Help me find a neighborhood (Chicago, Irving: hardwood floors, apartments, rental)

[bassdesire]

My wife and I are moving to Chicago for a 1-year job starting in August, and I'm hoping that I can find some help on this board. I'll be working in the middle of the city (around State and Adams), but I am very flexible as to where I can live. Here's what I'm looking for:

*a safe area
*2 bedrooms
*Near some public transit that doesn't require a transfer (e.g., no bus to subway)
*$1000 or less

I realize my budget is low, but I don't mind a commute of up to 45 or 50 minutes (or more if absolutely necessary). I also don't care about living anywhere "cool." I would prefer north or northwest of the loop for family reasons, but I'm flexible there too.

Any thoughts?

[Avengerfire]

Irving Park. Jefferson Park. Portage Park. Edgewater. Buena Park.

You may be able to find a deal or two in North Center, Ravenswood, Lake View,etc ...

If your $1000 a month does not include utilities your options for a 2 bedroom will be more limited with the criteria you seek.

So does your budget include utilities or not?

There are many other neighborhoods you can live in as well, but without knowing more about you I will not mention them.

If you can make due with a 1 bedroom your possibilities are far greater.

[bassdesire]

Thanks for the ideas! I have found a couple of reasonable looking places in Ravenswood, but I haven't yet looked much (if at all) in the four places you mention up front. Ideally, the $1000 would include heat, but I can handle the other utilities. I'd also be willing to do a 1 bedroom with an extra room like an office or a den.

[Lookout Kid]

The only criteria you have that may restrict you at all is the housing budget. But you should be able to find a two-bedroom on the Northwest Side for under $1000. Try along the Blue Line, but avoid Avondale and Logan Square if safety is a big concern. Parts of Albany Park can be sketchy as well. This leaves you with:

Irving Park
Portage Park
Jefferson Park
Norwood Park

Another option might be Edgewater, but that budget won't go far there. If you don't mind a little bit of sketchiness, Rogers Park could work as well. Both are lakefront neighborhoods along the Red Line.

[Lookout Kid]

Avengerfire beat me to the punch, but it looks like he had some similar advice.

You won't find a 2-BR for a grand in Buena Park, though.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

...You won't find a 2-BR for a grand in Buena Park, though.

Close but not too far off...

"Rent: $1,150
Neighborhood: Uptown/ Buena Park
Bedrooms: 2BR
RECESSION PROOF PRICING!
posted 04/16/2009

RECESSION PROOF PRICING! Move and save! Buena Park rehab for hundred less than your friends pay. Walk to everything. $1150. 773-348-8921. Chicago Apartments | Chicago Rental Apartments | Rent Chicago Apartments 2835 Clark."

"Rent: $1,195
Neighborhood: Uptown/ Buena Park
Bedrooms: 2BR
Bathrooms: 1 bath
Map: 808 W Junior Terrace, 60613
FIRST MONTH FREE!
posted 04/27/2009

FIRST MONTH FREE! Buena Park two bedroom, gleaming hardwood floors, new kitchen and bath. Steps to park, lake and CTA! Acs included. Laundry on site. $1195. May 1st. Dimensions Management, 773-281-4464. www.dimensions-apts.com "

www.chicagoreader.com

[bassdesire]

It's certainly good to see the agreement. So it looks like I should just follow the blue line neighborhoods up, then. Among, say, Irving Park, Portage Park, and Jefferson Park, is there a big difference in safety? I see the commute is obviously different. Is it nicer closer in or further out?

I'll probably turn to just searching through the boards for details on these, of course.

[Avengerfire]

Along or near the Blue Line Norwood Park is the safest out of the four followed by Jefferson Park, Irving Park and then Portage Park.

Norwood Park is top notch. A huge number of Chicago Police officers and firefighters live there.

Irving Park is on the up again. It is bordered by a couple of questionable areas like Avondale and Albany Park.

Portage Park has been declining the last decade or two, but is still ok in many parts. It is bordered by a couple of questionable ares like Belmont Central and Cragin...

Jefferson Park is fine in most parts.

[jessiegirl_98]

Are you willing to go to nearby burbs as well?

[bassdesire]

I'd definitely do the burbs, as I have for the last two cities I've lived in (Boston and Philly). The same requirements apply, though, as I'd like to be close to transit that gets me to work without a transfer in under an hour.