Moving to Chicago (for rent, condo, how much)

[adamtrip]

My wife and I currently live in Charlotte, NC. We both want to get out of North Carolina for a while and gain some new experiences. We are thinking seriously about Chicago, but have never been there. We will visit before we move, but could someone please give us advise on which areas to look at. We are looking to rent an apt. or condo, preferably close to downtown, in a safer area. We've heard north is better, but more expensive. Currently we pay $745/mo. for rent (1 bedroom), but realize that the standard of living is in Chicago is higher . Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

[FlyingSaucerRepairman]

Downtown is nice, but you'll be spending more than 750. If you don't mind being exposed to some culture, plenty of safe neighborhoods to live in that will be under a 1000 for 2 bedrooms. Problem is garage is going to be extra as can schools if the local has a below national score. You will spend more, but you should also make more. Gas and toll way can eat into that. So study how much driving you probably will do.

[adamtrip]

How about east Chicago, near the water?