Should i move to Chicago straight after undergrad? (real estate, rent)

[vcuhoney]

My mom's family lives in WI, so every summer I have visited Chicago since i was 8, and I'm in love with the city. I've never been longer than a day, but ever since i was 18 or so, I've wanted to live there. I would love to relocate there when i graduate, and its a 90% chance that i will go to grad school out there as well .

I've heard good and bad things about the city, but whats the best thing for a girl w/ a brand new bachelors degree to do in the city? How's the job market, the nightlife, the chance to meet new people, the grad schools, and the neighborhoods in the area?

[Avengerfire]

Prepare to pay,pay,pay,and pay. If you have a good amount of money that will not bother you as much I suppose.

[vcuhoney]

how much would you say, on avg, does it cost to live in a standard two bedroom, one bath apt annually?

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by vcuhoney

how much would you say, on avg, does it cost to live in a standard two bedroom, one bath apt annually?

In a decent area I would say about $800-$900 (without most or all utilities included) on the very low end of the cost scale.

There are deals to be had out there if you know where to look.

[lincolnparker]

That depends on the neighborhood. Chicago has over a 100 different neighborhoods and rent can range anywhere from 500 a month or over 5000 a month for a two bed one bath

Originally Posted by vcuhoney

how much would you say, on avg, does it cost to live in a standard two bedroom, one bath apt annually?

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by lincolnparker

That depends on the neighborhood. Chicago has over a 100 different neighborhoods and rent can range anywhere from 500 a month or over 5000 a month for a two bed one bath

Although 500 a month can be found for a 2 br; it would more than likely not be in a decent area however.

Btw: There are well over 200 neighborhoods in Chicago. There are 77 community areas which have not been changed since 1980 when one was added.

[BlackburnSells]

For a decent two bedroom in an area you would like, I would say you would be looking to spend $1000+. Please do bet on that. I am in the real estate business (always more than happy to help you!) and rent prices are not cheap. Where are you looking to go to grad school? That will make a big difference too on rent prices.

If you are at Loyola in their rogers park campus, a grand will get you a nice two bedroom. If you are at their Pearson campus, then for a two bedroom, you will need to spend almost double that. If you are at UIC, then just over a grand will get you a two bedroom.

Those are my thoughts, hope it helps! Good Luck