2 college students moving to Chicago (Columbia: section 8, apartments, lease)

[babybat]

Hey guys, so my friend and I are planning on moving to Chicago in a two bedroom apartment together. The thing is, we want to find one that's around $650/month. We are planning on going to Columbia College and want to find somewhere safe, affordable, and young/hip. We were thinking either Logan Square or Pilsen... are any of those two neighborhoods realistic for 2 bedrooms/$650? If not, can you recommend something that's similar, safe, and hip for two women to live together?

[compactspace]

Unfortunately, you won't find all three of those things together. Pilsen is your best bet, but it's not as safe as other neighborhoods and rents will run you more than 650/month.

Just to put your request in perspective, I have an unrenovated 2br in a good neighborhood leased for that much a week.

I'd suggest revising your budget. Alternatively, you could investigate Bronzeville or Little Village, which are short trips on the El to your school. Bear in mind that those neighborhoods are marginal in safety and not hip.

Perhaps check Craigslist or similar sites for large houses and apartments looking for two room mates. You might have better luck there.

[babybat]

Thanks for the reply! What would be a realistic price range for us then if we wanted to find a place in Logan?

[NealIRC]

Chicago.Craigslist.org.

Select apartments.

Select a min value and max value for range. Keywords Logan Square, Pilsen, 18th, Armitage, etc.

[Clark&Addison]

$650 a month TOTAL for a two bedroom, if you can even find one, will be in a pretty undesirable area. $650 a month per PERSON and now you are starting to open up some good options.

[babybat]

What about like $750 per month? I'm definitely looking into Little Village now. Is there anywhere else close to Columbia College that's safe and affordable?

[MSchemist80]

I'm not sure it is possible to find a decent 2 bedroom apartment in Chicago for much less than $1k that isn't in a marginal neighborhood and is of marginal quality.

[IrishIllini]

Rogers Park might fit the bill.

[ToriaT]

You need to revise your budget Its hardly possible to find an apartment at all including studio apartments for your budget. Little Village, Bronzeville not the safest of areas, Rogers Park is far away. Columbia college is in the Loop so you won't be living there. You can get a two bedroom apartment for around 1200 maybe a bit less. Or why not get a three bedroom and get another roommate? You need to at least look at Craigslist to find out what rents run. Stay away from any that talk about section 8 or vouchers. Those are usually in the poorer or bad areas.

[xsboost]

Originally Posted by MSchemist80

I'm not sure it is possible to find a decent 2 bedroom apartment in Chicago for much less than $1k that isn't in a marginal neighborhood and is of marginal quality.

This.

Originally Posted by IrishIllini

Rogers Park might fit the bill.

For a 2 bedroom? I doubt it.