Two young professionals in Chicago? (real estate, apartment, lease)

[newyorkobserveher]

Hi everyone! First post here.

I'm currently a NYC college student finishing up my education. My boyfriend of 1 year is from Austin, Texas. We both met in Italy and lived in Europe getting to know each other for a year and a half; now I'm back in the U.S. while he finishes out his lease there and we're looking for options in terms of moving to a different state upon my graduation.

Being that I'm from NYC, Chicago seems like a bargain to me, but to him it may be expensive. (I maintain that it's still cheaper than northern Italy where I used to live). Anyway, my question is this:

Can a couple of young professionals eke out a decent life for themselves in Chicago? I am attracted to the dynamic city life (it's like NYC but cheaper, cleaner and a bit smaller- I'm used to living in big cities on the whole), the job opportunities, and De Paul University where I hope to obtain an MBA after spending a year or two post-degree getting some workplace experience. Comparable jobs by the time I have my degree offer salaries within the 30-45k range.

My boyfriend is a computer programmer/systems admin/PC and Linux superstar with 10+ years of experience. He doesn't have a degree but he has more than enough actual experience to get a job as a senior network administrator/programmer which can pay anywhere from 80k on up.

He says that Chicago would be too expensive, but I disagree. By the time I graduate college I should have saved roughly 15k and he'll be on his way to saving a bit of money as well.

I would like to rent a one bedroom together within the city limits for ideally less than $1200 (the cheaper the better). I don't want to live extravagantly, but I would like to have a good job, go out occasionally and enjoy what the city has to offer, be able to save some money and within 10 or 15 years buy a house and just enjoy ourselves. I've noticed that real estate is significantly cheaper than NYC, too!

Am I being unrealistic? Be as honest as you can! Thanks

[jwaiter]

Originally Posted by newyorkobserveher

Am I being unrealistic?

Actually, you're very realistic. I don't see a problem.

[newyorkobserveher]

Ok, great! Because unfortunately as much as I love my city (and believe me, I love New York with all my heart) it's just not feasible right now to start a life here together because the middle class is slowly and sadly disappearing. I would rather establish myself, set up some savings, maybe buy a little real estate in the future and then come back to New York later on when I've moved up in my career and am making more money. I still hope one day I can raise my kids in the city so they can experience what I did. I would never change having a NYC childhood for anything!

I'm glad to know that I'm being realistic about our situation. Thanks.

[Isotope-C14]

Originally Posted by newyorkobserveher

Hi everyone! First post here.

I'm currently a NYC college student finishing up my education. My boyfriend of 1 year is from Austin, Texas. We both met in Italy and lived in Europe getting to know each other for a year and a half; now I'm back in the U.S. while he finishes out his lease there and we're looking for options in terms of moving to a different state upon my graduation.

Being that I'm from NYC, Chicago seems like a bargain to me, but to him it may be expensive. (I maintain that it's still cheaper than northern Italy where I used to live). Anyway, my question is this:

Can a couple of young professionals eke out a decent life for themselves in Chicago? I am attracted to the dynamic city life (it's like NYC but cheaper, cleaner and a bit smaller- I'm used to living in big cities on the whole), the job opportunities, and De Paul University where I hope to obtain an MBA after spending a year or two post-degree getting some workplace experience. Comparable jobs by the time I have my degree offer salaries within the 30-45k range.

My boyfriend is a computer programmer/systems admin/PC and Linux superstar with 10+ years of experience. He doesn't have a degree but he has more than enough actual experience to get a job as a senior network administrator/programmer which can pay anywhere from 80k on up.

He says that Chicago would be too expensive, but I disagree. By the time I graduate college I should have saved roughly 15k and he'll be on his way to saving a bit of money as well.

I would like to rent a one bedroom together within the city limits for ideally less than $1200 (the cheaper the better). I don't want to live extravagantly, but I would like to have a good job, go out occasionally and enjoy what the city has to offer, be able to save some money and within 10 or 15 years buy a house and just enjoy ourselves. I've noticed that real estate is significantly cheaper than NYC, too!

Am I being unrealistic? Be as honest as you can! Thanks

Greetings,

You can get a one bedroom for cheaper than $1200, depending on where you are willing to live, research that through this form, check bucktown, wicker park, logan square, east humbolt park for some adventurous folk. Food is pretty cheap in Chicago, so is the CTA. If he can line up a job, I'd say go for it. Chicago is a fun city, especially for people who are younger. My buddy had a gorgeous view, south loop high rise apartment for $1300, all utilities included except electric. It was amazing. If your significant other lands a $60-$80k position, you could just live on his income alone.

Good luck!!!

[newyorkobserveher]

Yay! Awesome! Thanks so much, guys.

[grapico]

I think you are overestimating the costs, if anything.

[newyorkobserveher]

So it's entirely feasible for TWO people to live comfortably on 60k a year? I can't even believe that!

NY really makes you jaded. Such a pity you can't be middle class here anymore...

[Irishtom29]

You should do fine, no sweat.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by newyorkobserveher

So it's entirely feasible for TWO people to live comfortably on 60k a year? I can't even believe that!

NY really makes you jaded. Such a pity you can't be middle class here anymore...

"Comfortably" is relative. Two people aren't going to live the high life on $60K, but it will definitely support a modest lifestyle in a decent apartment and going out several times a month.

[tonesdef]

1200 will get you a nice place in a pretty rowdy neighborhood if thats what your looking for. Or it will get you a huge place in a quieter neighborhood. Honestly Chicago is 10x cheaper than new york, come here and see our bar prices they will blow your big apple head. Its not hard to find a 1 dollar pint on any street any given day of the week(oh yeah we have tons of bars like ALOT).
I have friends that moved from NYC to Chicago and love it i have some that hate it. 60k a year really? That is more than enough i was jobless for a year and half living off my wifes 2.5k a month plus what ever i brought in from catering and we went out and ate out all the time. NYC is a money pit.

But here is the down side, during the winter all i hear from my NYC friends is its sooooo cold. From what i gather nyc never really goes below the 20's to much Chicago has jan and feb where if you are sitting in the 20's its warm. Your BF from Austin i hope he likes winter cuz its here and stays for like 6 months. Thats the only thing i ever really hear is omg its so cold i thought it would be like NYC. Oh and they always laugh when we complain that it took 30mins to get to the other side of the city.