River nortth 1 bedroom cost? (low income, fit in, apartments)

[Mirinjobra]

Hi everyone, I'm currently living in Lakeview and paying $1350 for a studio with parking + utilities + rent included. Next year I'm looking to move into the River North area and am looking for a 1 bedroom

Is it unreasonable to find a decent one in a highrise with carpet, a nice view, parking, and utilities included for $1800? If not, would $2000 be enough?

[Arne Bjornson]

When I looked last summer it was around $2200 for a -new- place.
Thus I'm guessing in an older building you can find a place for $1800? Not sure if that would include parking or utilities.
Also look for condo buildings with individual owners renting their units. They seem to have more deals.

[Mirinjobra]

Originally Posted by Arne Bjornson

When I looked last summer it was around $2200 for a -new- place.
Thus I'm guessing in an older building you can find a place for $1800? Not sure if that would include parking or utilities.
Also look for condo buildings with individual owners renting their units. They seem to have more deals.

I'm not looking for an extremely luxurious place really - as long as it's in a decent area in a nice building with solid amenities I'm good with that.

My upper limit is $2000 but I've been seeing lower than that on craigslist, but I'm not sure how legit they are. If I'm interested in the nightlife and restaurants, would streeterville or gold coast be a cheaper option? They don't seem to be that far away.

[ChiGuy2.5]

Two of my friends pay $1,800 in gold coast at 1350 N Lakeshore for a 1 bedroom. Its an extra $250 for parking and another $100 for utilities though. They may have cheaper options available in the building though that would be a better fit for what you're looking for.

[personone]

Originally Posted by Mirinjobra

I'm not looking for an extremely luxurious place really - as long as it's in a decent area in a nice building with solid amenities I'm good with that.

My upper limit is $2000 but I've been seeing lower than that on craigslist, but I'm not sure how legit they are. If I'm interested in the nightlife and restaurants, would streeterville or gold coast be a cheaper option? They don't seem to be that far away.

I definitely wouldn't start your search in Streeterville because virtually everything is "new/modern." You would likely have to go above your upper-limit for most places. Gold Coast is definitely a good option. There are a larger number of older buildings where you could find a 1BR comfortably within your limit. If you're looking at the new/modern buildings, again they'll like go over your limit.

[personone]

Originally Posted by personone

I definitely wouldn't start your search in Streeterville because virtually everything is "new/modern." You would likely have to go above your upper-limit for most places. Gold Coast is definitely a good option. There are a larger number of older buildings where you could find a 1BR comfortably within your limit. If you're looking at the new/modern buildings, again they'll like go over your limit.

Actually on second look, there are some affordable non-luxury apartments in Streeterville. McClurg apartments and some others should work with your budget.

[Mirinjobra]

Originally Posted by personone

I definitely wouldn't start your search in Streeterville because virtually everything is "new/modern." You would likely have to go above your upper-limit for most places. Gold Coast is definitely a good option. There are a larger number of older buildings where you could find a 1BR comfortably within your limit. If you're looking at the new/modern buildings, again they'll like go over your limit.

So would River North be tough for my budget?

[emathias]

Don't forget that some of your other expenses will go up when living in River North compared to places with lower rents. Pretty much anything people tend to buy in their neighborhood (groceries, basic household goods, restaurants, etc), will cost more in River North or similar central areas. And if you're planning to leave the neighborhood for all those things then consider whether you really want to be in River North given that one of its attractions is its walkability - if you have to leave the area to afford to live there, is it really worth it?

[ChicagoMeO]

Originally Posted by ChiGuy2.5

Two of my friends pay $1,800 in gold coast at 1350 N Lakeshore for a 1 bedroom. Its an extra $250 for parking and another $100 for utilities though. They may have cheaper options available in the building though that would be a better fit for what you're looking for.

how much were the rents raised when the lease was up in that building? i bet $100 average.

[personone]

Originally Posted by Mirinjobra

So would River North be tough for my budget?

In general most of the buildings in River North tend to be "new/modern" and full of amenities. Because of that, it would be tough for your budget, although not impossible. There are some older buildings scattered throughout RN. For example, Ashbury Plaza (I think that's what it's called). Is right in the heart of River North and very affordable. You can get a 1BR for about $1400 according to a friend. There are low income residents that get assistance that live there (I don't know if that matters to you, I just mention it because it is frequently mentioned on yelp). River North is a large area so I'm sure there are a few other older buildings that could fit into your price range.