Housing Advice- Mid-20s professional SWF relocating from ATL (Chicago: apartment, renting)

[pipzuki]

Hello All, I apologize if this has already been answered a hundred times over.

I'm seriously contemplating moving to Chicago in the next year or 2. I will be able to transfer with my company, which will be expanding rapidly in the Chicago area in the same timeframe. I will have the luxury of choosing between a few locations, so I'm open to many housing options in the Chicago area.

Here's the very detailed criteria:
- I want a safe neighborhood to live in (don't we all?) I currently live in ATL and I am street smart. I know that there are dangers everywhere, but there are some areas that I would obviously want to avoid as a 25 year old caucasian woman living alone in a new city
- I plan to utilize public transportation. However, I have absolutely no desire to get rid of my car
- I have 2 dogs, so I need a pedestrian friendly area that's good for walks and exploration both with my pups and solo
- I'm a driven, career-oriented young professional and I work long hours, so I go to bed early on work nights; I like to get out when I can. I don't want to live in an area overrun by drunk college kids or pretentious clubbers, but I don't want to be the only single chick in a neighborhood full of families, y'know? I'd like to stay in a place that gives me a healthy dose of what Chicago living is all about
- I currently pay $830/mo in rent, around $1100 with all housing expenses included. Staying in this range would be ideal. Anything cheaper would be fantastic, but not necessary.
-From the little research I've done on housing, it's becoming apparent that I need to specify that I need a washer/dryer (or at least a hookup), a modern kitchen with an oven, stove, fridge, & dishwasher, and I expect a 1 bedroom apt that actually has a separate bedroom, rather than a "1 bedroom" that is in reality a cramped studio


I want to move to Chicago because I want to experience living in a big city... Atlanta doesn't really compare to other cities that I have traveled to. I'm not planning on staying in Chicago long-term (I'm anticipating 2-5 years, but who knows?!) so I want to make the most of my time there and experience all that the city has to offer. I'm a hyper-planner, so I want to research and gather as much info as possible and then take a short trip up to Chicago to check everything out in person. I've been up there twice for short trips, once just for fun and to do touristy things, and last year for Lollapalooza. Those trips really left me wanting more!

Thanks in advance for any insight y'all can give me. I've never made a big move before, but I'm excited to start a new phase of my life in Chicago!

[northsiderebel]

Originally Posted by pipzuki

From the little research I've done on housing, it's becoming apparent that I need to specify that I need a washer/dryer (or at least a hookup), a modern kitchen with an oven, stove, fridge, & dishwasher,

That probably is not going to happen in the price range you have.

[jsk1983]

The washer and dryer in a small apartment is probably wishful thinking. Also many buildings don't allow dogs or only dogs below a certain weight. If you want to have a car I'd avoid the lakefront neighborhoods since it seems nearly impossible to find a street space and renting a space will probably cost you $150 a month. You may want to look at West Lakeview, Roscoe Village, North Center, Lincoln Square, Andersonville...

Are you going to be working downtown or elsewhere?