Inexpensive but safe: I'm looking at these neighborhoods (Chicago, Bridgeport: low income, income)

[stevedl]

Just looking for some opinions on safe yet relatively inexpensive neighborhoods in Chicago. I'm a typical "starving artist" (lol) and I have no problem living in low income neighborhoods. I've lived in many, and know that "low income" does not always mean "dangerous". I just want to avoid the actual dangerous neighborhoods...just researching chicago it seems like the neighborhoods to avoid are on the south side. Is that accurate?

I'll looking for a studio between $500-$750...with that budget I don't have a ton of options but I'd like to live somewhere with some life and good energy...people out and about (and not shooting at me)...a coffee shop or two...cute girls waiting for a nice guy to be brave and say hi;]

Right now I'm looking at East Garfield Park, Logan Square, Uptown, and Rogers Park. Opinions? Suggestions? Thanks :] -s

[urbanchillage]

My little Sister is the typical starving artist type and she is doing great in Ukrainian Village. she would definitely tell you to go a little more North.. look East of Humbolt Park around Ukrainian Village. Also check out Pilsen. she's pure hippie wondering artist that lives on nothing but riding a bike and she's loving life in that area, lots of life, coffee shops fun people ect..

[UC18]

I would go Pilsen, Uptown, or Rogers Park, in that order of preference.

You might find something for that price in Logan Square still (though not in the ubergentrified part, obviously), but I don't think you would in Ukrainian Village.

[stevedl]

Originally Posted by Brandon010181

My little Sister is the typical starving artist type and she is doing great in Ukrainian Village. she would definitely tell you to go a little more North.. look East of Humbolt Park around Ukrainian Village. Also check out Pilsen. she's pure hippie wondering artist that lives on nothing but riding a bike and she's loving life in that area, lots of life, coffee shops fun people ect..

Haha yeah no car for me, I don't even drink. No car + no alcohol saves so much $$$ :]

Originally Posted by UC18

I would go Pilsen, Uptown, or Rogers Park, in that order of preference.

You might find something for that price in Logan Square still (though not in the ubergentrified part, obviously), but I don't think you would in Ukrainian Village.

Cool, I hadn't heard of Pilsen, I'll look into it.
Yeah, I visited the Wicker Park/Ukrainian Village area a few months ago. Love the vibe but its a little out of my price range.

[UC18]

Originally Posted by stevedl

Cool, I hadn't heard of Pilsen, I'll look into it.

It, like Logan Square, has been a center of "starving artists" for a decade or two (similar to what Wicker Park was before then) and is gentrifying. It's a little behind Logan Square on the gentrification curve, though, and is therefore still more affordable, at least for now.

[SubconsciousMe]

I just moved from Pilsen to Rogers Park, to be closer to work. In Pilsen we had a 2 bedroom for $700 and one for $800 (same building, just moved apts). Pilsen is totally doable.

[Freefall18]

I would also suggest Pilsen and Bridgeport for your price range. You may find Uptown and Logan Square to be too expensive for you.

[chicagobear]

I'd look for something close to an el stop. Maybe Uptown or Logan Square.

[SubconsciousMe]

Originally Posted by chicagobear

I'd look for something close to an el stop. Maybe Uptown or Logan Square.

I was about a block from the Pink line when I lived in Pilsen While the pink line may not run 24/7 it stops about 1/130am and picks back up at 4/430am.

[via chicago]

I would not say LS is still very affordable, its the hottest neighborhood in the city right now. Avondale is probably a better bet if youre looking up in that area.