About these Tokyo Neighborhoods?

Question:

Koenji, Kichijoji or Shimokitazawa?

I understand that these three are popular among the young for its many cafes, boutiques and restaurants, but which area would be the best to live in? Also, how far are they from each other if I start from, let's say, Koenji? I'd really appreciate detailed descriptions on each, and even suggestions on other residential districts in Tokyo that give the same quaint, creative feel.

Answer:

Welcome to Chuosen :)　I live in neighbor of Kichijoji, Nishiogi.

It is really difficult to decide one from those three towns.
I guess, these towns are a little noisy, crowded and not so beautiful.
A lot of young people who want to be musician or actor are living and coming there. It make more attractive those towns.
To live, I recommend you Koenji. Kichijoji is too big, Shimokita is too crowded.
Anyway, visiting those towns and deciding by yourself is the best way, I think.

Cafes are increasing lately.
In Koenji, HATTIFNATT is the most famous cafe, and I recommend you "茶房 高円寺書林"(sabou koenjishorin).
http://www.cafe-master.com/cafes/koenji/…
http://www.cafe-master.com/cafes/koenji/…

There are a lot cafes around there. This is a list of cafes.
Koenji.
http://www.cafe-master.com/cafes/categor…
Kichijoji
http://www.cafe-master.com/cafes/station…
Shimokitazawa
http://www.cafe-master.com/cafes/station…

EDIT:
wuzaracer, are you sure?
From Shinjuku to Shimokita, there are 6 stations and it takes about 10 mins.
(Shinjuku, Minami-Shinjuku, Sangubashi, Yoyogi-Hachiman, Yoyogo-Uehara, Higashikitazawa, Shimokitazawa) And Odakyu runs local lines not so many.

From Shinjuku to Koenji, there are 4 stations and it takes about 8 mins.
(Shinjuku, Okubo, Higashi-Nakano, Nakano, Koenji)
We usually use Sobu-line. It comes about every 3 to 5 min and is less crowded than Chuo-line.

About the advantage of Shimokita, I can say it is near from Shibuya.
And Honda(本多) (not car maker) has a lot of good theaters around there.