moving from Phoenix AZ to Chicago neighborhood question?

Question

Im moving to Chicago in few months. Just wondering what areas of Chicago are safe to live in and not too expensive?
thanks fellas

Answer 1

Safe and inexpensive? Well, try Edgewater or Rogers park. You can probably still find a one bedroom for about $550 and up. It';s really close the lake and park, which is great in the summertime. There's crime in the neighborhoods, but not a lot of crime (I live in Edgewater which is not too far from Rogers park). It's not like you can't walk down the street at night. Just random incidents here and there. The Chicago Police Department website has a chart that shows the crime numbers by type, etc. Check that out if you need to. If the boom in condo development in the the neighborhood is any indication, people are ready to invest a lot of money into the two neighborhoods. As for the rent in other parts of the city, check the Chicago Reader website. They have a system there that lets you search for apartments by rent prices (what you're willing to pay). As for other parts of the city, they may be "cool" but the rent is way up there. It's hard now to find a cheap apartment in Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Roscoe Village, etc. But I guess it depends on how much you want to pay. So check the Reader website. Once you find a place that sounds nice, check the Police website for crime in the area. Chicago gets a bad rep when it comes to crime, but there are only a few areas where only fools go at night. Heck, there are people who have been robbed and killed on the Gold Coast, the city's most expensive neighborhood. If you keep alert, you'll be fine.

Answer 2

I would also add that it depends on where you are working/why you are moving as to where to live - if your job is out in Oakbrook that would dictate a long commute from the city, or living closer to where your job is. Craigslist and Chicago Reader are both great resources for checking out available housing - most rentals are on May or October leases in Chicago so you can often find some deals right now, discounts up front that make the initial costs lower. I would also consider parking, laundry, air-conditioning and proximity to services when you are considering where to live. Many of the places by the lake have little to no parking or you pay for a parking space (which can get quite expensive!). If you are flexible about using the train to get around (highly recommended if you are living in the city) then it helps with determining where to live. Chicago Reader also has map of neighborhoods so that you know where to look - good luck, it is a great city!

Answer 3

Check out some western suburbs (not west side Chicago !!).
Easy access to the city via Metra.

Answer 4

i agree with the first answer, but i would also like to add that you might want to check out the suburbs. u tend to get more for your money, better parking, and you're still close to transportation. chicago ridge, oaklawn, evergreen, evanston, oakbrook., tinley, orland, south holland

check out www.chicago.craigslist.org for pricing in these areas

Answer 5

manonthestreet1 is right on tartget (do i hear best answer)