Average rent for Edgewater Studio or 1 Bedroom? (Chicago, Berwyn: affordable apartments, condominiums)

[scsm]

I am planning on moving up to Chicago around the first of August. For awhile I was looking at living around Lakeview or Lincoln Park (I'm a recent grad) but Edgewater to me seems more affordable, and I was never much of a bar-fly; and nightlife seems like the big appeal of those areas. I also know one downside is I'll be further from the Loop but I could manage a longer commute if it means I save money.

I will not and don't plan on getting a car so I need to be next to an El stop. So far what I've found, apartments around the Bryn Mawr stop seem be around 700-800 dollars, which to me seems almost to good to be true for what appears to be fairly decent apartments. I was looking at getting either a studio or one bedroom. I don't expect to live in Trump building but I don't want a thousand roach roommates either.

Ideally I was looking at spending around 700-850 for a studio or 1 bedroom. That was getting me an apartment a slightly bigger then a walk-in closet in Lakeview. How much apartment can I expect for that price in Edgewater? Or better yet, do you think I could find an apartment that is decent for less?

Also if anyone wants to mention areas to avoid in Edgewater that would be much appreciated too.

Or if anyone thinks Edgewater would be terrible for a 23 year old male, let me know that too!

Thanks in advance.

[MannheimMadman]

$700-$850 is plenty of money to get a 1BR in Edgewater. I live in the Andersonville neighborhood of Edgewater and I rent the top of a two flat for $825. Closer to Broadway or east of it, you should be able to find even more deals.

This may help you in your search:

http://business.edgewater.org/list/c...s-condominiums

Most of the area is fine. Some would say the Bryn Mawr red line stop gets sketchy at night, and while there are odd characters milling about, it's usually fine.

Check out the Chamber's website and see if you have any more questions.

[scsm]

I think I've come to realize everyone thinks every El stop gets "sketchy" at night.

Thanks for the link!

[MannheimMadman]

Originally Posted by scsm

I think I've come to realize everyone thinks every El stop gets "sketchy" at night.

Thanks for the link!

lol, this may be true. I'm sure just about any el stop has weirdos milling about at odd hours. However, I've had the luxury of living off the brown line, so the change back to the red was unnerving. The truth is that you could certainly do far worse than any of the edgewater el stops.

[cump]

Your reasoning makes perfect sense to me. Lower rents and easy el access are great features. Personally I would much prefer a one bedroom over a studio. Buildings with studios are sometimes not as nice in terms of the neighbors you will be dealing with. Also, a studio would get kinda cramped over our long cold winters where you tend to stay indoors more. jmho

[Aleking]

The range you gave is pretty close to reality, also look to see what utilities, if any are included, heat, electricity and cable can add up quick. I think if you can afford to bump up to 850-900 you'll get a little more polished place. Bryn Mawr is a nice stop, Berwyn is fairly quiet these days as well, avoid living around Thorndale. If you travel downtown regularly, get to know the 147 bus.

[Vlajos]

I think Andersonville in Edgewater would be fine for a 23 year old male. Plenty of affordable apartments around in a nice, safe area. Also Clark Street has great retail, bar, and restaurants.

[It'sAutomatic]

You can find any price/quality in that neighborhood. There are fancy new buildings and older ones with studios that are barely above $500.

[raenycole]

Check 5630 N Sheridan. I loved it there. its right off the Lake. The L is 2 blocks away. Loyola is nearby so there's tons of ppl your age. My rent was only $835 which is great for being by the lake. I loved living over there. The doorman and everyone are very nice.

[janusman]

I would recommend you to search and fix on a place as soon as possible.. The houses are getting filled like anything this summer... $850-$900 would fetch you a decent 1BR.. But - do not expect any modern kitchen equipment....