Help for grad student and teacher (Chicago, Orland Park: neighborhoods, school, live in)

[pjg17]

My fiance and I are moving to Chicago this summer. She'll be working as a teacher, most likely on the south side (Auburn Gresham probably). I'll be going to school in the Loop. I grew up in Orland Park, so I'm pretty familiar with the south side. However, a lot of neighborhoods have changed since I last lived near Chicago, so I'm looking for some advice:

1. Safety is a big concern. I'm not saying it needs to be Mayberry, but relatively safe.
2. Cost: A one or two bed for less than a 1,000 (rules out most of the nice North Side areas, I think).
3. I am open to most places in the city, but would be especially interested in the South Side.

Thanks for your help!

PS: I know there are other threads like this, but not many recent ones that focus on the South Side.

[chicagobear]

I'd look along the Orange Line el line- maybe McKinley Park.

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by pjg17

2. Cost: A one or two bed for less than a 1,000 (rules out most of the nice North Side areas, I think).

For a 2 bedroom? Yes, mostly. For a one bedroom? No. You could live in Lakeview for under $1000/month for a 1 bedroom. However, I don't think this would be a strategic position as you know

[chet everett]

Pilsen ought to have plenty in your budget and is arguably the easisest south side neighborhood to use a base of operations getting to / from the Loop & Auburn-Gresham. I do not think it is especially prudent to go any further west or south than you need to...