Rate this address (Chicago, Augusta: low income, rent, neighborhoods)

[SoonToBeChicagoan]

How is the intersection of Milwaukee & Wood in Wicker Park? I noticed Milwaukee Ave. gets a little sketchy looking when you walk southeast towards Division -- what is the average rent price for a 1 bed -- 1 bath in this area of Wicker Park?

[Drover]

It's not uncommon for thoroughfares to look a little sketchy, even when they run through nice neighborhoods. It's typically more common for 4-lane thoroughfares to look sketchy in nice neighborhoods than 2-lane thoroughfares, but Milwaukee Avenue still manages to look sketchy even though it's 2-lane. Despite Milwaukee Avenue's appearance, the neighborhood in that area is fine. Expect a decent 1-bedroom in that area to start at about $900, maybe $750-800 if you can tolerate a garden unit. As always, find out if your rent includes heat. Many times it does; and many times it doesn't.

[untuchableface]

I wouldn't live off of Milwaukee Ave. I DO live a few blocks from Milwaukee but I wouldn't feel safe living right on it. It appears sketchy because at night, it IS sketchy. I never walk it by myself past dark.
I would image you are probably fine if you are located down Wood a bit.

I live near Milwaukee/Augusta and we have a 1.5 bdrm on the 2nd floor for $730. That is pretty cheap though - I would imagine the cheapest you will *usually* find is around $850.

[paytonc]

Originally Posted by untuchableface

It appears sketchy because at night, it IS sketchy. I never walk it by myself past dark.

Hmm -- I walk it pretty frequently, bike it all the time, and I'm an overdressed lightweight (although male). Many of the properties on Milwaukee closer to Division are currently vacant, since most are owned by speculators. The boutiques are coming any day now, for better or for worse.

[untuchableface]

Originally Posted by paytonc

Hmm -- I walk it pretty frequently, bike it all the time, and I'm an overdressed lightweight (although male). Many of the properties on Milwaukee closer to Division are currently vacant, since most are owned by speculators. The boutiques are coming any day now, for better or for worse.

Maybe the difference is in our genders, I'm not sure. Also right near Division/Milwaukee are some low income housing facilities that sometimes have some shadiness going on. I definitely do think that it's up and coming.. but I still don't walk it at night. I think North/Milwaukee is safe and Chicago/Milwaukee is safe... but in between the two near Division always just hits me the wrong way. I don't know..

[Avengerfire]

Too much money usually.