vladavr 0 #1 September 26, 2003 Hi, I'm looking to relocate to Chicago area from Boston MA. As I know nothing about Chicago, I thought I'd ask my skydiving brothas&sistas about what is a good and inexpensive place to live in Chicago. I noticed lots of adds in Craigslist Chicago with studios in Lakeview ($540-625/month). Is it a good deal? How's the neighborhood? I'll appreciate any recommendations. Thanks, Vlad Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whocares 0 #2 September 26, 2003 Get a copy of the Reader. Depends on what you are looking for. Do you want to live in the boys town, the gold coast, on the outskirts of the city? What intrest you? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EricaH 0 #3 September 26, 2003 Also check out the Reader on line www.chireader.com great place for listings & has maps & such. Chicago neighborhoods are very diverse. Lakeview covers a bunch of ground & about 5 different neighborhoods. That price does sound like a decent/good deal... if the place is @ least 500 sq ft. My suggestion is to get a short term lease (6 mos) so you can get here & see the area for itself. Tehre really is so much & if you're in the wrong area, it kinda sucks to get to the right one. Another consideration is if you have/want or don't have/want a car. Parking in most areas SUCKS!! There is no can't. Only lack of knowledge or fear. Only you can fix your fear. PMS #227 (just like the TV show) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vladavr 0 #4 September 26, 2003 QuoteGet a copy of the Reader. Depends on what you are looking for. Do you want to live in the boys town, the gold coast, on the outskirts of the city? What intrest you? Thanks for reply. What's boys town? Outskirts sounds fine to me, as long as it's safe and inexpensive. I don't have any particular preferences as to the part of the city, never been there, don't know anyone from Chicago, don't know anything My biggest concern is the price but I don't want to find myself in the neighborhood where they shoot or something like that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vladavr 0 #5 September 26, 2003 QuoteAlso check out the Reader on line www.chireader.com great place for listings & has maps & such. Chicago neighborhoods are very diverse. Lakeview covers a bunch of ground & about 5 different neighborhoods. That price does sound like a decent/good deal... if the place is @ least 500 sq ft. My suggestion is to get a short term lease (6 mos) so you can get here & see the area for itself. Tehre really is so much & if you're in the wrong area, it kinda sucks to get to the right one. Another consideration is if you have/want or don't have/want a car. Parking in most areas SUCKS!! I'll definately go with a short term lease to start with. Parking has been a problem everywhere I lived, can't live without a car though. Thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
craichead 0 #6 September 26, 2003 I lived in east Lakeview for 4 years, and it's an awesome neighbourhood. Pretty much a young crowd (20s-30s), always something happening. However, rent is relatively expensive (it's getting pricier every year) and the studios are small. Definitely take a look in the Chicago Reader: http://www.chireader.com And if you're going to be in the city for a few days apartment hunting, I highly recommend The Apartment People. It's a free apartment-finding service. If/when you make an appointment, ask for Bruno. He's the best agent there. Hope this helps! -P__ "Scared of love, love and aeroplanes...falling out, I said takes no brains." -- Andy Partridge (XTC) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
craichead 0 #7 September 26, 2003 QuoteWhat's boys town? Chicago's gay neighbourhood. Starts around Belmont (3200N) and Halsted (800W). LOTS of fun. -P__ "Scared of love, love and aeroplanes...falling out, I said takes no brains." -- Andy Partridge (XTC) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whocares 0 #8 September 26, 2003 Chicago's gay neighbourhood. Starts around Belmont (3200N) and Halsted (800W). LOTS of fun. *** If you are gay. Otherwise a dump... My Opinion... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vladavr 0 #9 September 26, 2003 QuoteChicago's gay neighbourhood. Starts around Belmont (3200N) and Halsted (800W). LOTS of fun. *** If you are gay. Otherwise a dump... My Opinion... Not my type of neighbourhood anyway Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
craichead 0 #10 September 27, 2003 Well, last time I checked, I wasn't gay. Let me check again...nope, still not gay! Just open-minded. -P__ "Scared of love, love and aeroplanes...falling out, I said takes no brains." -- Andy Partridge (XTC) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FallingILweenie 0 #11 September 27, 2003 ....i interrupt this Chicago related thread to say THE CUBS JUST WON THE DIVISION!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #12 September 27, 2003 QuoteOtherwise a dump... That's how I think of the entire city of Chicago. Exactly why I moved to Cleveland instead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whocares 0 #13 September 27, 2003 That's how I think of the entire city of Chicago. Exactly why I moved to Cleveland instead.*** No comparision. Cleveland is a total dump, the place smells... The dump comment was for the gay hood part oF Chicago. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #14 September 28, 2003 QuoteCleveland is a total dump, the place smells... True.....but at least the crime rate is lower and I don't have to sit in traffic while experiencing the stench of the city. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Raefordite 0 #15 September 29, 2003 QuoteTHE CUBS JUST WON THE DIVISION!!!! Yippee!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChasingBlueSky 0 #16 September 29, 2003 QuoteQuoteTHE CUBS JUST WON THE DIVISION!!!! Yippee!!!! So?_________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChasingBlueSky 0 #17 September 29, 2003 Lakeview isn't that bad of an area. I spent a few years living up on the north side, and they have some nice apartments if you look good enough. Since the area is pretty much over populated, some buildings have been divided up even more and the apartments are smaller than they should be. The best bet is to try to find a two or three flat - this way you get an entire floor to yourself. Usually these are you best bets for getting parking (street parking on the north side is tough, and impossible after a good snow). You may want to check out an area called Central Station - its a new area on the near south side that has been growing in the last few years. The infrastructure is starting to come into place as well (has a starbucks and a grocery store now). The plans for this area really have it booming in the next few years, and the Mayor lives there as well. Personally, I like the south side and close burbs (like Oak Park). I live about 4 blocks from Midway airport and rent an entire two flat with a couple of friends, the entire building looks great inside with hardwood floors, etc....however, we are still working on the extrerior of the building - plus parking is never an issue._________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whocares 0 #18 September 29, 2003 True.....but at least the crime rate is lower and I don't have to sit in traffic while experiencing the stench of the city.*** Sure the crime rate is lower you have less people. I have traveled all over this country, by far Chicago is one of the cleanest cities Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
