Looking for affordable apartment in an area suited for a bachelor. (Chicago: rent, safe neighborhood)

[PittsburghNate11]

Please help me chicago natives!

I might be re-locating to chicago for a job. I've checked google maps and I'd be working near south deering and calumet lake area. I've heard chicago is an expensive city so I'm looking for a 1BR apartment no more than $900 a month. Also I'm 24 years old white male, also a bachelor so I wouldn't mind a place with alot of stuff to do (bars, gyms, shopping, etc) I don't want no longer than a 30 minute commute to work, so what neighborhoods/areas you suggest I look in..?? Also I'd like it to be in a relatively safe neighborhood. Looking forward to ya replies.

[chitown85]

The one bedroom apartment for $900 a month is possible in areas with plenty of things to do. However, you will have to reassess your commute time. South Deering is on the FAR south side of Chicago, just north of the south burbs and NW Indiana. If you live in the South Loop, which has all of your amenities, you may have to go for a studio, but that is your closest option for lots of things to do. As you go further north into Lakeview, where your budget will allow you to live, your commute will skyrocket. The South Loop is south of downtown so you can avoid all that traffic.

[PittsburghNate11]

What about Hyde Park, thats seems relatively close and not that bad of a commute to south deering..??

[Avengerfire]

^ Hyde Park is not a good place if you want "bars, gyms,and shopping" ^

[JBVirtuoso]

Hyde Park is not good at all for bars or shopping. However, it does have pretty decent transportation to the rest of the city if you're east of the Metra tracks, especially north of 55th. For a commute to South Deering, it's probably the best option, and it's within your price range. Hyde Park does have enough restaurants for spending the night in the neighborhood. But it's really not the best area for young singles, as it's more oriented toward the University of Chicago community and families.

If you want something a little closer to the action, I'd second the South Loop suggestion. It's best to stay within walking distance of the Roosevelt 'L' stop in that area, since it's safer and has easier access to the nightlife on the north side of the city.

[green_babuschka]

Hi Nate, I am a PGH transplant myself, whereabouts are you coming from in Pittsburgh? Be prepared for lots more traffic in Chicago, than in Pittsburgh. If you are willing to deal with a 45-minute to an hour commute then you could definitely live in a neighborhood that might offer what you're looking for, but dealing with the traffic here was one of the hardest adjustments for me.

I would recommend Logan Square or Avondale (sticking near Belmont/California) if you are willing to deal with a slightly longer commute. You can find the rent there that you are seeking. Hyde Park is pretty quiet - I think a 24-year old bachelor would find it a little boring.

[PittsburghNate11]

I'm from the north boroughs area of PGH. I've heard traffic is terrible but I'd like to live someone where with public transit so I could save money when I could. How is the parking in those areas you mention, do apartments offer parking lots or garages..?

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by PittsburghNate11

...How is the parking in those areas you mention, do apartments offer parking lots or garages..?

Most offer neither unless they are high rises or other very large buildings. (If they do it is usually not free.)

A garage or parking lot is not needed in 75% of the city-there is plenty of street parking in most neighborhoods.

[prairiestate]

Check out Lakeview, around Belmont and Halsted. The commute could be a bit long, but it's the perfect location for the committed bachelor!

[Drover]

Originally Posted by prairiestate

Check out Lakeview, around Belmont and Halsted. The commute could be a bit long, but it's the perfect location for the committed bachelor!

Don't listen to this guy. He's trying to be funny only it's not working.