Moving from Brooklyn to Chicago (Lincoln, Albany: apartments, rentals, broker)

[mssrm]

I’m from Brooklyn NY and for a variety of reasons I’ll be moving to Chicago. I’m a single guy late 20s and although I know Chicago and NYC are two different beasts I’m trying to get an idea of where to look. I live in Bay Ridge and I like where I live, would like somewhere similar, basically quiet and safe but with some good restaurants and bars and well connected by train to the rest of the city. I really don’t want to pay more than $1500 for a 1 bedroom and preferably I would like a two bedroom. I don’t have a car right now and it’s important that doesn’t ruin/control my life in terms of being able to get around and do whatever I want to do. I don’t have a set commute.

[Hiruko]

I think you could find something pleasing anywhere from Logan Square and Humboldt Park to Rogers Park and West Ridge or to Jefferson Park and Forest Glen. However, $1,500 is certainly below average for the City of Chicago. You'll be looking at rentals that mostly are not updated and lack some amenities like air conditioning or a dishwasher. I would also look into Albany Park and Lincoln Square.

[ToriaT]

I'd look in Ravenswood or Lincoln Square. I would get a map of the brown line L and follow that along. The brown line is supposed to be the safest L line at this point. I have a few friends from Brooklyn that have moved here and they are very happy.

[Kmanshouse]

Yep, agree.

You won't find a good 2 bedroom at $1,500 though. That will be a "vintage" place that needs a ton of work or has train tracks right outside your window.

For $1,500 you can get a very nice 1 BR place though.

[Vlajos]

I think $1500 for a 2 BD is doable. Took me 1 minute to find this.

https://www.redfin.com/IL/Chicago/49.../home/13490650

You will easily find 1 bd units below $1500.

[Hiruko]

Originally Posted by Vlajos

I think $1500 for a 2 BD is doable. Took me 1 minute to find this.

https://www.redfin.com/IL/Chicago/49.../home/13490650

You will easily find 1 bd units below $1500.

That place is not even available. Some broker has it listed for lead generation.

[Vlajos]

Originally Posted by Hiruko

That place is not even available. Some broker has it listed for lead generation.

Ok, there are other listings on redfin at the same price. A 2 bd at $1500 is not a unicorn in Lincoln Square.

[Kmanshouse]

It's possible, but it'll be tiny/old.

[Vlajos]

Originally Posted by Kmanshouse

It's possible, but it'll be tiny/old.

I don't know about tiny, but it will be old. And OP is coming from NYC where apartments are tired/tiny/old and outrageously priced.

[masonbauknight]

Originally Posted by Vlajos

I don't know about tiny, but it will be old. And OP is coming from NYC where apartments are tired/tiny/old and outrageously priced.

Exactly right. $1,500 for a 1 BR apartment is a common "price point" (for me too), but we aren't picky with amenities. The tired, old pre-war NYC buildings have none (buy your own AC, no dishwashers or washer/dryers allowed, lug dirty clothes to the laundromat -- bring your book or smartphone).

You'll be seeing more of us looking at Chicago this year because it's big, exciting, has good food, and you can live carless. Those are the priorities, not necessarily in order. If we chose right now to move to another Queens or Bronx neighborhood, in a plain pre-war building, it would be at least $2,000 for a sad 1BR. In Chicago, we just hope to find a good local bakery, a laundromat (without using the bus), and nice odds of not getting mugged during a solo walk at 9 pm. We typically have those three in NYC.