Help me find an apartment? PS I have a dog. (Chicago: apartments, for rent)

[MissV]

I have lived in the Chicago suburbs for a couple of years now, and I'm looking into moving to another apartment or suburb...but I am still not all that familiar with apartment/rental options. I don't know which areas are "rough" or real commute times from place to place.

Right now I am in the Naperville area. I pay approx. $1100 per month. I'd love to find something less expensive than that...But safety, location, and convenience are important.

Here are my needs/wants. I realize that I'm not likely to find my "perfect" place in the Chicago suburbs (for a halfway affordable price anyway)...but it can't hurt to ask, right? If anyone knows of any places that sound like a good fit for me, or has any advice, thank you very much in advance!

Must-
-allow small dogs
-washer/dryer or washer/dryer hook ups in unit
-safe area

Would be great--
-big lawn/"park like" setting, maybe even a little lake?? My dogs need a nice place to run and play
-probably 2 bedroom/somewhat spacious
-$1000 or less per month
-would like to be closer to the city/not have a bad commute

Ok its a challenge, I realize, but I don't even have a good idea of what is out there, so I'm open to suggestions

Thanks!

[Chummy Waters]

Rent a home, the economy being in such bad shape, you could probably get one for a great price.

[Irishtom29]

Originally Posted by Chummy Waters

Rent a home, the economy being in such bad shape, you could probably get one for a great price.

What the.....the OP asked for help renting a home and you told her to......rent a home?

[Chummy Waters]

Originally Posted by Irishtom29

What the.....the OP asked for help renting a home and you told her to......rent a home?

ROFL, you got it. I can't believe it. Ahhhh, the irony.

[aragx6]

I rented a 1 bedroom place on the border of Westmont and Oak Brook for $1000. Had an in-unit W/D and allowed dogs.

They were nice, and we were only 3 minutes from the 88 eastbound ramp to get into Chicago.

Find Westmont apartments and homes for rent in the WESTERN CHICAGO SUB area at Brook Hill.

[Steve-o]

Look no further than Village Green at Cantera in Warrenville. Close to the highway and shopping, 10 minutes to Naperville/Wheaton/etc. They allow small dogs, have quite a bit "park-like" areas in the complex as well as a small pond in the middle (with fountain). Nice clubhouse, great pool, walking trail, and within a mile of 3 forest preserves (Blackwell, Herrick Lake, Warrenville Grove).

[GoCUBS1]

We have a property available in Schaumburg for $1090/mo that may meet your criteria. It is a 2 BR/1 BA townhome in a safe area on the east-side of Schaumburg (close to Woodfield Mall, train/bus, and Hwy 53/290/90 for commuting).

It has an updated/neutral decor, attached garage plus parking space, all new gas applicances including full-size washer/dryer, D/W, built-in microwave, fridge w/filtered water dispenser/ice maker, garbage disposal, etc. There is a private walk-out patio w/lawn in adjoining common area, pool/clubhouse, and even a little lake. Small dogs are allowed (additional pet deposit required) and there seem to be quite a few in the community.

If you are interested, send me a PM and I can give you more info...