Where should I live in Chicago? (also, read about how I got bait-and-switched)

[chitown noob]

Originally Posted by SmartGXL

Well, as of the other day, Chicago Apartment Finders had a unit available listed for $1300/mo at the 450 Briar building. It was on the 3rd floor and it does have floor to window ceilings, as well as a balcony. the entire building was gutted and rehabbed in 2005. It also has a pool on the roof.

Looks good from the pics on CL. I will check it out. Thanks.

Also - I just now saw in your post about 1401 S State street - my ex GF lives there (or, maybe used to, dont know where she lives now), and when I would hang out there with her, it seemed pretty decent. More than anything it seemed very minimalistic, which was sort of cool, I never saw any thugs types living there tho. But you are right - not sure I would want to live there if they were bait and switching on you.

Were the walls thin? Some of the units there had concrete walls (no drywall over top) and they told me that all the units have concrete walls, yet there are many reviews online saying you can hear EVERYTHING your neighbors do.

[Kristopia]

Originally Posted by slow_nerve_action

I think you are limiting your search range too much. Try looking around Wrigleyville and Lincoln Park more...you'll see more people your age, and with the same experience level with the city.

There's much more fun things to do in thise neighborhoods. While there are bars and clubs downtown, more of them tend to be older people, Viagra Triangle types, and burbies just looking to go out to Division Street bars.

What's the definition of "old people"? I ask, because I'm planning to move to Chicago from NC at the beginning of August, and I'm 43. While a lot of my friends are 20 and 30-somethings, I also like to know I'm not going to be living in a neighborhood where I feel like I'm a senior citizen if I go to a pub.

I'm looking at Andersonville, Lakeview, and Lincoln Park for the most part. I'd love to be in the West Loop, but I can't afford it (not by any stretch of the imagination, and I won't pay $1,000 a month for a teeny studio just because it's in a prime location).

Any advice for a single 43 year old who hasn't quite gotten ready to retire and die, but would like to be in a neighborhood that isn't completely overrun with students and young yuppies with baby carriages?

[SmartGXL]

Originally Posted by chitown noob

Looks good from the pics on CL. I will check it out. Thanks.



Were the walls thin? Some of the units there had concrete walls (no drywall over top) and they told me that all the units have concrete walls, yet there are many reviews online saying you can hear EVERYTHING your neighbors do.

Yes, they had concrete walls, but I could not hear anyone else...but then again, I think she was one of the first people living in the building, and so it may have seemed "quiet" at the time.

[trickygal]

Ok, so I am going to make this easy for you. Renting from an owner of a condo can yield you much better prices because generally heating/ac/ and cable are included in your rent and you can usually get parking as well. If you are living in river north or streeterville you will have concrete floors so sound is usually not a factor.

Based on your post you want newer construction with LOCATION. For your price point you can do fine. Here is a list of a few condo buildings that I think you would like. Go to craigslist and search using these buildings and see if anything comes up.

All of these are in river north and have w/d in unit:

635 n dearborn caravel
600 n dearborn
630 n state
2 e erie
(I have been in all of these and lived in two of them. All great and built after 2000.)

If you are looking in the area of 420 e ohio, also look at 440 n mcclurg and 480 n mcclurg. Condo conversion from laste 90's but GREAT location. No w/d in unit. Also 474 lsd, 400 e ohio, 200 e ohio might also be good options. These are all condos but try it and see what you can find.

I would stay away from 10 e ontario, 345 n lasalle and 440 n wabash and anything else american invesco.....MAJOR foreclosure problems there.

Also, you mentioned that you didn't want to go through your owner to get things repaired. Everywhere I mentioned has a management office that you can pay to do things for you and just deduct it off your rent...if you so desire. Usually, they just bill the owner. Don't be afraid to get a realtor to help you. If the owner can pay the realtor, generally it means they are paying their mortgage and would be a good person to rent from.

Lastly, if you go with a condo rental, check the cook county recorder of deeds to make sure the financials are in order. If you need help with that pm me and I will send you the links.

Good luck! I hope this helps! I remember when I first moved to Chicago 15 years ago....time flies.:-)

[grapico]

def avoid american invsco, such a PAIN even dealing with those people.

[chitown noob]

Originally Posted by trickygal

Ok, so I am going to make this easy for you. Renting from an owner of a condo can yield you much better prices because generally heating/ac/ and cable are included in your rent and you can usually get parking as well. If you are living in river north or streeterville you will have concrete floors so sound is usually not a factor.

Based on your post you want newer construction with LOCATION. For your price point you can do fine. Here is a list of a few condo buildings that I think you would like. Go to craigslist and search using these buildings and see if anything comes up.

All of these are in river north and have w/d in unit:

635 n dearborn caravel
600 n dearborn
630 n state
2 e erie
(I have been in all of these and lived in two of them. All great and built after 2000.)

If you are looking in the area of 420 e ohio, also look at 440 n mcclurg and 480 n mcclurg. Condo conversion from laste 90's but GREAT location. No w/d in unit. Also 474 lsd, 400 e ohio, 200 e ohio might also be good options. These are all condos but try it and see what you can find.

I would stay away from 10 e ontario, 345 n lasalle and 440 n wabash and anything else american invesco.....MAJOR foreclosure problems there.

Also, you mentioned that you didn't want to go through your owner to get things repaired. Everywhere I mentioned has a management office that you can pay to do things for you and just deduct it off your rent...if you so desire. Usually, they just bill the owner. Don't be afraid to get a realtor to help you. If the owner can pay the realtor, generally it means they are paying their mortgage and would be a good person to rent from.

Lastly, if you go with a condo rental, check the cook county recorder of deeds to make sure the financials are in order. If you need help with that pm me and I will send you the links.

Good luck! I hope this helps! I remember when I first moved to Chicago 15 years ago....time flies.:-)

whoa, thanks!