Buy a car - Yay or nay? (Chicago: apartments, lofts)

[JBmar]

Im moving to Chicago in early-mid May and plan on going back to college starting in the fall. My grandparents have offered to buy me a car, and i was wondering if id be better off just having them help me with finances to move, or to go ahead and get that car ?

Also, i'm traveling to Chicago this coming Monday (24th) to check the place out, take some tours of the city colleges, visit my good friend who moved up there (attending art institute), and check out possible apartments/lofts/whatever. I was wondering if anyone had suggestions on places to look that are a) decent neighborhoods, b)easy on the pocketbook (looking to spend around 8-900 a month for 2 bdrm..give or take), and c) a sensible commute to the art institute (for her) and one of the other city colleges (community colleges). Thanks a bunch!




About me :

20/male
Moving from Southern Missouri

[aragx6]

I'd say have them buy you a nice dependable beater. A new car will get dinged and messed up on the street (which is where you'll definitely be parking on your budget)

I'd suggest looking in Ukrainian Village or Andersonville. For $900 or less you'll be looking at 'cozy' (small) 'vintage' (old) units that quite possibly a 'garden' (basement).

Definitely check out Craigslist.

[cobolt]

I love the "garden" (basement) when it comes to apartments. Makes it sound so quaint...."Sound" is the operative word, here.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by cobolt

I love the "garden" (basement) when it comes to apartments. Makes it sound so quaint...."Sound" is the operative word, here.

There actually is a slight difference in a true "garden" apartment vs a basement apartment. In a true "garden" apartment, the floor of the apartment is at ground level or a couple feet below. In a basement apartment, well we all know most basements are at least 5-6 feet below ground level.I have lived in both and I must say a real garden apartment is much better than a basement apartment...

It is ridiculous how all these landlords and realtors are misusing the term garden!!!

[aragx6]

I have noticed that often they'll call the garden apartment the first floor apartment and the basement apartment a garden... it's definitely something to look out for... esp. after reading the rats thread

[cobolt]

Yeah...people interchange those terms....whether they intend to mislead or not....hmm. I do know that I have a garden apt....it opens up to the garden/landscaped yard on the ground floor, but it was advertised as a "walk-in basement apt." Like you said, we've lived in the dungeon before. We know what that's like!

[supernerdgirl]

you don't really "need" a car if you're living in the city...

[cobolt]

and with gas prices and the traffic and hassle, who would want a car?

[Avengerfire]

I do not think you need the headache or the cost. If you can afford both; go right ahead.

[aragx6]

I agree you don't need the car, though I know coming from Missouri that thought can be kind of jarring.