why not spend a few months in the city? He could his time to breathe and she could do the house the way she wanted finally. Just her and the baby and their German Shepherd. Duncan moved into the Bucktown condo and loved it. He loved the bars and the girls and biking to work. And Felicia loved pretending they were still dating and visiting him in the middle of the night when the baby was with her mother. At the end of July, he came back to Northbrook, his stores full of energy for the long years ahead.

$1040 / 2br - 2 bdrm FALL SUBLET in Evanston! Close to Northwestern campus!
2 bedroom apartment - Fall sublet available 9/1-12/3. Close to NU campus, Noyes El stop. Right in the heart of the Noyes Street Shops. Hardwood floors, kitchen, living room, 1 bathroom. utilities included: heat, water, garbage

The Barnetts met while attending a rural Iowa college. And then they moved back to Phillip's hometown in Central California. They'd spent the last 25 years raising a family, tending their organic farm, and nurturing Phillip's political career. But after three terms in the house, the Barnetts were ready for a change. So their son bought them out of their share in the farm, and they moved to Evanston. It felt like the city enough, but not so foreign that they'd lose their minds. And for those three months of blissful snow and sleep, the only crop Phillip concerned himself with was the occasional pot he smoked in moments of reverie.

$575 / 1br - nice rehab near Loop for summer
Available June 18-August 18 $575/mo (utilities included)

-2 blocks from Pink Line (10 min ride to Loop)& short walk to UIC!
-1 bdrm, office, living room & kitchen
-Hardwood & tile floors, high clearance, tastefully furnished!
-backyard with grill & friendly/cool building tenants
-Lively multicultural/artist neighborhood with lots of restaurants & cafes!

Thalia just needed to go. And Patrick, in his way, wanted her to leave. After several hellacious arguments and a day online, she found a place. As she searched and clicked, Thalia thought what the exact opposite of her life might be. Pilsen (alone) was a good start. They spent the two months talking by phone from opposite sides of the city, crying their separate tears and devising their own plans. At the end of the sublease, Thalia was still lost and Patrick hadn't yet considered looking for her.

Did you make it to the end of my maudlin column? Yea for you! The fifth respondent gets something fun. I haven't decided yet. But fun. Trust me.