Affordable South Loop rentals? (Chicago: real estate market, apartment, condos)

[bahiabrazil]

Im originally from Chicago but moved to Miami in my teenage years. I will be moving back to Chicago next year for community college with a friend/roommate and im looking to live in the South Loop area, also open to University Village, North East Pilsen and Maybe Lower Wicker Park. I want a 1 bedroom from $800-$1,000 or a 2br for $800-1,800 or $2,000. I would prefer something...well anything SOUTH of Roosevelt road. I know the area can get sketchy once you pass soldier field or whatever but Im not worried about crime. Somewhere near McCormick Place? and what do you think of the south loop? I also would prefer not to live in bronzevill or douglas areas which i know are directly south of the south loop. Should I get a car? Im a fashion intern, semi successful youtube channel and my main income is from fashion styling. Last year I made 45k alone. UPDATE: Im now open to the west loop and west town.

[berniekosar19]

Originally Posted by bahiabrazil

Im originally from Chicago but moved to Miami in my teenage years. I will be moving back to Chicago next year for community college with a friend/roommate and im looking to live in the South Loop area, also open to University Village, North East Pilsen and Maybe Lower Wicker Park. I want a 1 bedroom from $800-$1,000 or a 2br for $800-1,800 or $2,000. I would prefer something...well anything SOUTH of Roosevelt road. I know the area can get sketchy once you pass soldier field or whatever but Im not worried about crime. Somewhere near McCormick Place? and what do you think of the south loop? I also would prefer not to live in bronzevill or douglas areas which i know are directly south of the south loop. Should I get a car?

As someone who just recently went hunting for an apartment downtown, I can tell you that your pricing is way off for South Loop. You're not getting anything for those prices in that neighborhood unless it's through a private condo owner renting out their unit. Chicago real estate market has bounced back quite a bit and rents aren't as low as you might remember.

[Orienae]

Maybe the 2 bed for 2,000, depending on how south you go and still consider yourself "south loop". I don't really think of McCormick place and soldier field to be close to one another in terms of hoods, so not sure where you really want to live...Honestly, in most neighborhoods of the type you mentioned $800 will get you a studio or a tiny 1 bedroom of less than stellar amenities. But, if you are open to areas I really do think 1,800-2,000 for a 2 bed/1 bath is quite doable, except for near south loop, west loop or river west.

[YoChicago]

You can find a 2-bedroom for well under $2,000 at 2101 S Michigan. Also look into condo rentals in the area, where you may find a bargain or two.

[southkakkatlantan]

Originally Posted by YoChicago

You can find a 2-bedroom for well under $2,000 at 2101 S Michigan. Also look into condo rentals in the area, where you may find a bargain or two.

Just curious...is this still considered South Loop?

[ChicagoMeO]

Originally Posted by southkakkatlantan

Just curious...is this still considered South Loop?

yeah kinda but its at the southernmost parts, soon you will be what would be Bronzeville. But east of that is whats called the Prairie District.

After 21st Street going south, its not too pretty on Michigan Ave. Still rather industrial area.

If you go to one of the highrises just south of that Mercy Hospital there, I've taken a tour and it seems pretty good, since lots of docs and med personel who work at Mercy live there. The alderman lives in that complex, not sure if it has changed in the past few years, but may want to check it out. its a couple of highrises, a couple blocks south of Mercy Hosp. there are some lowrises, but its not a housing project, just condos.

[chet everett]

I would be careful about heading too far down Michigan Ave. The dominance of the McCormick Place takes over south of 16th St. Not really "unsafe" these days just not a "regular neighborhood" the way stuff is a bit further north...