River North (deal, place, around)

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

Cabrini Green is not almost gone. About 5000 residents still inhabit its buildings compared to its peak of about 15000 and average of about 10000-12000. Give it another 5 years before all the old buildings are gone. But some those former residents will still be around (and are) in the area in "mixed income" developments.

"A total of 79 families will have the chance to move out of Cabrini-Green and move in there - next to someone who bought one of the brand-new homes at market rate. A three-bedroom, top-of-the-line town home like that costs nearly $500,000. But an identical unit next door could be reserved for a Cabrini-Green family, whose rent is subsidized by the government. "

20% of the new units must be built as public housing

Tearing Down Cabrini-Green, Cabrini-Green Is Gone. Will The Replacement Work? - CBS News
CHANGE - Chicago Housing Authority | Housing Developments | Family Developments | Cabrini-Green Homes

I said "mostly gone". Cutting from 15,000 to 5,000 is indeed a two-thirds reduction, so the term "mostly" certainly applies. It's not nearly as scary over there as it used to be, but like I said, I'd still try to make sure I had a few blocks of buffer zone between me and the remaining Cabrini stock. And those low-rise town homes in the southwest portion of Cabrini aren't going anywhere. There will still be a decent gang-presence there, but the days of snipers shooting cops across the street are likely gone.

I've lived on a really nice block that had ONE problem building next to million dollar homes, so I know the problems that can be caused by a few determined individuals. It only takes a handful of people to set up an open-air drug market or a burglary ring.

[via chicago]

I work in the old Montgomery Ward warehouse which is literally a block away from the lowrises, and just south of the towers. I guess it depends on your tolerance, but its not that bad. Just south of Chicago are massive multi-million dollar town homes. For better or worse, the "old" neighborhood's days are numbered.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by Castro Viejo

Anyway I'm working with a lady who's part of Century 21. Are these any more legitimate than the apartment finder services?

Nothing in this world is free. If they are offering a service, you can bet that they're getting paid on the other end by landlords they represent, and that money is just added on to your rent. It's not a scam--but you need to realize that these "free" services don't necessarily act in your best interest because they are getting paid by landlords.

You'll be in a better position to negotiate a lower rent if you find a place yourself through the newspaper (the Chicago Reader) or "For Rent" signs. But apartment finding services will certainly save you time, and can help if you're not familiar with Chicago. Just make sure you know where you want to live ahead of time, and don't let them pressure you into something you don't want. Know the exact neighborhood boundaries that you're interested in as well. Apartment People told my friend that a place two miles northwest of Wrigley Field in Ravenswood was in "Wrigleyville" when she moved to town in 1999. That's not cool.

[Castro Viejo]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

Nothing in this world is free. If they are offering a service, you can bet that they're getting paid on the other end by landlords they represent, and that money is just added on to your rent. It's not a scam--but you need to realize that these "free" services don't necessarily act in your best interest because they are getting paid by landlords.

You'll be in a better position to negotiate a lower rent if you find a place yourself through the newspaper (the Chicago Reader) or "For Rent" signs. But apartment finding services will certainly save you time, and can help if you're not familiar with Chicago. Just make sure you know where you want to live ahead of time, and don't let them pressure you into something you don't want. Know the exact neighborhood boundaries that you're interested in as well. Apartment People told my friend that a place two miles northwest of Wrigley Field in Ravenswood was in "Wrigleyville" when she moved to town in 1999. That's not cool.

Thanks for the advice. That's actually why I posted here.

The Century 21 lady showed me a building on the 500 block of West Superior, which according to my trusty Chicago map is just one block south of Cabrini-Green. Given your advice, this would not constitute the required buffer zone. But the building (at least in pictures) seems nice. It's supposedly well kept. Two beds, two baths, two parking garage spots, for $2,500. That's a steal compared to New York City! I just wonder about the neighborhood...

And what about the L stop close to it? Safe? Shared by inhabitants of Cabrini-Green, it would seem?

[dragoro]

I think ya could do much much better for 2500.

[aragx6]

That's not that good of a price. Check out craiglist, I think you could get closer to 2k.

[Castro Viejo]

I've tried Craigslist in the past, and there are a lot more of those "apartment people" type ads than there are of legitimate apartments being put up for rent. I also see this "urban lux" thing which I assume is similar to those apartment people type deals...

$2,500 is bad, huh? Darn it.

Well I've got these others lined up... Please tell me what you think if you've got a moment. Thanks. I'm beginning to think I might be getting bamboozled.

400 N Wabash, 2Bed/2Bath, $2,250 (no parking)
200 N Columbus, 2Bed/2Bath, $2,300 (no parking)
600 S Wells, 2Bed/2Bath, $2,300 (no parking)
1100 S Wabash, 3Bed/2Bath, $2,600 (with parking)
700 N Larrabee, 2Bed/2Bath, $2,400 (with parking)
200 W Division, 2Bed/2Bath, $2,600 (with 2 car parking)
600 N Kingsbury, 2Bed/2Bath, $2,400 (with parking)
800 N Dewitt, 2Bed/2Bath, $2,200 (no parking)
400 W Ontario, 2Bed/2Bath, $2,300 (no parking)

Sigh... Thanks again.

[Lookout Kid]

The "L" stop in Northern River North is the Chicago Avenue Brown Line stop, and it is perfectly fine. I If you're further east, there's also the Chicago Avenue and Grand Avenue Red Line Subway stops (it runs under State Street). These are also perfectly safe stops (or as safe as any). I can't say I've looked at apartments in that area, so I can't comment too much on your listed rents... It seems like you're looking at nicer buildings? If so, it's not crazy for River North rents to be that high--especially with parking. But just realize that you can get a REALLY nice 2-BR place in Lincoln Park for under 2K.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Castro Viejo

I've tried Craigslist in the past, and there are a lot more of those "apartment people" type ads than there are of legitimate apartments being put up for rent. I also see this "urban lux" thing which I assume is similar to those apartment people type deals...

$2,500 is bad, huh? Darn it.

Well I've got these others lined up... Please tell me what you think if you've got a moment. Thanks. I'm beginning to think I might be getting bamboozled.

400 N Wabash, 2Bed/2Bath, $2,250 (no parking)
200 N Columbus, 2Bed/2Bath, $2,300 (no parking)
600 S Wells, 2Bed/2Bath, $2,300 (no parking)
1100 S Wabash, 3Bed/2Bath, $2,600 (with parking)
700 N Larrabee, 2Bed/2Bath, $2,400 (with parking)
200 W Division, 2Bed/2Bath, $2,600 (with 2 car parking)
600 N Kingsbury, 2Bed/2Bath, $2,400 (with parking)
800 N Dewitt, 2Bed/2Bath, $2,200 (no parking)
400 W Ontario, 2Bed/2Bath, $2,300 (no parking)

Sigh... Thanks again.

IMO only the first two you listed are somewhat worth the amount asked for.

[aragx6]

I wouldn't say you're getting bamboozled, most are just a little overpriced. I think if it's 2500 or less and includes parking it's a pretty good deal.

I actually checked out Craigslist myself, and didn't see much out there better than what you've got, so don't feel like you're getting screwed.

There was a couple you should check out, but the rents aren't really much better than those you have listed: 2ba___►___ Sophisticated Corner Unit______Garage & Heat Included (broken link)
2 Bedroom/2Bath Condo in Historic Montgomery Highrise.... (broken link)