studios under 700? (Chicago, Sheridan, Atlanta: apartments, rentals, how much)

[montymontage]

Chicago is among the cities I'm contemplating moving to. Compared to my other desired locations, Chicago appears far more affordable, especially in terms of rent. In fact, I've seen studio apartments listed for under 600; most of these listings tend to be in Rogers Park, Buena Park, Uptown, and, occasionally, Hyde Park.

My question is this: what do ppl typically pay for lower-end studios in Chicago. Is it actually realistic to get a studio at this prize? Or an attempt to get my broke rump into the door of of some property management company?

From descriptions in other forums, each of these neighborhoods seem acceptable, more or less--though Hyde Park is the best fit for my interests, personality, lifestyle, etc. Any suggestions on neighborhoods that might be Hyde-Park lite, so-to-speak, (.i.e, good book stores, culture, intellectual stimulation, etc) but w/ more affordable rentals would also be appreciated.

[chitown85]

For your interests, Hyde Park is your best bet. The other neighborhood with that kind of feel is Wicker Park and it is expensive. Hyde Park is mostly safe, but surrounded by bad areas. There isn't much of a nightlife scene in Hyde Park and it is hard to commute downtown, but you are ok with that stuff.

Buena Park is the same as Uptown. I personally think it is better than Rogers Park and you are a little closer to more things to do. Plus Uptown does have a little more book store and coffee shop type atmosphere places htan Rogers Park.

Keep in mind the $600 likely doesn't include all utilities. Where are you moving from?

[montymontage]

I'm moving from Cedar Rapids, IA. Before anyone warns the rube into the 'burbs I do have a fair deal of urban living experience, specifically Atlanta, Seattle, and Minneapolis--Seattle probably being my favorite of the three.

In any case, since I have slightly bourgey tastes but a fortified wine budget, perhaps Uptown is best bet for a starting place, especially considering the lesser transit options in Hyde Park?

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by montymontage

...perhaps Uptown is best bet for a starting place, especially considering the lesser transit options in Hyde Park?

I'd go with Buena Park.

[chitown85]

The burbs can be more expensive than the city, particularly the neighborhoods you are looking at. Uptown has far better public transit and is easy to get downtown and plenty of other neighborhoods. Hyde Park is surrounded by bad neighborhoods.

[grapico]

At least if you are in Uptown you can walk to some other prime neighborhoods, not so much with Hyde Park. I think if you opened yourself up to a roommate situation, which is pretty normal in Chicago you'd open yourself up to some lower rents, better areas, and then you can have a bigger living space as well...

[aragx6]

I agree that Uptown is probably your best bet. Hyde Park can feel isolated and very UChicago centric, which I think would be hard on a transplant trying to meet people.

If you were open to a roommate you could afford pretty much any neighborhood you really liked.

[desperad0stl]

I lived @ 5250 N. Sheridan Rd 60640 in a studio that was $630/mo (Edgewater)

[cump]

I would look in Edgewater. Better neighborhood than Uptown for the most part. Still close to the EL and LSD. But check the building out thoroughly. You don't want to end up with a one year lease in a hellhole.

[7Millionaire7]

You can get some ok studios in the $600-$675 range. It's funny how much more you can get for $725-$775 in some of the more Northern neighborhoods. I remember I wanted to give my left arm to live in a high-rise by the lake for $750 a month, all included but elec. Nice, spacious, new everything.