Feel like I'm getting ripped off (Chicago, Naperville: hardwood floors, apartments, for rent)

[batman7601]

I've been living in Edgewater renting from someone on a highrise for 5 months and while I like the place, I'm sick of living with the guy and the location is too far from people my age. I'm paying $830 for rent + garage parking.

I'm a 25 year old single guy.

I found a nice studio today ($1250 for everything) at 500 west belmont a couple blocks from the lake. Is this really a good price for the place?

I just feel like $1250 is pretty steep; in Naperville I could get a luxury one bedroom for that price.

[pidgeon92]

That is pretty steep. What does "everything" include? How large is the unit?

[batman7601]

Originally Posted by pidgeon92

That is pretty steep. What does "everything" include? How large is the unit?

ppmapartments.com/properties/lakeview/500-w-belmont

Everything includes heat, water, gas, electric, cable, internet.

Based on the floor plan the square footage seems to be 400 sqft.. The kitchen is identical to the pictures shown in the above link, and there are hardwood floors.


I just want to be in an area with lots of bars, single women, a good walkscore, close to the beach, and a safe area. So far I've narrowed it down to lakeview/lincoln park, but I'm still not sure about places like Rogers Park, Wrigleyville, or Wicker Park..

[pidgeon92]

The pics look nice. It is a great neighborhood, my husband used to live on Barry back in the 90s.

It's a matter of priorities. If you're making less than $50K I would definitely look for something less expensive.

Rent Calculator

Keep in mind that the rent will most likely rise yearly. I'd guess a $25-$50 per month the next year.

[andrew61]

Originally Posted by batman7601

ppmapartments.com/properties/lakeview/500-w-belmont

Everything includes heat, water, gas, electric, cable, internet.

Based on the floor plan the square footage seems to be 400 sqft.. The kitchen is identical to the pictures shown in the above link, and there are hardwood floors.


I just want to be in an area with lots of bars, single women, a good walkscore, close to the beach, and a safe area. So far I've narrowed it down to lakeview/lincoln park, but I'm still not sure about places like Rogers Park, Wrigleyville, or Wicker Park..

$1250 to me sounds a bit steep for 400 square feet. You could probably get 600 square feet for that price in other full-amenity buildings in Lakeview.

A couple examples:

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/apa/4141892193.html

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/apa/4151749744.html

[Chicago87]

How much are you currently earning per year before taxes?

Going to $1,250 from $830 is a $420 / 51% increase.

[batman7601]

Originally Posted by Chicago87

How much are you currently earning per year before taxes?

Going to $1,250 from $830 is a $420 / 51% increase.

I earn $70400 before tax

Iphone 5 is paid for by my firm and I get $400/month for gas

however I have a loan that I pump $1250 towards a month and save the rest

I'm trying to stay under $1200 with everything for rent

[ChicagoMeO]

if you live on a side street near 500 W Belmont you will save money... but because your on Belmont that close to the lake, thats why its more.

You can get some nice ones nearby on Melrose and Aldine and Briar and Barry Streets up to Broadway even.

i was not impressed with any Planned property buildings, they seem kind of tired. At least the Planned property ones in Lakeview.

try going to the website Domu or Apartments.com or Rent.com for possiiblities. You can get a one bedroom on those streets, about 550 square feet for about $900 or $1,000.

I saw a very nice one on the 500 block of Cornelia which looks really fabulous (I cant remember the price but it was a good price for what you get) it may be the 555 Cornelia bldg.

[gomexico]

Originally Posted by batman7601

I've been living in Edgewater renting from someone on a highrise for 5 months and while I like the place, I'm sick of living with the guy and the location is too far from people my age. I'm paying $830 for rent + garage parking.

I'm a 25 year old single guy.

I found a nice studio today ($1250 for everything) at 500 west belmont a couple blocks from the lake. Is this really a good price for the place?

I just feel like $1250 is pretty steep; in Naperville I could get a luxury one bedroom for that price.

A studio at 500 W. for that price? Go ahead, bend over and grab your ankles. Too high for the space and the neighborhood, IMO.

[ChicagoMeO]

I would not pay for a studio apartment even on the Gold Coast which has only 400 square feet.. It will feel claustrohobic for that, and you can't put much furniture in there.

An average 1 bedroom in that area of Lakeview is about $900 to $1100 average. Shoot for something with that price. Even in a 4-plus-one building that is nicer. There are some nice ones on Oakdale and Wellington for about that price in the 500 block of each! Go check it out.

Reside has some nice buildings, but they are high priced although they are all refurbished. if you want nice, but a bit expensive hit the Reside bldgs. Except for the Belmont House which is VERY sky high.

I'd live on Lake Shore Drive for $1,300 and you get some nice views!!!