Irving Park, Albany Park, Rogers Park? (Chicago, Addison: affordable apartments, rentals, neighborhoods)

[cm143]

Hi,

My husband and I are currently living (renting) in Roscoe Village, but we would like to move and get more “bang for our buck”. We live in a very vintage (read: falling to pieces around us) 2br without laundry, without a dishwasher, without a/c, and our heating bills reach $400+ in the winter AND we’re still freezing our arses off with our thermostat set at 65F/day and 60F/night. We’ve noticed some nice, affordable apartments in Irving Park/Old Irving, Albany Park, and Rogers Park and I’d like to know a bit more about these neighborhoods.

About us…we’re in our mid-30s; he’s a musician, I’m a grad student. We both work from home, as well. We’re hoping to have a baby next year. We don’t have a car. My main concerns our safety! (I’ve checked ChicagoCrime.org but it’s difficult to get a good idea) and a possible feeling of isolation. Again, I am unfamiliar with this area, so I may be way off on my assumptions. Hoping for a 2br+den or 3br with in-unit laundry for $1350 or $1500 with heat

What is the difference between “Old Irving” and “Irving Park”? What are the actual street boundaries for each area? Which areas are the safest; i.e., which streets should we avoid? Are there any tricks or tips for finding a rental (besides Craig’s List & the Chicago Reader)? Since we don’t have a car, are the buses and train convenient in this area? I’ve seen a couple of desirable apts. at Addison & Keeler and Milwaukee & Irving Park Rd.; what do you think of these areas?

For Albany Park, are there areas to avoid? Which are your favorite parts?

Is WEST Rogers Park safer than East Rogers Park? I’ve heard some bad things about Rogers Park in terms of safety…am I way off? There seems to be some very nice rentals in the area around Morse Ave. in East Rogers Park…is this a bad area? Also, what about the area NE of Devon & Western near Warren Park?

Lastly, what’s up with the area just west of Rosehill Cemetery?

I know I’m asking a lot! Thank you in advance for any advice!

[skipcromer]

I believe statistically West Rogers Park is safer than East Rogers Park.

However, if you are extremely east (within a couple blocks of the lake) it seems pretty safe to me. I have never had an issue of safety anywhere south of Touhy and east of Clark since living here.

[cm143]

Thanks! Anybody know anything about Irving Park?

[Venom]

Drover or Avengfire live there.
They've talked about it a little.
I'd assume Old Irving park is quiter and safer.

[cm143]

Thanks Venom!

[lisakf1]

I live in the Southeast of Albany Park (Irving Park Rd and Albany Ave) and it's very safe. A lot of young families and married couples. Street parking is easy. The only downfall for me is having to take a bus to the train, that I don't enjoy so much.

[Venom]

Irving Park and ALbany is Irving Park, not Albany park
The southern border of Albany park is Montrose, Easten border the Chi-river
Western border is Pulaski, and nothern border is Foster

[cm143]

Ok, well I found the answer to one of my questions. It seems like the area around the Morse El Stop in East Rogers Park is pretty bad. I'll remove that from my list of possibilites .

[skipcromer]

Originally Posted by cm143

Ok, well I found the answer to one of my questions. It seems like the area around the Morse El Stop in East Rogers Park is pretty bad. I'll remove that from my list of possibilites .

The Lunt Side of that same stop is relatively safe.

[cm143]

Thanks skipcromer, but after reading a bit of this blog, The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park. I think I'd rather not risk it. In my younger days, I would have lived almost anywhere without much reservation. Now, I'm a bit of a chicken ...and, with a possible new baby next year...