Where to Live (working in South Chicago) (Bridgeport: apartments, rental)

[kristanp]

Hi everyone,

I have been searching high and low for information on commute times to South Chicago and can't seem to find much information about it. So apologies if there is a similar thread already out there.

I recently accepted a teaching position at a school in South Chicago (around 87th street). I will be moving this summer from out of state and have been trying to figure out neighborhoods to live in that would be good for commuting to and from work. I know traffic is a killer up there (I'm from Dallas, so I know a little something about commuting in traffic). A bit of background info on work: I would need to be at work by 7:10 and would most likely leave work around 5-5:30 pm every day. I will be bringing my car with me to get to work.

As far as budget: I will be making 55K (not sure what that would roughly be monthly as I'm not sure how much would be taken out monthly for taxes and such).

I would like to have easy enough access to the L even though I will have my car with me. I like the idea of having some restaurants and grocery stores within walking distance. It's not important to have a "happening" nightlife around me.

The areas I have been thinking would be a good fit were Pilsen, Bridgeport, Bronzeville (I stayed here recently and know the commute is about 15-20 min from 31st Street), South Loop, and possibly Hyde Park (maybe McKinley Park?) My cousin lives in Chicago and suggested Old Town?

Are these all reasonable and affordable neighborhoods for commuting to work? Would UK village be too far? Not sure how far north and west I can look at before it makes it a longer journey (looking at about 30 min. commute to work).

Just trying to weigh all the different options before I head up there at the end of next month to look for a place. I have been around Pilsen, McKinley Park, and Bronzeville before and felt comfortable as a woman walking around.

Thanks for any and all help you can provide for me! It's much appreciated!!!

[usamathman]

What is your rental budget?

On a $55k salary you will be priced out of South loop and Old Town.

Pilsen is a good option. Don't know much about Bridgeport and/or Bronzeville.

[kristanp]

I was told to expect rent to take up about 1/3 of monthly salary. So I would say most likely $1000-1300 is what I would be comfortable spending.

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by kristanp

I was told to expect rent to take up about 1/3 of monthly salary. So I would say most likely $1000-1300 is what I would be comfortable spending.

The relative traffic volumes headed toward south side neighbors is FAR less than those headed to the Loop or the O'Hare areas. It would be fairly easy to live in South Loop, Bridgeport, Pilsen, Hyde Park...

My gut says the nicest looking apartments in your price range are likely to be in Bridgeport but you very likely might find some spots in the South Loop that would be acceptable. If you find something affordable in Hyde Park it would make sense to triple check parking as you will likely see many places that are more targeted toward UofC students / staff who can walk to campus. You'll need to drive and having to hunt for car on dark, cold mornings is not a great way to start the day...

[damba]

Originally Posted by kristanp

I was told to expect rent to take up about 1/3 of monthly salary. So I would say most likely $1000-1300 is what I would be comfortable spending.

AFAIK You should be fine in Pilsen by UIC in that price range. Look at hotpads. A colleague of mine just moved near 18th St and has a similar budget.y

[lepoisson]

I live in Bridgeport. Rent around here is right in your price range. I pay $1200 for a 3br. It's a safe area with plenty of restaurants.

[beaniemac]

if the OP isn't white, then bridgeport might not be a viable option.

since I'm black, and if I were single, I'd live in hyde park or kenwood. if I had a car, I'd push for kenwood because the parking situation is much easier there.

[Clark&Addison]

Originally Posted by beaniemac

if the OP isn't white, then bridgeport might not be a viable option.

since I'm black, and if I were single, I'd live in hyde park or kenwood. if I had a car, I'd push for kenwood because the parking situation is much easier there.

Lots of Asians and Latinos in Bridgeport.

[TBideon]

yeah, what kind of outdated comment was that? Bridgeport is a third Asian for god's sake.

[lepoisson]

Originally Posted by beaniemac

if the OP isn't white, then bridgeport might not be a viable option.

since I'm black, and if I were single, I'd live in hyde park or kenwood. if I had a car, I'd push for kenwood because the parking situation is much easier there.

If I were black, I'd feel much safer in Bridgeport than being white in some neighborhoods further south. Bridgeport is very diverse. It might even be one of the most diverse neighborhoods. We've got Hispanics, Asians, whites, and blacks living here on my street. No one even bats an eye.