Single Woman returning to grad school (Chicago, Evanston: apartments, employment, safest area)

[LMK171]

Hi:

I've searched on this forum in the neighborhoods, and have gotten some good pointers. Still, wondering if some of you can point me in a good direction...

I'm 37, single, and moving to Chicago this summer to start a doctorate program in the fall. I'd like to be in the $800 range, but would go up to $900 depending on utilities included. I currently have a cat (definately coming with) and two dogs on the small-medium size that are not barkers or yappers. Considering re-homing the one dog and bringing the lab/cocker mix (she's super friendly, about 40lbs). Not bringing a car.

Best, safest areas for me?

Thanks!

[chet everett]

What school? Northwestern Evanston? Loyola Lakeshore? Michigan Ave? NorthPark? Northeastern? DePaul? UIC? UofC? Lots of options. Price gives some flexibility...

[LMK171]

Chicago School of Professional Psychology, on N. Wells at the Merchandise Mart.

[chet everett]

Transportation into the Loop is excellent -- you can have your pick of City neighborhoods. $900 is a good starting point, especially if you are going to have two pets. Might want to consider a place close to parks and/or a has its own yard... Many many options.

[jessiegirl_98]

I would consider someplace in West Lakeview, as there is a dog park, it's on the brown line, and lots of dog friendly apts

[Avengerfire]

It will be hard to find a place that allows a more than two animals. Especially if a dog is involved. I wish you luck.

[NearWestSider]

Start in River North, close to where you'll be commuting to every day, and work you way out from there.

People recommending long commutes (West Lakeview, WTF??? 45 minutes on the best day of your life) are giving you strange advice.

Stick with what is near, and only move far from there if you absolutely need to. This city is too big to deal with long commutes, there is no ABSOLUTELY NO REASON to deal with them unless you enjoy it. Especially if your place of employment is downtown.

[jessiegirl_98]

Originally Posted by NearWestSider

Start in River North, close to where you'll be commuting to every day, and work you way out from there.

People recommending long commutes (West Lakeview, WTF??? 45 minutes on the best day of your life) are giving you strange advice.

Stick with what is near, and only move far from there if you absolutely need to. This city is too big to deal with long commutes, there is no ABSOLUTELY NO REASON to deal with them unless you enjoy it. Especially if your place of employment is downtown.

Well, on the brown line in West Lakeview, you are not really looking at 45 minutes. My suggestion is based on the fact that she wants 1) cheaper rent, 2) has multiple animals, and 3) would be on in the brown line.

[wburbs]

I'd look in North Center near the Addison Brown Line stop. It would be about 30 minutes to the mart on the brown line, and you'd be near Lakeview and Roscoe Village, without having to pay those prices. There are lots of dogs in that neighborhood, and I have had at least two friends who managed to find dog-friendly apartments over there. Good luck!

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by wburbs

I'd look in North Center near the Addison Brown Line stop. It would be about 30 minutes to the mart on the brown line, and you'd be near Lakeview and Roscoe Village, without having to pay those prices. There are lots of dogs in that neighborhood, and I have had at least two friends who managed to find dog-friendly apartments over there. Good luck!

Or near the Damen or Irving stop would be good too for that matter. There are far more apartment buildings near those stops then the Addison stop.

Although IP and Damen are closed for the moment for reconstruction,I believe both will be open again by the end of the year.