What do I need to earn?

[Lookout Kid]

I just noticed that 2-BRs were going for a minimum of $760,000 in the Aqua Tower in "Lakeshore East" or "The New East Side" or whatever you want to call it. That's for a low-level unit adjacent to a mechanical room, probably. So there is a wide range of 2-BR prices, even within the same neighborhood. I personally think this is an inflated price, but people seem to be paying it. Personally, I'd rather spend half that in the Lake Point Tower or in one of Mies's Streeterville towers.

[isjeepin]

It is entirely based on one's own individual lifestyle.

I live on about $2200 a month, in a high rent area. A 4th of that $2200 goes to debt, that I chose to accumulate. I live in 500 square ft studio high rise apt, looking over the lake. I cannot afford a one bed in this neighborhood. I could move away from the lake and afford a one bed. I pay $940 rent.

I park on the street, which can be frustrating on a daily basis. I cannot afford the 200 a month it costs to park around here. I have to have my car to use for work, or I would ditch it. I rarely eat out. I cannot afford to go out to a restaurant or bar even once a week. Groceries are really high here right now. I cook from scratch only. It is really hard and I have to watch every penny. The only thing I really sacrifice is going to out to bars and eating.

I choose my area because it is a low violent crime area, I want to be near the park and the lakefront bikepath. I also want to be able to walk to a good grocery store and have other things within walking distance if I need them. I have lived all over chicago, including Hyde Park, and suburbs, over the years.

In a nutshell, if you want to live in a desirable, trendy, lower crime area, you will pay for it and get little space to live in.

I live in East Lakeview.