New to Chicago looking for right area. (Lincoln, Irving: real estate, apartments)

[Rashon]

I am looking for an area that is diverse, decent looking and has a low crime rate, but within my $600-900 price range. I prefer an area on the North side of Chicago or close to Wilbur Wright city college. I was told that Irving Park was good, but would like more suggestions. And if you could tell me more about the "park" areas I would appreciate it. Thank you.

[jwaiter]

Are you looking for a studio, 1 bedroom or bigger?

[Rashon]

I am looking for a studio or 1 bedroom that welcomes dogs. But not sure which areas to look in and are safe.

[aragx6]

For $900 you can have a studio in any neighborhood. For your commute, I'd look at Lincoln Square. It skews a bit more family-oriented, but still lively with good restaurants and access to the rest of the northside via el, but it'll really just depend on what you're looking for.

[Rashon]

thanks. I will look up that area now.

[ChicagoCookie]

If I may make a few suggestions to you:

1. Go the website of "The Reader". It is a local paper/website that lists apartments for rent.

Apartments and Rentals | Real Estate | Chicago Reader Classifieds

2. Learn the CTA Train/Bus lines to check how close an apartment is to the trains.

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Know that most apartments in Chicago do not include utilities.
The closer you live to "downtown", the more expensive things will be...e.g. rent, parking.

Check out the crime statistics of a neighborhood before signing a lease.
Crimes | EveryBlock Chicago

Check out registered sex offenders in the area.
National Sex Offender Registry - Family Watchdog

Check to see if there is "permit" parking on the block of the apartment. Another expense to watch for.

In regards to explaining the "park" areas to you...are you asking why areas have "park" after the name, such as "Irving Park"? I believe it is because somewhere in the area, a real "park" is IN that neighborhood, with the same name. There are 181 neighborhoods in Chicago, and many have "park" after the name.

Here is a map of the neighborhoods:

http://www.explorechicago.org/etc/me...oods%20Map.pdf

Also, if I may state a few more things...
~ expect to possibly pay additional security deposit for your dog.
~ look for a neighborhood that has mostly residential buildings (single family). Larger buildings, bring larger amounts of people and larger amounts of issues.

I am a property owner of 2 income buildings in the Irving Park area(2 flat and a 3 flat).
The block where my buildings are located is a very diverse neighborhood and very quiet.
However, if you go over a few blocks where there are multi-unit buildings, there are generally issues.

If you think you've found an apartment, take a drive through the neighborhood during the daytime, then go back in the evening. Check out activity and parking.

Good luck.
No matter what...you'll love Chicago!

[It'sAutomatic]

If you want to take public transit, I'd live somewhere near the montrose bus. If you're driving, live anywhere, but being further northwest is going to be easier on the commute. logan Square, Avondale, and Albany Park are alright areas and a good balance of being close to school (convenient) and closer to downtown (more stuff to do, but inconvenient for you and more expensive). If you don't mind living in a really chill area, I'd move near the school. It depends on how much "Chicago" and nightlife that you're looking for.