What is the best way to look for an apartment in Chicago?

Question

Craig's List?
Use an apartment locator service?
Go to the individual buildings?
Newspaper?
Magic Eight Ball?

Answer 1

The Chicago Tribune newspaper has a very good rental listings. There is a special section on housing in the Thursday and Sunday editions. The rival paper the Sun-Times has the same.

There is an apartment listing free magazine that is available in hotel lobbies and in some real estate offices. That is a slick paper with nice pictures of properties. I believe that the major landlords are the only ones who show their buildings in this.

I have used an apartment locator service with some success. It is a great option if you do not live in the area or are working many hours. I had them fax to my office a group of possibilities and then I made a decision after looking at the top 3.

Once you have narrowed it down to a few apartments, visit the area. See how much time your commute will take from that apartment. Look to see if the area has services you need; grocery store, all night food mart, medical services, church you attend. Check the neighborhood at different times of the day and night. There are some places in the city where during the day it is a full of people and safe --- BUT at night you do not want to be alone on the street without a cop car.

Answer 2

Chicago is a huge city, with many variable neighborhoods. Assuming you now live in the Chicago area, I'd venture about to check out the neighborhoods, selecting those which you consider suitable for yourself. A driving tour of those neighborhoods will reveal a number of "for rent" signs in windows, along with the names of the management firms which handle those properties.

Start from there and go forward. If you don't currently live in the area and are moving to Chicago, I'd recommend a trip there ahead of time to do as I have suggested.