Trying to find out if these addresses are in safe areas... HELP! (Chicago: apartments, rent)

[collegechick816]

Hey everyone! I am looking to move to Chicago within the next 1-2 months, and have been apartment hunting like crazy... I have gotten so many opposing opinions as to what parts of the city are "Safe" and what aren't. I have found several apartments with somewhat inexpensive rent, but I want to make sure I'm not living in a horrible area. By horrible, I mean I can't walk up the street without risking getting mugged or shot... I just want to be able to talk a walk to the grocery store, or a park with my 2 year old daughter and be ok. Could anybody please give me their thoughts on the addresses below?? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!!

By the way, Im a young, 23 year old college student, black, living with my 2 year old daughter, attending DePaul University.

5700 block of May street

700 S. Kedzi

South Wabash

15th & Kolin between Pulaski and Cicero

5516 South Indiana

[jwaiter]

None of these are good for a DePaul student.

Tell us what campus you'll be (Main Campus in Lincoln Park OR Downtown Campus) studying in, and what you can spend in $'s per month, and we'll try and find you a more suitable location.

[collegechick816]

Thanks for your reply! I'll be attending classes both downtown and Lincoln Park, majority Lincoln Park. I would like to get a 2 bedroom for around the 1200 price range, but im willing to spend a little more if that's unrealistic. Thanks in advance 4 your suggestions

[jwaiter]

1200 for a 2 bed is doable in some very nice areas.

Why not look close to Depaul itself, to minimize your commute times?

Some apt west off Fullerton (so you can jump on the Fullerton bus straight to Depaul) would be ideal. I'd start looking in Logan Square, closer to Fullerton the better, if I were you. You'll find plenty of 2 beds in the 1200 price frame in Logan Square.

[jwaiter]

I'm thinking Fullerton & Kedzie or Fullerton & Kimball would be good.

[myrc60]

The addresses you are looking for do not contain South. Your commute will be long to downtown and longer to Lincoln Park. Familiarize yourself with the street grid and then focus on Fullerton Ave.

[snoylekim]

5516 South Indiana - Washington Park ...no
5700 Block of South May - Washington Park/Englewood ... no
Suspect the 15th & Kolin address in K-town/Lawndale ...no , but not as familiar with the West Side

as was stated earlier, these are pretty far from DePaul/LP , although you're close to the Red Line and Green Lines at the Indiana address .. But the neighborhood isn't close to the best, and some would say below Unsafe ..

One suggestion - Google Maps and Street view .. One pic does not a neighborhood make , but you can virtually tour the area and get a sense of the state of buildings ( or lack of ..lots of vacant lots are a tip off) ..

[AmoreLeo]

I'd agree with everyone else--a big NO to every address you list.

$1200 for a 2 bedroom is very easy to come by on the North side, which is where you want to be. Since DePaul is at about 2400 North, and about 800-1000 West, check for addresses that contain numbers close to that. Anything on the South side will be hard for you. Plus, for someone your age, the North side has WAY more to offer you in terms of activities and transportation.

Feel free to PM me for more help. I have lived in 14 different apartments on the North side, and I ride my bike all over the city so I know it intimately. I'm happy to help!

Sara

[collegechick816]

Thank you all SOO much for your help! I wasn't sure about the commute to DePaul coming from that side of town (South). I will begin focusing my search on the North side, and see if I see anything available along the Fullerton area.. Hopefully I'll have luck... Special thanks to Sara for offering personal help. Appreciate it greatly!!!!

[Drover]

If you've got $1200/mo to spend on rent, I have to wonder why on earth you're looking the 'hood. You can rent a whole house for that much in places you're asking about, with money left over. And for good reason.