Is $600 at all realistic in a safe area? (Chicago, Lincoln: apartment, living)

[tustultuses]

I just moved back to Chicago last month (grew up in the west suburbs). I'm currently staying with my sister while looking to move into my own place in February.

I realize with a budget of $600, I'll most likely have to get a place with a roommate or two, which I'm not opposed to, but I'd prefer to see if I can get a studio/efficiency first.

Since I can't be too picky with that price range, I just need a place that's safe, close to public transit, and where a car is not necessary. I work downtown near Randolph/Columbus.

Some places I'm considering: Edgewater, Lakeview, Ukrainian Village, Uptown.
Not sure if Lakeview is within my price range. I've seen a lot of places in Uptown that are, but I've heard there are some sketchy areas there, but I don't know where they are.

Since I'm off work through Christmas, I'm thinking of taking the red line north (I'm at LaSalle/Oak) and just walking around the neighborhoods a bit to get a feel of what I'm looking for. Is that the best way to do it?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Chicago87]

Why is your limit $600 a month? What is your monthly gross and net?

[Alacran]

You never met anyone that makes just enough to pay that much?

[jdiddy]

Unless things have changed alot more than I've realized in the last 5 years, it shouldn't be that had to find a place w roommates for 600/mo.

[ToriaT]

You might be able to find something in an off the beaten path neighborhood, hopefully one that is safe. Most posts here concern the trendy or popular neighborhoods which have higher prices.

[rass33]

Originally Posted by Chicago87

Why is your limit $600 a month? What is your monthly gross and net?

Unless your lucky, $600 will usually earn you an apartment in a run down neighborhood along side Chicago's notorious street gangs. You will have to pay up to live in a safe and trendy neighborhood in Chicago.

[ToriaT]

A look on Craigslist reveals a handful of apts in this price range...most of the "better ones" are in places like Rogers Park or Uptown (beware) but probably the best of the lot...others are in dangerous areas such as Garfield Park or the South side where it would not be safe to live. There is the odd one or two in Bridgeport or Logan Square also.

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by rass33

Unless your lucky, $600 will usually earn you an apartment in a run down neighborhood along side Chicago's notorious street gangs. You will have to pay up to live in a safe and trendy neighborhood in Chicago.

This is false. If you are living with roommates, you should be able to find a place that you pay around that much in areas like Edgewater, Buena Park (Uptown) ..or the rest of Uptown, Ukrainian Village/East Village/Noble Square, Avondale, Logan Square, even Chinatown (Armour Square) if you can find it (I've seen 3 bedrooms for $1300/mo but it's not often they're listed), Bridgeport, Pilsen, etc.

If you want a studio, you can still find it in areas like Edgewater, Rogers Park, Uptown, Logan Square, Avondale, etc.

[lycos679]

I realize with a budget of $600, I'll most likely have to get a place with a roommate or two, which I'm not opposed to, but I'd prefer to see if I can get a studio/efficiency first.

Get a roommate.

[TBideon]

There are studios all over Lakeview and Lincoln Park for $600. I even saw one in the mid $500's on either Arlington or Deming. Hell, I even lived in a studio on Belmont/Sheridan several years for $600/month.

Anyone who tells you otherwise is full of crap. They won't be all that nice, but there are plenty of studios in your price range in those areas.