Moving from NJ to Chicago. (Bridgeport, Albany: apartment, safe neighborhood, landlord)

[thecat117]

Hi,
I am thinking to move to Chicago early late December early January.
I am currently looking for a job in Chicago, but I am not sure if I should move before I have a job, or move in even though I do not have a job?
How soon can I find an apartment/ I am looking for a studio? Would I be able to find a studio for up to $600 in Lakeview or Old Town?
I am getting cold feet the more I think about moving there. Any advise is appreciated.
Thanks.

[Drover]

With the help of an apartment location agency, you could get lucky and find an apartment within 2 or 3 days notice. The agencies are free to the renter; they charge the fee to the landlord. I think your price range is a little low though; I'd say a decent studio in Lakeview will start at closer to $800/mo (including heat if you're lucky) and close to $1,000/mo in Old Town, which is about the most expensive part of the city outside of the Gold Coast which it borders. Alternately, you could probably land a decent studio for close to $600 in a quiet and mostly safe neighborhood that isn't as "hip" and in-demand, such as Albany Park, Bridgeport, Budlong Woods/Bowmanville, or maybe even in an outlying part of Ravenswood.

[aragx6]

Look at Craigslist. i saw several studios that would work for your needs. You'll be fine. fear not.