Cheaper areas of Chicago to live in (Park Ridge, Irving: apartment, rent)

[irishfan77]

We are considering moving and Chicago is one of our options. I know living in the city is expensive and while I'm not a penny pincher I'd prefer not to break my bank. Where are the Chicago areas that are somewhat nice( and safe) and kind of reasonably priced?

[marothisu]

Expensive is relative really. Define some sort of price (either monthly price or home price) and the type of place you're looking for (i.e. 1 bedroom apartment, 2 bedroom apartment, condo, single family home, etc). That would really help...and also what you want in a neighborhood i.e. If walk ability is important to you, how important diversity is, etc.

[North Side Brandon]

I would say Belmont Heights and Belmont Terrace from Harlem to Cumberland and from Belmont to Irving. It is away from the action of the central city but these are safe communities with many fireman and cops living there. They have so very good restaurants. I would also suggest the O'hare neighborhood in between River Road and Cumberland and from Montrose to Higgins. The Blue line stops at Cumberland and the Kennedy Espressway just south of Higgins and the Park Ridge border.

[Attrill]

How cheap?

[irishfan77]

I want a condo if that helps

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by irishfan77

I want a condo if that helps

That barely helps. You need to define a price (either monthly or purchase price) and what you find "reasonable." Everyone has a different opinion of these things. Until then, we're just making shots in the dark.

[irishfan77]

Is wrigleyville pricey? I know its kind of a random question, but is it?

[marothisu]

For the third time, it depends on your definition of pricey. Are you going to give us an answer or..?

[irishfan77]

all we've spoken about is areas. We haven't brought up prices yet. Just to throw out a number, what can i get for 1500 a month? is 1500 reasonable?

[marothisu]

For $1500/month you could rent an apartment (or private condo), a 1 bedroom, just about anywhere in town. Not any building, but most neighborhoods. My 1 bedroom apartment "downtown" in a 30 year old high rise is a little under $1400/month. It's under average price, but there's other buildings in the area where a 1 bedroom is somewhere between $1250 and $1500/month in an "older" high rise (say 25+ years old, though many may be like 75 years old).

In Wrigleyville, you could easily get a 1 bedroom for that amount and possibly even a 2 bedroom if you know where to look (my last girlfriend's 2 bedroom 4 blocks from Wrigley Field was $1500/month). The average price for a 1 bedroom is probably like $1000-$1100/month in that area I"m guessing. In other areas, you could get a 2 bedroom for that amount for sure, and some you could get a 3 bedroom for that amount. There are some decent areas (albeit half quiet) that I know where you could even get a 4 bedroom for that amount.

If you want to be in one of the more lively neighborhoods, then $1500/month will get you a 1 bedroom and in a few of those types of areas, mayyybe a 2 bedroom. High rises of course usually cost more, and if you want to have a car and have private non street parking on the street, then it'll cost you a little bit (my high rise charges people $200/month to park in a private garage. Private alley parking outside may be something like $75-$100/month). There is street parking which in some areas is completely free, and others is like $25/year. In some of the crowded areas, finding a spot can be a *****. First come first serve. I personally don't own a car though and there's many areas you don't need one in. You'd be surprised at how much money it frees up too to use on cooler stuff.