Moving to Chicago from Boston (Evanston, Oak Park: apartments, for rent, how much)

[BBoston123]

Hi Everyone!

I am moving to Chicago with my boyfriend in a couple of months. His only time in Chicago was for his job interview and a short business trip and I have never been, but have heard amazing things! We are looking for a 1 bd or 2bd for under $2,000 that will allow for hassle free parking for 2 cars. We would love to live as close to the city as possible but don't mind the suburbs as long as they are fairly young, given the fact that we are in our mid-twenties. Any suggestions? If anyone is familiar with Brookline/Newton areas outside of Boston a similar area around Chicago would be ideal. Any input would be great!

Thanks!

[oakparkdude]

I lived in Boston (and Somerville) for five years. Urban suburbs probably most similar to Brookline and Newton include Evanston and Oak Park. Additionally, a lot of areas somewhat similar to Brookline are actually within the city limits of Chicago.

[Drover]

There's two 2-bedroom apartments on my street for rent, both $850/mo. In fact, one of them is the unit right above mine; it will be ready in February. It's huge (though the bedrooms are on the small side), on order of about 1,200 square feet, plus a back storage room that's about 8x12. We currently use the driveway for off-street parking, and if your car is small enough, there's enough space that we can share the spot with you. There would be plenty of room on the street for the other car. (We currently have 3 cars, 2 of which we park on the street. We have never had to park any further away than 1/4th of a block of our building.) Here's the catch: this is not a particularly happenin' neighborhood... BUT, hop on a bus or a train and you can be in any of numerous happening neighborhoods in 15 to 25 minutes. I consider that to be a more than fair trade-off for the increased affordability and the ease of parking. Additionally, I go to school in the financial/legal district on the southern end of the Loop (downtown area); from the time I leave my front door to the time I'm seated in class is, on average, about 40 minutes. That includes the time it takes to walk to and from the train stations. It can be a few minutes longer or shorter depending on how much time pases between the time I get to the platform and the time a train arrives. If you're interested, PM me if you'd like my landlord's contact info.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Drover

There's two 2-bedroom apartments on my street for rent, both $850/mo. In fact, one of them is the unit right above mine; it will be ready in February. It's huge (though the bedrooms are on the small side), on order of about 1,200 square feet, plus a back storage room that's about 8x12. We currently use the driveway for off-street parking, and if your car is small enough, there's enough space that we can share the spot with you. There would be plenty of room on the street for the other car. (We currently have 3 cars, 2 of which we park on the street. We have never had to park any further away than 1/4th of a block of our building.) Here's the catch: this is not a particularly happenin' neighborhood... BUT, hop on a bus or a train and you can be in any of numerous happening neighborhoods in 15 to 25 minutes. I consider that to be a more than fair trade-off for the increased affordability and the ease of parking. Additionally, I go to school in the financial/legal district on the southern end of the Loop (downtown area); from the time I leave my front door to the time I'm seated in class is, on average, about 40 minutes. That includes the time it takes to walk to and from the train stations. It can be a few minutes longer or shorter depending on how much time pases between the time I get to the platform and the time a train arrives. If you're interested, PM me if you'd like my landlord's contact info.

Too bad it will be ready so soon, if it were ready in August I would take it and come back to Irving Park. Then we could plot our takeover of the Abbey Pub! lol

[jiraiya]

use craigslist, so many people post on there, you can find a place within days.