Moving to Chicago, need help! (Oak Park, Lincoln: apartment complexes, for rent, condos)

[stephiej42]

Hopefully some Chicagoans can help us! We are a young professional couple (both 26), moving to Chicago area around October because of boyfriends job relocation. He'll be working in Oak Brook and commuting. I am familiar with Chicago in terms of visiting - hotels, places to go, and have family in Oak Park, but clueless when it comes to finding a place to live!

Ideally, we would like: somewhere downtown, that is close enough for us to walk or take short cab ride to entertainment, good restaurants, bars. Close to highway, 290 or EL. We know commute would be shorter and easier on him living closer to Oak Brook and not in the city, but we live in suburbs of Ann Arbor now, half the reason for moving is the allure of Chicago, city, etc. We are looking for $950-$1700 range for renting an apt or condo. Would need parking. Ideally would like appliances and washer and dryer in unit. Must be in safe neighborhood and complex. Ok with something newer or recently renovated would be better. We are pretty laid back people, we just want to have fun living in the city but not be too stressed out getting to work (although I already know the commute will be torture!!!).

ANY suggestions? On neighborhoods or actual apartment complexes? I'd appreciate any help. I know there are a lot of posts already, there is just SO much information to look through. let me know if you need more information to better suggest something. THANK YOU!!!!

[untuchableface]

My recommendation: don't live downtown.
It's too pricey for rent let alone a car. Most people live outside of downtown and take the EL into the loop. And most neighborhoods have enough entertainment/restaurants etc. that it isn't a necessity to go downtown every night. I would say Lincoln Park but parking is irritating. Check out Wicker Park. Old town is a cute neighborhood too. With a $1700 rent range you could get an apartment in the gold coast, which is a great spot (but parking can be iffy). Wicker Park/Bucktown might be a great area for you to check out... very close to downtown with an excellent night life and lots of parking. You can definitely find a really nice place with your rent range.

[stephiej42]

Thanks for your reply! I've done a bit more research and have narrowed my rather broad search down a little. I'm thinking Wicker Park or Bucktown (like you said). I had a friend who lived in bucktown and remember it being a very cool scene, I loved the boutiques. I guess my biggest concern is finding a nice 2 bed, 2 bath place that we can rent until we are ready to buy something that is close to a highway to get to work. I'm ok not living downtown. I just don't want to live in a suburb of chicago (read: oak brook). Gold coast is a bit much for me, I'm just not as crazy about living thaaat downtown. Any suggestions anyone on actual apartments or condos to rent in Bucktown or Wicker Park area??

p.s. untuchableface - name reference to Ani song??

[oakparkdude]

City living is great, and I'd recommend it. However, if you find the commute is too painful or too urban, you could also check out Oak Park. Its the first suburb due west of Chicago and still has a very urban feel. It'll be a short drive to Oak Brook, and easy access to Chicago via car or el.

OP isn't as built up as Wicker Park or Lincoln Park, but it has a downtown area with shops, restaurants and the el stop. Probably feels a little bit like Ann Arbor. Rents are probably a bit cheaper than Chicago and parking will be easier to find.

[untuchableface]

Honestly, craigslist.org has a ton of listings for Wicker Park / Bucktown.

If you want, contact the Northy Clybourn Group. They are specialized in those two areas and always have a lot of places. They will drive you to different apartments until you find the one you like.

[untuchableface]

p.s. untuchableface - name reference to Ani song??

Oh and I forgot the 2nd half of your question.

Yes, the name is reference an Ani song.
It's nice to find others that know who she is.

[stephiej42]

I love Ani. I came across her 10 years ago and used be a crazy fan and go to all the concerts. I haven't seen her live recently, but am still a fan. Favorites: Both Hands (not with live orchastra, but on like i said cd), untouchable face, joyful girl remix, swan dive, actually the whole like i said cd, the waiting song, uh, i love a lot of her stuff, the list could go on.

Anyway, I will check out North Clybourn Group and perhaps investigate Oak Park a bit more as an option outside of the city. thanks for the help!!

[untuchableface]

My favorite all time album is Little Plastic Castle.

I love every song on it. I am more a fan of her older stuff rather than the new stuff, but still find the newer albums enjoyable.

[jessiegirl_98]

You should also check out the south loop. It is really close to 290 (and you can avoid 90/94 to get to 290 as you would in the more nothern areas)

[hopkins_55]

Check out chicagoreader.com - you could set up 5 - 10 appointments to check out apartments/condos. I would look in the Wrigleyville or Lincoln Park neighborhoods. Both are fun for our age group and close to public transportation. Best of luck - you're going to love living here!