Which of these two is the safest? (Chicago: apartment complexes, college)

[seanw343]

2851 S Martin Luther King Drive Chicago, IL 60616

or

2101 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60616

Those are two apartment complexes im looking at.

Im a 25 yr old white male. Potentially working for the Bulls at the United Center so Im doing my research before I accept any offers. I need a gym to workout (weights not cardio), like to go out at night to bars/clubs so that would be a plus also.

[marothisu]

Probably the Michigan Ave one, but not by a ton or anything. What are your priorities? What's your budget per month? And why these two places versus other areas?

[seanw343]

These two because they accepted pets (I have a small bulldog hes 35 lbs)

and budget wise. The first six months on my job I would be under training pay not my real pay so I needed something 800 or cheaper

Location also.. I'd be working for the Bulls so these two were good location to the United Center.

[trailerguy]

South Michigan is better. Neither is great. If you are going to live on the south side, watch your back.

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by seanw343

These two because they accepted pets (I have a small bulldog hes 35 lbs)

and budget wise. The first six months on my job I would be under training pay not my real pay so I needed something 800 or cheaper

Location also.. I'd be working for the Bulls so these two were good location to the United Center.

Gotcha. So you were looking for a one bedroom. Will you have a car? It's an OK distance away from it, but I wouldn't call it amazingly good. If you will be driving, it won't be as big a deal. But remember that you don't necessarily need a car here if you don't want one.

I would also look at Pilsen area. You would probably find something in the area. Not sure about gyms and what not, but the area is certainly more interesting than the two places you noted above. Plus, it's near a train line. The two you mentioned are not really near the train. All of this will come in handy when you want to go out drinking. The 151 bus does come near the Michigan Ave place though too.

If you don't mind a roommate either, I'd look at Ukrainian Village area as well. You'd probably have better luck with your budget for that, but you never know.


P.S. Most buildings with the dog policies are OK as long as the dog is under 40 lbs.

[chirack]

Originally Posted by trailerguy

South Michigan is better. Neither is great. If you are going to live on the south side, watch your back.

Ah while parts of the south side can be bad thoose areas are not at all.

[trailerguy]

I had a 80# rottweiler mix when I moved to Chicago, and I was able to find a decent place on the north side. South Michigan is gentrifying, so it is better than it was. I wouldn't live anywhere on King Drive. But then I'm 60. You'll probably be fine, but I'd look for something nicer when your income situation improves.

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by chirack

Ah while parts of the south side can be bad thoose areas are not at all.

Yeah those areas are pretty much boring parts, but at least to the west of there is Chinatown which has good food.

[seanw343]

One bedroom and yes I planned on bringing a car....

The one on south michigan I just went on apartmentratings.com and people complain about the ancient wiring and inability to get HDtv or high speed internet besides DSL.. soooo scratch that place lol

Also another side question... are there any indoor basketball places around? Would my best bet just to get a membership at one of the local college rec centers?

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by seanw343

One bedroom and yes I planned on bringing a car....

The one on south michigan I just went on apartmentratings.com and people complain about the ancient wiring and inability to get HDtv or high speed internet besides DSL.. soooo scratch that place lol

Interesting about the car. Just realize that if you situate yourself in a good place, you'll probably find you won't be using your car. I don't know where you're coming from, but Chicago is a totally public transit oriented in a number of area. For example, the Loop has probably 300,000-400,000 people working in it everyday. Almost nobody actually drives to work there. People who drive to go drinking or out or whatever? Total minority. They all take public transit or cabs. Just a thought to consider, especially considering you seem to be on a budget.

Also another side question... are there any indoor basketball places around? Would my best bet just to get a membership at one of the local college rec centers?

I don't know the rules of local college rec center memberships, you could check it out at UIC or something. As far as gyms go, of course. It's Chicago. If you do end up in the South Loop/Bronzeville area, then you could go to the XSPort at 818 S State, but I hear it's only okay. In the Gold Coast there's FFC which my friend plays at. If you want to go where Dwyane Wade (probably, since he lives across the river from it) and Michael Jordan go, then pay some $$ and go to the East Bank Club. Otherwise, Google it and keep an eye out for Park District courts. There might be some indoor ones. Tons of people play basketball here, remember.

There's also a bunch of basketball leagues and meetups. My friend is always in one and I used to be in one playing in Garfield Park (which is half ghetto, but the gym was alright).