Wanting to move to Chicago (Evanston, Lincoln: apartment, renters, good credit)

[mbakerphoto]

I am a young (17...) professional photographer wanting to move to Chicago. I'm from central Illinois. I'm looking to move to the Lincoln Park/Wrigleyville area. Is this a good area for someone like me? Could there be a better area? I obviously won't have A LOT of money. What are some good places for artsy people?
Any advice??

I don't drive and am very open to roommates.

[lisakf1]

I hope you're photography business pays well, because I know based on the amount of money I made when I was 17, there was no way I could afford Wrigley and Lincoln Park. I live in the area and like it.

I am starting to realize though that Wrigley is fun during the games, but it is very bar-hopping/residents moving often kind of feel. I like the transportation in the area, but I would like more restaurants in my direct vicinity and less renters.

[lincolnparker]

welcome to the hood. I am sure you will love Lincoln Park. It's a great neighborhood to live in. Facts about Lincoln Park:
1. Has the highest number of bars/restaurants in the US per capita
2. Has the highest average income in Chicago per capita
3. Has the most expensive houses in Chicago (In 2007, Forbes magazine named the area between Armitage St, Willow St, Burling St, and Orchard St as the most expensive block in Chicago)
4. Has some of Chicago's highest rent
5. Has direct access (walking) to both Lincoln Park, the Zoo, Lake Michigan, and Gold Coast shopping. As far as the Park is concerned, it was designed by the same landscape architect genius, Frederick Law Olmstead, who designed Central Park of Manhattan.
6. Has the best and largest beach in Chicago, i.e., north ave beach
7. According to the Associated Content, Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s ritziest neighborhoods and is home to the fashionable and financially-well off

Welcome to Lincoln Park

[Chinolala]

Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville are great neighborhoods to live in. However, at 17, you won't be able to take advantage of much of the nightlife in the area and may as well not pay the high rent to live there at this point. Unless you have 2-3 roommates, it will be difficult. Assuming that at your age, you're going to rent and probably don't have a ton of furniture, you may want to consider a studio, garden apartment or 1 bedroom in a different area if you live alone. An area around Horner Park at Montrose and California would be a good option. Generally, staying West of Ashland will be cheaper. California Ave is still west of Ashland. You may also want to look around Lawrence and Western, with it being cheaper North of Lawrence. That area is called Lincoln Square and south of Lawrence may be pricey for you. Of course, I have no idea what you make, but seeing that you're moving to Chicago, I can only assume that you'll have to restart your career here. West Rogers Park is also still affordable and Rogers Park has a Loyola campus so there are many college aged people in the area. May be a good area to find roommates and it's close to the lake and Evanston. Evanston is an area that you'd probably like. Again, these all have good public transportation. You may want to look at the Chicago Reader online to research apartment rental prices. There is also an extensive ad section for people looking for roommates. Roommates.com is also a good place to do that. A relative of mine owns about 30 apartment buildings in Lakeview and Wrigleyville. If you want to call him, message me directly for his number. You'll need good credit and be able to pay a security deposit be able to show income or substantial savings to float your rent while you look for work. He's a fair Landlord but doesn't mess around with renters that don't pay.

[mbakerphoto]

I'm not set on those neighborhoods. What other neighborhoods would you suggest? My photography probably pays more than what normal teenagers would get but I think I would also have a part time job. What are some safer artsy school type areas that are affordable? I'm not a student though.

[Attrill]

In general "artsy" areas are not the safest, they are areas that are affordable and mostly safe if you have some street sense. I think the "artsy" areas now are Logan Square, Humboldt Park, West Town, and Pilsen. There are others, but hose are areas I am very familiar with that would fit the "artsy" description.

What sort of photography do you do? Are you looking into working as an assistant to start out or try to get your own clients?

[mbakerphoto]

I'm an arts and music photographer, and I have my own clients.

[Avengerfire]

The question is are you emancipated minor? It will be very difficult to find a landlord that will give a lease to a 17 year old living alone. You have a slightly better chance if you are emancipated. Most landlords will not rent to anyone under 21 if they are living by themselves. Finding roommates will be you best bet.

[mbakerphoto]

I'm interested in getting a room mate... although I think Illinois laws say 17 year olds can move out. I googled it though and I think I'm wrong. Either way, I have parental permission and my parents would probably help me live there.

[jessiegirl_98]

Originally Posted by mbakerphoto

I'm interested in getting a room mate... although I think Illinois laws say 17 year olds can move out. I googled it though and I think I'm wrong. Either way, I have parental permission and my parents would probably help me live there.

They'll probably have to co-sign your lease at the very least, but yes, I think you'll have trouble until you're 18. That being said, how much do you think you'll make/do you want to spend on rent? That will help with any suggestions.