Help Me Choose a Neighborhood Please (Lincoln, Roscoe: to rent, condo, home)

[5991619]

OK, I am 24, self-employed. Ideally I'd like a 2 bedroom place. One room to sleep, one room to set up an office in. I lived in Lincoln Park for 2 years, and while it was nice, it was a bit pricey and the part I lived in was a bit too close to the whole bar/college scene. I'd prefer to be on the north/north west side. I obviously don't wanna live in a full-blown ghetto, or even a place where I might get hassled by the home boys on the corner. But I am street smart and if you were a mugger you'd prob decide I am not an ideal target.

I kind of have some ideas but know little about the places...Logan Square, Bucktown, Lincoln Square, or maybe some places a little further north, west, or NW. I'm really not sure what I'd be willing to pay in rent but the 1600/mo for the 2 BR in LP was definitely too much.

Thanks for any input, sorry I'm not more familiar with these areas.

[chitown85]

So you are working from home, which means commute isn't a problem. The northwest side is ideal for your situation. It sounds like you want city living, but a little more low key and a bigger neighborhood feel. The northwest side is a moderate choice between full urban and suburban sprawl.

Look into Portage Park, Irving Park, and Avondale. You can find a 2 bedroom in a decent building for $1500. They are nice neighborhoods, middle class. Lots of shopping amenities around there too and close to the Kennedy if you need to go to the burbs.

FYI, if you are looking for some nightlife, it is around, but nothing like LP. You have some small corner neighborhood bars and some restaurant bars, but that's about it.

[tonythetuna]

Originally Posted by chitown85

Look into Portage Park, Irving Park, and Avondale. You can find a 2 bedroom in a decent building for $1500.

Perhaps you missed this:

Originally Posted by 5991619

I'm really not sure what I'd be willing to pay in rent but the 1600/mo for the 2 BR in LP was definitely too much.

[chitown85]

Oh yea, I did. I thought for a second he said one bedroom in LP and wanted a 2 bedroom. Hmmm, in that case. Maybe $1300 in those neighborhoods will cut it.

[jdiddy]

Originally Posted by chitown85

Oh yea, I did. I thought for a second he said one bedroom in LP and wanted a 2 bedroom. Hmmm, in that case. Maybe $1300 in those neighborhoods will cut it.

It will.

[tonythetuna]

Originally Posted by jdiddy

It will.

Much less will too.

[MannheimMadman]

Originally Posted by tonythetuna

Much less will too.

FWIW, my management company is trying to rent a 2/1 condo for $975. It' s on Lawrence and Manor, which is just across from Lincoln Square.

And, my coworker is renting a 2/1 apt for $800 in Edgewater. So deals under $1k can definitely be had.

[tonythetuna]

Originally Posted by MannheimMadman

FWIW, my management company is trying to rent a 2/1 condo for $975. It' s on Lawrence and Manor, which is just across from Lincoln Square.

If I could find a roommate I would do it. It includes no utilities though right?

[5991619]

Everyone, thanks for the replies. I will consider those neighborhoods when I prepare to move.

How about Roscoe Village or Belmont Craigin? Comments on those?

[MannheimMadman]

Originally Posted by tonythetuna

If I could find a roommate I would do it. It includes no utilities though right?

Right; central heat and air are separate. I've passed it a couple of times, and it looks like the building itself is new, so you know it might be a bit beter insulated versus something that is turn of the century.