Need Cheap Studio on the North Side. (Chicago, Cicero: apartments, rent)

[MannheimMadman]

I've searched the Chicago Reader and Craigslist so far.

I've been accepted to both NEIU and UIC for grad school, and I've decided to pursue my options at NEIU. I've looked at apartments in the immediate vicinity of the university, but they are a lot of 1BR for around $650. I'd like to pay $500-$575 for a studio. I'm currently living in a 325 sqft. studio right now, and don't mind the space limitation at all.

As far as the location goes, I've seen tons and tons of apartments in East Rogers Park, Edgewater, and Uptown in my price range. However, the lack of on street parking concerns me. I don't mind taking the bus to school and walking, but I do need my car to see my family on weekends. It is for this reason that I have looked at other neighborhoods further west. I've seen a few studios in Albany Park- one was at 4749 Monticello (Just north of Lawrence). It's cheap, but the tenant is expected to pay heat.

What do others suggest? I'd look closer to the east, but lack of parking is a deterrent. I don't need trendy areas at all; as a matter of fact, the quieter or more residential, the better.

[jdiddy]

I would think if you keep checking, you should find something that meets what you're looking for in Albany Park.

[skipcromer]

Originally Posted by ManheimMadman

I've searched the Chicago Reader and Craigslist so far.

I've been accepted to both NEIU and UIC for grad school, and I've decided to pursue my options at NEIU. I've looked at apartments in the immediate vicinity of the university, but they are a lot of 1BR for around $650. I'd like to pay $500-$575 for a studio. I'm currently living in a 325 sqft. studio right now, and don't mind the space limitation at all.

As far as the location goes, I've seen tons and tons of apartments in East Rogers Park, Edgewater, and Uptown in my price range. However, the lack of on street parking concerns me. I don't mind taking the bus to school and walking, but I do need my car to see my family on weekends. It is for this reason that I have looked at other neighborhoods further west. I've seen a few studios in Albany Park- one was at 4749 Monticello (Just north of Lawrence). It's cheap, but the tenant is expected to pay heat.

What do others suggest? I'd look closer to the east, but lack of parking is a deterrent. I don't need trendy areas at all; as a matter of fact, the quieter or more residential, the better.

I go to North Park and live in East Rogers Park. Street Parking is worse this summer then last. Its about to get worse once they start charging to park at Loyola Park overnight.

[MannheimMadman]

Ah, so that further proves that living in neighborhoods close to the lake will not work. Thanks for your input!

[surlycue]

Why don't you try Jeff Park, Portage Park, Edison park or suburbs like Lincolnwood? They are not at all hip but parking is easy and rent is cheap. I'd suggest Sauganash too but I don't know how many studios there are and if they can be had cheaply.

[MannheimMadman]

Originally Posted by surlycue

Why don't you try Jeff Park, Portage Park, Edison park or suburbs like Lincolnwood? They are not at all hip but parking is easy and rent is cheap. I'd suggest Sauganash too but I don't know how many studios there are and if they can be had cheaply.

Saw one studio located @ Irving and Cicero in Portage Park for $500. I haven't quite explored the area though.