Can you live comfortably in Chicago on 30k a year? (Bridgeport: rent, hotels)

[maverick_72]

I may be moving to Chicago from Columbus, OH. I work as a substitute teacher and in reservation sales. I make about 30k a year. I would rather work 2-3 jobs than one serious job.
I find a lot of very small, trendy studios for $600 near Wrigley.

I am single older man, no debt, money saved, and want to come home. (I was born and raised in Chicago and left in the 80's).

Any good jobs there?

Columbus is OK and has decent jobs, but do not want to put roots down because its boring here. I feel like my social life would be a lot better in Chicago and with more to do. Chicago is a diverse, socially active city.

I am open to fresh ideas. Is it wise to give up two measley jobs to move back to Chicago despite the cost? I was rehired to work as a sub. next year and my uhaul job (which pays peanuts) can be transferable anywhere in the country.

I am at a crossroads. Does "home" matter more than good job opportunities elsewhere?

I am also open to job opportunities too. I have a lot of experience in hotels, sales, and education.

Thanks.

[GiGi603]

Originally Posted by maverick_72

... I feel like my social life would be a lot better in Chicago and with more to do. Chicago is a diverse, socially active city.

I hope you can work out moving to Chicago. It is a great diverse town with lots to do. I don't live there, but I certainly enjoy going there. I worked there for five weeks and had a blast on my off times.

[matzoman]

Without the hassle and expense of a car yes you can. Try to live near a CTA stop or not far from the EL train.

[maverick_72]

matzoman. What areas do you recommend that are decent areas for a studio about $600 a month or get a roommate?

Bucktown area?

[i_am_hydrogen]

Originally Posted by maverick_72

matzoman. What areas do you recommend that are decent areas for a studio about $600 a month or get a roommate?

Bucktown area?

Studios are almost non-existent in Bucktown. You'll want to try some of the neighborhoods along the lakefront near the Red Line. $600 is tough, but you could probably find studios in that range in Edgewater and Rogers Park. Even if you had a roommate, your combined rent of $1200 would get you both a one-bedroom. Do you really want to share a one-bedroom with someone else?

[matzoman]

I second near the red line. If you like cultural diversity the chinatown/little Italy area is an affordable option.

[Ace Rothstein]

Po fo sho.

[ToriaT]

Lots of the older courtyard buildings have reasonable rent for studios if you find them in slightly off the beat places, still near transport lines.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by maverick_72

Can you live . . . in Chicago on 30k a year?

Yes.

Originally Posted by maverick_72

. . . comfortably . . .

No.

[marothisu]

You could do it with no debt and no car. What kind of area are you looking for? $600/month is kind of tough. There are studios for that much and you could probably still find them in areas like Edgewater, Rogers Park, etc. There may be some in Wrigleyville but Wrigleyville is pretty annoying to live in (so I've heard).

There are other areas, a little different, like a Bridgeport that are more laid back and less going on, but you might be able to find it. Same as Hyde Park most likely.