Subletting, low income, in pursuit of a dream (Chicago, Lincoln: credit, loans)

[missbonfig]

Hi everyone,

I would really appreciate your feedback on the following.

My situation
* Going on 30, tired of island living (Caribbean), and ready to take a chance on myself.
* I'm a city girl and have decided to move to Chicago(more affordable cost of living than other major US cities). I'm visiting for the 1st time in two weeks from now.
* I'm a cat lover and bringing my two cats with me. Want to live on my own.
* Don't have a car and don't want one.

Requesting info, advice, opinions

* Renting without a job
How realistic is it that someone will rent or sublet an apartment without proof of employment?
I'm having trouble finding a job living in the Caribbean so I have decided that, if worst comes to worst, to quit my present job (advertising), move to Chicago and job hunt locally. Is anyone likely to rent me a place without proof of employment but a little bit of savings in the bank?
Due to my cats, I would rather live on my own in a decent-sized 1 bedroom apartment (is 650 sf realistic?)
Am I more likely to have someone sublet or be able to arrange a temporary or short-term rental (3-6 months) so I can get to know the city a little.

* Surviving in Chicago on a $2,000 budget
If I lead a minimalist lifestyle at first, can I survive in Chi-Town on $2,000 a month?
With what and where am I bound to end up if I only want to pay about $750 rent a month?

* How much do 650 sf 1-bedroom apartments usually rent for?
The areas I've read about and that sound kind of interesting would be Wicker Park, Bucktown, Lincoln Park, etc. young, diverse, not too dangerous for a single woman, close to local transportation and the city

* Cost of heating during the winter
What do I need to be aware of when apartment hunting? What could the hidden and costly mistakes be if I forget to consider the cost of heating during the cold months?
How $much do I have to calculate for heating?

THANKS IN ADVANCE TO ANYONE HELPING ME COMMENCE MY ADVENTURE.

[jessiegirl_98]

Originally Posted by missbonfig

* Renting without a job
How realistic is it that someone will rent or sublet an apartment without proof of employment?
I'm having trouble finding a job living in the Caribbean so I have decided that, if worst comes to worst, to quit my present job (advertising), move to Chicago and job hunt locally. Is anyone likely to rent me a place without proof of employment but a little bit of savings in the bank?
Due to my cats, I would rather live on my own in a decent-sized 1 bedroom apartment (is 650 sf realistic?)
Am I more likely to have someone sublet or be able to arrange a temporary or short-term rental (3-6 months) so I can get to know the city a little.

Many private landlords will not ask for proof of employement, but will run a credit check and will ask for 1-2 months rent as a deposit. I would make sure, however, that you are able to cover your living expenses for about 3-4 months before moving, just in case. Also, you can apply for jobs, in advertising, as well before you come. Star.com is a pretty big employer in the area. You shouldn't have trouble finding a rental with your cats (1 year) but may have trouble finding a sublet with the cats. Also, be careful with short-term rentals as they often really jack up the price on those.



[quote=missbonfig;4431556]
* Surviving in Chicago on a $2,000 budget
If I lead a minimalist lifestyle at first, can I survive in Chi-Town on $2,000 a month?
With what and where am I bound to end up if I only want to pay about $750 rent a month?

QUOTE]


You need to budge this for yourself. I don't know what your other expenses will be (like school loans, etc) but you really need to sit down and create a budget. Things to keep in mind: $75 for an all access transit pass, up to $200 per month in the winter for heat if it's not included. You can find 1 beds and studios for $750, depending on the neigborhood.

Originally Posted by missbonfig

* How much do 650 sf 1-bedroom apartments usually rent for?
The areas I've read about and that sound kind of interesting would be Wicker Park, Bucktown, Lincoln Park, etc. young, diverse, not too dangerous for a single woman, close to local transportation and the city

This totally depends on the neighborhood. Those that you mentioned are significantly more expensive than others where you will find a better deal. I would definitely expand your neighborhood search

Originally Posted by missbonfig

* Cost of heating during the winter
What do I need to be aware of when apartment hunting? What could the hidden and costly mistakes be if I forget to consider the cost of heating during the cold months?
How $much do I have to calculate for heating?

THANKS IN ADVANCE TO ANYONE HELPING ME COMMENCE MY ADVENTURE.

I mentioned heating already, but just remember all utilities (electric, gas, internet, cable if necessary), health insurance, vet bills/food for the kitties, your food, etc. You can find apartments that include heat in the price.

Good luck!

BTW, have you ever experienced a Chicago winteR?

[missbonfig]

Hi there,

First of all, thanks for your reply and the job site. (I am searching, but it's just not that easy from over here...)

Weather
On the winter issue, I'm originally from Germany, even though the cold there is not at the Chicago level..., but I am familiar with colder weather than the Caribbean..However, it will be pretty hard to adjust again...

Heating
When included in the rent, how does this work? Do they average the cost out throughout the year? Is it recommendable to rent with heat included or better to take this on by myself?

Utilities/budget
Don't need cable, but would love to be able to afford a gym. Health insurance (HI) is non-negotiable. Without a job, how much should I calculate (self-insured)? I could continue with my current job's HI for about 3 months, but would have to find out how much that would be as an "ex-employee."
Do you know anything about pet HI? Over here that's not really an option.

Any ideas on averages: re: utilities
* Internet
* gas and/or electric (or would I need both?)
* water: Is this normally included in rent or separate?
* heating: what type of heating is typical? Central?
* Do buildings charge a monthly maintenance fee?

Areas
Any recommendations on cheaper areas to live? How big do 1 bedroom apartments tend to be (square footage)?
Where are rents closer to the $750 figure, for example?

[jdiddy]

Originally Posted by missbonfig

Hi there,

First of all, thanks for your reply and the job site. (I am searching, but it's just not that easy from over here...)

Weather
On the winter issue, I'm originally from Germany, even though the cold there is not at the Chicago level..., but I am familiar with colder weather than the Caribbean..However, it will be pretty hard to adjust again...

Heating
When included in the rent, how does this work? Do they average the cost out throughout the year? Is it recommendable to rent with heat included or better to take this on by myself?

Utilities/budget
Don't need cable, but would love to be able to afford a gym. Health insurance (HI) is non-negotiable. Without a job, how much should I calculate (self-insured)? I could continue with my current job's HI for about 3 months, but would have to find out how much that would be as an "ex-employee."
Do you know anything about pet HI? Over here that's not really an option.

Any ideas on averages: re: utilities
* Internet
* gas and/or electric (or would I need both?)
* water: Is this normally included in rent or separate?
* heating: what type of heating is typical? Central?
* Do buildings charge a monthly maintenance fee?

Areas
Any recommendations on cheaper areas to live? How big do 1 bedroom apartments tend to be (square footage)?
Where are rents closer to the $750 figure, for example?

I'd recommend you try and sublet first (craigslist and chicago reader are the two best online resources.) Once you're up here, search for a more permanent place by foot. A lot of times you'll find great deals from owner occupied units who only put up a For Rent sign outside the place that you'd miss otherwise.

I know right now in my neighborhood (Roscoe Village) there's a number of these up at rates much lower than anything I've seen on the online sites.

You can definately survive on 2,000 a month, lots of people moving to the city on an entry-level salary manage it. You won't be living large, but you won't be eating Ramen every night either. Seeing as your income will increase once you find a permanent position, I think you'll be alright.

Look at the thread pinned to the top of the board for neighborhood information.

[missbonfig]

Jdiddy,

Thanks for your advice. That's how I feel too! As a matter of fact, I just found a a place that sounds really interesting. It's located in Lakeview, which according to this site appears to be safer/nicer than Logan Square, which in turn appears to be more affordable.

Does $995.00 p/month including water, heat and gas sound reasonable?

[gabry76]

Do you have a work visa? Without it you will find nothing but jobs as a waitress or stuff like that...

[missbonfig]

Thanks for your concern gabry76, but I can legally work in the US.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by missbonfig

...It's located in Lakeview,...Does $995.00 p/month including water, heat and gas sound reasonable?

It may be good. What size place is it? What streets is it near? (you dont have to give an exact address)

[missbonfig]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

It may be good. What size place is it? What streets is it near? (you dont have to give an exact address)

...between Broadway and Lake Shore Drive (closer to LSD). Melrose was mentioned as a reference point, 10-minute walk to Belmont.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by missbonfig

...between Broadway and Lake Shore Drive (closer to LSD). Melrose was mentioned as a reference point, 10-minute walk to Belmont.

Is it a studio or a 1 bedroom?

Just so you know,I live in Lake View and am very familiar with the buildings and prices in the area. Feel free to DM me for help.