best way to find apartments? (Chicago: leasing, neighborhoods, to live in)

[lyndsaynicole]

Hi there-

I've been reading the board for a while, but just wanted to ask a quick question. My husband and I are moving to Chicago later this year (around September/October) and we've been looking online (craigslist, Chireader, etc.) at apartments.

Recently though, I've been told by a couple people (who've lived in Chicago) that the best way to find an apartment is to simply go to the neighborhood you want to live in and just start walking around and looking for "For Rent" signs in windows. I have the Newcomers Guide to Chicago as well and it says the same thing. Our friend told us that the reason that it's better is because there are lots of older people who rent out places that don't know anything about the internet and so many places go without any advertising except their tiny sign in the window. And also, our friend said, that when you actually get out there and start looking, you can find places for a bit cheaper than what you see online.

So I'm just wondering if anyone has had better luck finding an apartment this way?? Thanks!

[Drover]

I found my first apartment in Chicago through a rental agency and the current one through Craigslist. I got very few callbacks from numbers on "for rent" signs. Keep in mind that many buildings keep "for rent" signs up year-round whether they have any units for rent or not. If you look closely you'll find some of them are actually permanently attached to the building. They do this because the management company may or may not have units available in other buildings they manage, and they just want to keep the number up "just in case" someone calls when they have vacancies in any building.

Additionally, you're looking too soon unless you're just trying to get a general feel for rental rates, amenities, etc. Most units will not come up for rent any sooner than 2 months before they are available. If you're looking to move in September/October, you're best off waiting until July/August to really start looking around. Most apartments listed as available now will be rented already by the time you're ready to move.

[lyndsaynicole]

Thank you for your reply. We have plenty of time still, I know. We've just been looking at places to get an idea of what type of apartment we can get, in what neighborhood, for what price.

[PetiteFleur]

While I agree that walking around the city is the best way to determine the area where you want to live (neighborhoods change literally block by block), I have found all of my Chicago apartments through the Reader. You can start doing your research now so you know the area, what is typically available, what would be a good deal, etc, but like the previous poster said, you'll have to wait until much closer to your move (stressful, I know).

Personally, I would avoid the leasing companies like Apartment People, etc. They always showed the worst apartments, IMO.

Best of luck with your move. You will LOVE Chicago. I had to move away due to my husband's job, but miss it a lot.