where to live? (Chicago, Lincoln: apartment, rentals, neighborhoods)

[agne]

Hi,

From this June I and my husband are moving to Chicago (for the first time in Chicago and USA in general. His work place will be in East Ontario Street.

Could you please suggest, in what areas of the city we should look for an apartment?

We would be looking for 1 BR apartment in a safe place. Prize range could be from 850 until 1000 USD. It would be perfect if he could commute to his working place no longer as about 45 min.

Would it be possible to find something matching those criteria?

Do you also have any opinion on apartment finding firms we should contact?

Thanks a lot!

[chirack]

There are a lot of places that meet your criteria. Your husband will be commuting to his work place via public transit. Somewhere along either the red line, the brown line or lake shore drive(depending on the bus) should be places to live(assuming he wants to live in the city).

Can you give more details such as what sorts of activties do you like or what sort of neighborhood? Do you need to go to work somewhere? If you have children then schools can be of concern. Also what size of place do you want?

[agne]

chirac, thank you for your answer.

We are without kids. At the beginning we plan to use public transport.

We would rather prefer quitter places and yes, we would like to live in the city. As about my plans, I will start with English classes for foreigners at University of Chicago. Do you think it would be possible to find some place somewhere in between East 59th and East Ontario streets?

Both of us like very much to do some sports outside.

Sorry about those questions, but could you please specify what neighborhoods are crossed by red and brown lines?

I checked several neighborhoods on the internet that as far as I understand are closest to Near North Side: Streeterville, Ashburn, Linkoln Square, Edgewatter... I had an impression that those places are quite expensive and without much choice. On the other hand Edgewatter seemed very nice to me.

[tonythetuna]

Originally Posted by agne

I checked several neighborhoods on the internet that as far as I understand are closest to Near North Side: Streeterville, Ashburn, Linkoln Square, Edgewatter... I had an impression that those places are quite expensive and without much choice. On the other hand Edgewatter seemed very nice to me.

You don't want to live in Ashburn. Cross that off right away.

What country are you moving from?

What is your native language? I am guessing German. Am I correct?

[agne]

Originally Posted by tonythetuna

You don't want to live in Ashburn. Cross that off right away.

What country are you moving from?

What is your native language? I am guessing German. Am I correct?

What's wrong with Ashburn?

No, I am not German. We are mooving from Lithuania, so my native language is Lithuanian.

[chirack]

Ashburn is a little on the rough side.

Ok, if you are going to U of C I wouldn't want to go too far north. So Edgewater while nice and within your budget is too far north unless you temporally want to deal with a long commute to get to class. Edgewater, however would be fine for your husband to get to work.

You budget is fine; however the amount of space you get for a given amount can vary according to neighborhood.

The south loop is an option.

Lincoln park is in your price range for renting (but maybe a longish commute to your class) and on the south side Hyde park(near U of C).

Lots of areas are crossed by both lines so I can not narrow it down that much.

[tonythetuna]

Originally Posted by agne

What's wrong with Ashburn?

No, I am not German. We are mooving from Lithuania, so my native language is Lithuanian.

Read this:

//www.city-data.com/forum/chica...n-gresham.html

I am sorry, at least I was somewhat close on your country.

[agne]

Thanks a lot for your advice. I’ll check the areas you suggested

chirac, I understand that it’s a question not easy to answer but just your opinion – in what area of the city the balance of price range I mentioned (800-1000 USD) and space would be the best, taking into account the distance and safety?

tonythetuna, thanks for your link. Yes, Germany is not far away from me. About one hour of flight.

Do you have any opinion about this company?

Chicago Apartment Finders - Search Apartment Rentals

[chirack]

Originally Posted by agne

Thanks a lot for your advice. I’ll check the areas you suggested

chirac, I understand that it’s a question not easy to answer but just your opinion – in what area of the city the balance of price range I mentioned (800-1000 USD) and space would be the best, taking into account the distance and safety?

tonythetuna, thanks for your link. Yes, Germany is not far away from me. About one hour of flight.

Do you have any opinion about this company?

Chicago Apartment Finders - Search Apartment Rentals

I would choose south loop or hyde park as the best and then if you do not like either area choose others. Our public transit is laid out in a way that your husband will have an easy time getting to work just about any area you choose but you getting to class is going to be more a problem.

If I were you I would consider renting for a short while till you get an better idea of the neighborhoods then choose a spot that more fits your taste and budget.