Need to find a suburb around Chicago where apartments are less than $500 and can be reached by the Metra! (Champaign: rent)

[jmbever]

Hi all!

I am splitting up with my boyfriend and I cannot afford rent in the city by myself. My current place is $755, so I'm looking for something less than $500. I found some, like in Bloomington and Urbana-Champaign, but those are only reachable by Amtrack. I'd like to find something accessible by Metra, since that's much cheaper and has more times. I'm still hoping to get an internship in the city at a museum, so I'd ike to be as close as possible. Amtrack would be about $15 each way; $30 for a day trip for an unpaid internship wouldn't quite cut it.

Even more than that, I'd like to be in a nice place. Safe, with a movie theatre, museums are a plus, and I like hiking and green space. The place has to have public transit, even if it's kinda sucky.

I really appreciate any advice! I don't have much time to get out of my apartment, so I am scrambling.

[Rhino4401]

Consider a sub-let or house mate situation. There are nice people--verifiably sane--who are looking to share an apartment. Sometimes, you don't have to commit to a full year. There are places where you can have your own bathroom. It may not be ideal, but sharing often lets people live where they want to be, and enjoy a much nicer place than they could afford on your own. It's not only students, and recent grads who are looking for housemates.

I'm sorry things aren't working out, and hope you find a place soon.

[Kmanshouse]

Agree, you won't find a place for <$500 by yourself. You will need a roommate. Good luck hunting!