Daughter to attend UIC... safe/affordable areas? (Columbia, Edgewood: house, transfer to)

[jtjmom]

We're going up for a visit day on the 22nd... and would like to scout out some possible areas then as well. Anyone have any suggestions? She's bringing at least one, possibly two roomies wtih her. What might be a good area for check out, as far as safety, commute and affordability?

Thanks!

~D

[chet everett]

What's wrong with on-campus housing options? A lot of state funds were spent to transform the campus from a "commuter school" to more traditional "residence hall" feel, has our state failed at that too?

[chitown85]

There is a brand new building called Medical Center something. It is on the Near West Side. Supposedly very safe, affordable, and close to campus.

There is also a mega complex that is jointly run by Roosevelt University, UIC, Depaul, and Columbia College. Can't think of the name though.

I wouldn't recommend anything west of the United Center.

[Drover]

What's your idea of "affordable" and what do you consider an acceptable commute time? Hard to address these without some reference points.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by chitown85

There is also a mega complex that is jointly run by Roosevelt University, UIC, Depaul, and Columbia College. Can't think of the name though.

I think it's Buckingham.

[Intergalactic]

If they were boys, Greektown would be an acceptable choice. Perhaps with the roommates chipping in they can afford someplace in Printer's Row or Dearborn Park (north of Roosevelt).

[skipcromer]

Originally Posted by chet everett

What's wrong with on-campus housing options? A lot of state funds were spent to transform the campus from a "commuter school" to more traditional "residence hall" feel, has our state failed at that too?

Geez...

Not everybody wants to live in on campus housing, simple as that.

[jtjmom]

Yup, you hit the nail right on the head. She refuses to live in a dorm... not a communal animal, I guess... lol

I think she's looking into the $700-$800/mo range (we are small town folk... our HOUSE costs that much), and probably no more than 30-40 minute commute. And yes, both roomies are guys.

I think she's looking into someplace called Edgewood or Edgewater... any opinions?

Thanks so much!

~D

[jdiddy]

Originally Posted by jtjmom

Yup, you hit the nail right on the head. She refuses to live in a dorm... not a communal animal, I guess... lol

I think she's looking into the $700-$800/mo range (we are small town folk... our HOUSE costs that much), and probably no more than 30-40 minute commute. And yes, both roomies are guys.

I think she's looking into someplace called Edgewood or Edgewater... any opinions?

Thanks so much!

~D

Edgewater is one of the more affordable neighborhoods, and its on the lake, which is nice. But door-to-door, I'd guess you're probably closer to an hour commute.

If she has two roommates, it shouldn't be too hard to find a place around $500/month, even in some of the ritzier neighborhoods.

[surlycue]

Originally Posted by jtjmom

I think she's looking into someplace called Edgewood or Edgewater... any opinions?

Her commute from Edgewater via public transit will not be pleasant. She will spend around 40 minutes getting downtown on the red line and then have to transfer to the Blue Line (UIC-Halsted stop) or a bus (will get you closer to some UIC buildings). This will be a hellacious commute in the winter for sure.

Edgewater as a neighborhood is great though. It is not yet gentrified in the the traditional sense so one can still get great deals and a fair amount of amenities. It is still a city neighborhood though so she needs to be very observant when out, especially alone or at night.