Struggling here trying to find a new place to live (Lincoln: apartments, home)

[isaac2004]

Alright, so right now my wife and I, along with our 2 cats, live in a 900 sq foot 2 bedroom in Avondale right by Kuma's corner. We aren't really happy with the place, and not really feeling the neighborhood in general (no one on streets mostly) so we are looking to move. I work in the loop (Clark and Lake), and bring home 4900 after taxes and benefits per month, and my wife is currently jobless but looking

Here is what we are looking for

1100-1400 a month
1-2 bedroom
700 sq foot minimum (if it is real nice we can go less possibly)
recently renovated
garden, 1st or 2nd floor (unless a high rise then open to floor, just no walk up)
pet friendly
washer/dryer in unit (not a huge factor)
close to CTA
safe area, ok after dark

Are personalities are pretty low key. We don't drink, no partying, and like just the right amount of noise. We are huge foodies, so access to some great food options are a plus. We also love going to the museums, the zoo and other touristy things in the city.

We have been looking in the following areas

Lakeview (around Belmont stop)
Logan Square (around blue line stop)
Lincoln Park
north of loop (streeterville, river north, etc)
west and south loop

The main issue we have found with our price range is that we have seen two options.

1. Apartments that are good on size, but awful bathroom and kitchens and no real "new" feeling
2. Places that are insanely small for the price

It is hard to pick out of the two, but is that what we will have to go with in our price range? Any help would be greatly appreciated, and I will answer any questions if needed. Thanks

[romnation]

How close is "close" to the CTA for you? I found a great updated apartment in Logan Square 0.8 miles from the Blue Line. (12-15min walk) 780sq ft, 2br garden unit with a shared yard and garage for $1150 utilities included. I'd suggest keep looking in Logan Square. It might take awhile. It took us a couple months to find "the one".

[Aleking]

kind of depressing that a garden unit is the best you can do at that price point in logan these days

[isaac2004]

Originally Posted by romnation

How close is "close" to the CTA for you? I found a great updated apartment in Logan Square 0.8 miles from the Blue Line. (12-15min walk) 780sq ft, 2br garden unit with a shared yard and garage for $1150 utilities included. I'd suggest keep looking in Logan Square. It might take awhile. It took us a couple months to find "the one".

I am .5 miles from the Belmont stop now, but I am on Belmont, so I can take a bus to the El when the weather sucks. Is this place thats .8 miles on a bus route?

[romnation]

Originally Posted by isaac2004

I am .5 miles from the Belmont stop now, but I am on Belmont, so I can take a bus to the El when the weather sucks. Is this place thats .8 miles on a bus route?

Yes it is.

[isaac2004]

Originally Posted by romnation

Yes it is.

I might not have grabbed this, but are you talking about an open listing or where you live now?

[romnation]

Originally Posted by isaac2004

I might not have grabbed this, but are you talking about an open listing or where you live now?

It's where I live now. I moved in, in January. There are definitely deals to be had on garden units.