Hello! Planning to move to Chicago in Feb(Not the best time, for sure) would love to hear your suggestions about neighbourhoods that you are in and beyond. Currently looking at the loop, Logan square, Lincoln park and Lakeview (would prefer closer to the Red line and groceries)! It’s my first time moving alone and a little nervous lol, would love some help! Budget is around 800$ (2B/2B) for sharing and 1000$ for a studio! Any leads/suggestions/options would be great! TIA!!!

You’ll have a very rough time with a budget of $800 for a 2/2. $1000 for a studio is more doable if you live further north or maybe Logan square but that won’t be red line

That’s a pretty unrealistic budget for what you’re looking for.

Thank y’all! I guess then I can go up with the budget, how much would a decent room/studio would cost? I’m planning to save up more my Student loans and thus the frugality :/. Thanks again!

That price range might be possible, but might be a little difficult to find, and it’ll likely be an older building with shared laundry (rather than in-unit), window AC unit (rather than central air) which you may need to buy yourself, etc. The price is also going to depend on the neighborhood. Is there a specific reason you want to be close to the red line?

Set your budget for $1500. You can find plenty of opportunities at that price point in most locations throughout the city either in a studio or sharing a place. Then I would focus on location. You can certainly find stuff more affordable living out in the suburbs or further away from the city too. If you do that, then look for places close to a Metra station so you can bring that into the city. Also, look into working with a realtor on condos. You’ll find something nicer and more affordable. You won’t need to pay the realtor as it comes from the person renting the unit. Good Luck!

1500$ should be doable with less impulsive decisions. The realtor idea is great and I’ll start researching on this! Thank you so much!!

Logan is more affordable than Lincoln and Lakeview. Bridgeport is a good option - close to the loop by car but feels more residential.

I must take a moment to share my gratitude to everyone who jumped in for the quick response and advice! I’m grateful and have more help than I imagined! This is great and I’ll work with the above resources and hope to share the happy news to y’all and maybe meet some of you! Thanks again!!!

One of the wonderful things about Chicago is that each neighborhood truly has its own “personality.” For me, it’s Old Town. I have also lived in Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and West Loop, and Old Town is where I feel truly “settled.” If after the term of your lease expires you decide you want to try a different environment, you can! Some resources that might be helpful: https://www.thrillist.com/lifestyle/chicago/chicago-moving-guide-which-chicago-neighborhood-should-i-move-to https://www.pods.com/blog/2022/10/chicago-neighborhoods/ https://www.luxurychicagoapartments.com/the-complete-chicago-neighborhood-guide/ https://www.timeout.com/chicago/neighborhoods I’ve been in Chicago going on 13 years now- feel free to DM with any questions or if you want to bounce some thoughts around! Happy to help if I can.

I would stay off of the red with how crime ridden it is tbh, for the neighborhoods, download Zillow and use its filters to see apartments that fit your wants, very useful tool. While your at it, make sure to check the crime map for where you want to move aswell since that tends to be a major player in the city. Be safe! https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/il/chicago/crime.amp