Planning a move from Far Western Suburbs (Batavia) to Chicago (Roscoe: renting, credit)

[Rosskin92]

Hey all-

I am a senior about to finish up my undergrad studies at UIC.

I am trying to get an idea of what neighborhoods to look at , so I can begin to piece together a rough budget for when and if I land a job.

I am an urban planning student, so i know a decent amount about most neighborhoods, and these are some of the affordiable and safe ones that have popped into my head:

-Uptown
-Pilsen
-Bridgeport
-Avondale

Any other suggestions?

I am looking generally at studios that accept small dogs, something under 900.

Utilities included is a plus. How much are electricity costs? I feel like that is the one utility that may make or break me.

I expect to make 30-45k a year starting out, so the more I can save the better.


I will have no car, and will rely on CTA/bike to get around. So somewhere that has alot of shops (food, personal needs,etc) nearby is desirable. Accesability to the el is good too, i could be a mile or half mile from a stop and that is perfect. I do not have to be directly next to it.

I will be graduating with no loans or financial obligations, but i do plan on balancing saving and spending.

Also, how does renting work with someone that has no credit? Would I have to have my parents cosign? (Not a problem).

I will probally be living alone for a year until my partner joins me. She will add more income, but that is a different story.

Hope my jumbled post makes sense

[marothisu]

I'd also include Edgewater on that list and probably parts of Albany Park too. If you have no credit history, someone (i.e. parents) will probably have to cosign. You can also find studios for under $900/month in Lakeview and possibly Roscoe Village. Hyde Park and Logan Square may be a possibility too and you may want to look at areas of Rogers Park. Of course most of these areas do have dicey areas too which you probably know about already, but they all have good areas too.

[chet everett]

I would focus on finding a place near where you are employed. Further "expecting" to make $30-45K is very different than having a job offer for that amount. It may be wise to get that nailed down first...

[Rosskin92]

Originally Posted by chet everett

I would focus on finding a place near where you are employed. Further "expecting" to make $30-45K is very different than having a job offer for that amount. It may be wise to get that nailed down first...

This is true, i do realize this but I have too much time on my hands this summer ( i do work and act as a consultant and gotsome internships lined up), just trying to be forward thinking

I got the number from job postings in the areas I hope toneork in, they were generally around that amount.

Not guarenteed but a good idea.

[chet everett]

As you may know the trend for many land use firms in the region remains biased toward "contractors" and full time employment is often at greatly reduced salaries . Many firms have been forced to take more assignments out of the region and that requires considerable travel... Frankly, a whole more jobs outside the region these days - Find a Job Just saying, I'd keep all my options open.

[Rosskin92]

Originally Posted by chet everett

As you may know the trend for many land use firms in the region remains biased toward "contractors" and full time employment is often at greatly reduced salaries . Many firms have been forced to take more assignments out of the region and that requires considerable travel... Frankly, a whole more jobs outside the region these days - Find a Job Just saying, I'd keep all my options open.

Luckially, because I have no debt my options are open.

i have been looking at places like philly, portland, seattle, other parts of the south east. Grew up in boston but its extremely expensive and over saturated in my eyes. NYC is the same boat.

Would love to live in a place where i dont have to drive, but I am still open to many things.

I forgot to mention what my field/focus is specicall... I am going towards community outreach/liason, program coordinator, community development, non profits.

The degree from UIC addresses these areas and urban planning. Urban planning is great but hard to get into at first, and the areas I listed above have been receptive and show need. The connections I am gaininh have helped tremendiously with addressig the skills i need, finding internships and mentors. One of the good things about staying here vs leaving is the amount of connections that I have.

[chet everett]

Always smart to "work your connections" -- I hope things work out for you. Good Luck!