Renting with two large dogs (Chicago, Lincoln: apartment, rentals, condo)

[mstoey]

Hi,

My husband and I have been searching for a city to move to and have narrowed down the choices to Boston or Chicago. We just returned from a week's vacation in Chicago and absolutely loved it. We were taken back by how clean the city is and how friendly the people are. Growing up in the northeast, I am used to people being very insular and a good part of the time, pretty rude. We felt at home in Chicago and very welcomed - even as tourists. We also have family and friend in Chicago so we think the transition there will be easier than in Boston, not to mention that the cost of living is less.

My husband and I are in I.T. and my husband's salary alone is $115k. We would be hoping to score a place to live in the Lincoln Park area (where we stayed and loved it!) or Bucktown. We would like to have at least a 2 bed, two bath but hopefully a 3 bed in these areas. Trouble is, we have two large dogs (Golden Retreivers.) How difficult do you think it would be to find a rental in these areas that will allow two large dogs and on our salary? We are hoping to be almost debt free by the time we move (no credit cards or car payments.)

Also, any other neighborhood recommendations? I think we would like to stay on the north side of the city or slightly west but naturally in a safe part.

Thanks everyone for your help!

Mel

[chet everett]

To find a place in Lincoln Park that is OK with two large dogs is really going to take some effort, the bigger apartment / condo complexes are probably not going to work and even lots of small time landlords are not going to be eager to accept a tenant with two large dogs when there is such strong demand for rentals.

You might do better looking a little farther out, an extra couple of stops out on the El and the landlords tend to be more accommodating.

[gomexico]

Finding a landlord to rent you an apartment with two large dogs will be a challenge. Look to rent a house, not an apartment. And if you look for a house you probably will not be able to afford to live in Lincoln Park.

[aragx6]

I think it will be more frustrating than not having dogs or only having small dogs, but I think you'll find a place. Bucktown in particular is crazy dog friendly. We didn't live in an apartment as nice as the one you'll be looking for, but our property managers didn't impose any weight restrictions.

Stick to owner-occupied buildings and smaller buildings run by property management companies -- highrises are definitely going to be a no go.

[mstoey]

Thanks for your replies!

[brianjb]

Originally Posted by chet everett

To find a place in Lincoln Park that is OK with two large dogs is really going to take some effort, the bigger apartment / condo complexes are probably not going to work and even lots of small time landlords are not going to be eager to accept a tenant with two large dogs when there is such strong demand for rentals.

You might do better looking a little farther out, an extra couple of stops out on the El and the landlords tend to be more accommodating.

Can you name a few neighborhoods to look in? I am in a similar situation