Suburbs/Aparments? (Chicago, Schaumburg, Palatine: apartment complex, rent, living)

[MissV]

I am looking at moving to the Chicago area in the next few months... I am a teacher, and there is a good chance I will end up in the northern suburbs, Highland Park area. Rent prices look quite a bit higher than I have paid elsewhere...obviously a trade off for living close to a big city.

I would appreciate any advice here...I'm a teacher, so rent can't be really high. I'm also single, and 26...I would love to be around other young singles so I can meet some people. Maybe a suburb that holds its own and has plenty going on, even though I'm sure I will want to go have fun in downtown Chi sometimes. I'm thinking around $1000 per month might be reasonable? I would like to have some space--the places I have looked at in the city look both very expensive and very small...unless I'm missing something. Can anyone recommend some apartment complexes that I might like?

I also have a little dog--I don't think he would like those old urban high rises... maybe a place with a dog park nearby or even a lawn? I tend to like the apartment communities more. I have seen some complexes with gyms, pools, etc., which would be great, but I don't know where to look near the Highland Park area exactly.

Also, the Highland Park area is not a definite, and I can take a commute that isn't too ridiculously long. If anyone knows of an apartment complex anywhere in the Chi area that would fit my profile, please let me know.

I really appreciate any advice. Thanks!

[kellykat60409]

the nothern suburbs are always going to cost more since that is where people with money is. you might want to check the west suburbs like oak brook or naperville im not sure about the prices but they are near I88 tollway. i wouldn't dare do the south subrubs since that is where i am from and the apartments are cheaper but the areas are bad. You can even check palos hill and orland to check there prices.

[FB1977]

I think Schaumburg is a great area...the commute could be 30-45 min though. Schaumburg has a LOT to do for us twentysomethings (I'm 29) and I know for a fact you can find apartments for $1,000 or even a bit less.

You could also try Palatine, which is where I lived before. The commute would prob be 20 min. I know you can find apts in your price range. There's also Arlington Hts, which is right near Palatine.

I think you could find what you're looking for in the towns I just mentioned. If you want even more help on what's a good area in these towns, etc, feel free to PM me.