Empty nester moving to chicago

[Wendy013]

Definitely consider near the lake, if you can (and find something at meets your other criteria). That's an asset so few of us get to take advantage of. I used to live in the Lakeview East/Lincoln Park area, and I really miss it.

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by marothisu

Gold Coast MIGHT work for a 2 bed in a few buildings, though maybe not on average. At least that's for a 1 bath and you wouldn't be guaranteed to get something upscale. You might find some, but I bet on average it's not necessarily upscale. 2 bath would probably be over budget for you to be honest. If you want to look in that area, look north of Division Street and east of La Salle. South Loop may work too though that's more of an in the works neighborhood.

Otherwise, if you want an urban area, you might like an area like Lincoln Square/Ravenswood/North Center or Roscoe Village perhaps. Lakeview and Lincoln Park may work too - there are some very young areas in both though that you probably would want to stay away from (i.e. Wrigleyville and right near the Belmont Red/Brown/Purple train station).

$3000 is a lot of money but the pressure to make more buildings more upscale is driving prices higher. The relative amount of time and money that one spends getting around do errands and such in a neighborhood with bigger chain grocery stories and other not-so-pricey local options vs having the costly and limited options of "in-building" shopping / services should also be considered. For folks that are retired their fixed income can quickly be devoured by the "luxury amenities" that really are not all that luxurious. The other factors include the relative affordability and neighborliness of locally owned restaurants / night spots that you'll find in Roscoe Village or Lincoln Square vs the kind of places in more tourist oriented parts of the city.

[jonnynonos]

You might also like Evanston. It's a college town; you know what that's like being from Boston. It has a nice downtown, is off the lake and the CTA goes there.

[SCCP]

The price gap between a 1-bed/1-bath and a 2-bed/2-bath is pretty substantial. I'm not sure if the same is true in Boston (I suspect that the gap might be proportionately larger in Chicago, as many units here have bedrooms that approach living space in size).

More to the point, if you want to live in an especially nice building in the most expensive areas, you might save some money by finding a place that has a full bedroom and then a smaller convertible area that could be used as a second bedroom or an office. You are probably more likely to find such a unit in a condo building than in a managed apartment complex, as the latter tend to be set up specifically for "one tenant, two tenants," etc., rather than "couple that might add a kid" or "person who wants a guest room." I lived in a nice South Loop (rented) condo for two years at roughly the price of a large 1-bedroom in a comparable building and sublet the second room to a friend. The one downside is these types of units will probably be one-bath (or at least only have one full bath, with shower/tub, etc.), so I'm not sure how set you are on the one-bath preference.

In contrast, if you rent a unit with two full bedrooms, the square footage and corresponding price will go up significantly vis-a-vis a one bedroom.

If you settle on any of the more affordable neighborhoods that everyone else has been suggesting, $3000 is enough for a full 2B/2B, so disregard the above suggestion!

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by chet everett

$3000 is a lot of money but the pressure to make more buildings more upscale is driving prices higher. The relative amount of time and money that one spends getting around do errands and such in a neighborhood with bigger chain grocery stories and other not-so-pricey local options vs having the costly and limited options of "in-building" shopping / services should also be considered. For folks that are retired their fixed income can quickly be devoured by the "luxury amenities" that really are not all that luxurious. The other factors include the relative affordability and neighborliness of locally owned restaurants / night spots that you'll find in Roscoe Village or Lincoln Square vs the kind of places in more tourist oriented parts of the city.

4 years ago, the number of buildings where you could spend $3000 for a 1 bedroom rental unit were barely any. It's definitely increased since then. While $3000 is a lot, I agree that a 2 bed/2 bath luxury unit in downtown Chicago is definitely more than $3000/month.

Areas like Lincoln Square, Roscoe Village, and some areas of Lincoln Park or Lakeview are better for someone like the OP - I agree.

[jonnynonos]

Keep in kind she said she wants a condo. I'm no realty expert but imagine a mortgage with a substantial down payment is going to fluctuate significantly from rent.

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by jonnynonos

Keep in kind she said she wants a condo. I'm no realty expert but imagine a mortgage with a substantial down payment is going to fluctuate significantly from rent.

I guess if she is planning to buy the condo unit and not rent from another owner that might bring a mortgage down if she's doing a longer term one. Renting from a private condo owner might be cheaper too but I think that it still might be too little. Doesn't hurt to look though.

[Shags mom]

I meant renting a condo from an owner or renting an apartment. Eventually I might buy something but since I'm not sure about neighborhood I thought I'd rent first. All the suggestions are great. I will definitely consider Linclon Square and even some of the other towns like Evanston and Oak Park. I've been to Evanston and really like it but it seems kind of far from downtown. I've never been to Oak Park so don't know what that's like.

[Lisaishere]

Old Town! Walk to beach, lakefront trails, zoo, farmer's markets, shops, bars, restaurants, coffee shops, hair salon, bike shop, bank branches, pet food stores, cta train to loop, second city and more!
My house is for sale. 3 bedrooms upstairs. 1 additional guest bedroom and another 1 as office. Attatched 2 car garage with plenty of room / storage for our 4 bikes and more. 3 full bathrooms. 1 half bath. Front porch. Courtyard with table and grill and plantings. Nicest neighbors ever!
We have a realtor and are posted in msl. 2 blocks west of wells st. Near north ave...

[christianstad]

My brother lived at 1360 N. Lake Shore Drive for years. Well run building. There are two there - one allows pets (1360) and one does not (1350.)
Rates are good considering the location. Health club or facilities in the building, also parking which is extra. Right across from Lake Michigan. Definitely Gold Coast.