Chicago Housing

frichter · #1 05-07-2007, 10:22 AM

Alright, earlier I started a thread asking about the Memphis jazz scene because I was considering getting my masters there. However, I have recently accepted an offer from DePaul, so now I need some info on Chicago. I don't need a lot of info on the scene because I have a pretty good idea of whats going on. However, I do need some housing help -- heres my situation:

I am going to get married this summer (July). My future wife has a job in Naperville, and I will be going to school at DePaul (Lincoln Park). We would like to find a place between the two (preferably with an el nearby). We would also like to be able to afford it (under 800). Does anybody have any suggestions for where to look, what to look for, etc? Any help is good help.

Also -- any suggestions for a good part-time job that is somehow bass/music related?

Peace

Marc Piane · #2 05-07-2007, 11:02 AM

Your best bet would be to look at one of the near west 'burbs along the blue line. Right near the Eisenhower (highway to naperville) and the el that will take you downtown. You'll have to transfer from there to get to DePaul but that's easy.

http://www.transitchicago.com/maps/maps/2007W.html

I'd stay outside the city limits though. Parts of west side are pretty rough. There are exceptions but since you are from out of town I'd just stay in the 'burbs.

christ andronis · #3 05-07-2007, 12:23 PM

Look around the University of Illinois...or the area between Greektown and the United Center, maybe in a radius of a mile around there. Marc is right, parts of the West side are iffy, but that area is REALLY taking off right now and you may be able to find someone renting apts or townhome/condo's. I work over there and in the 13 years I've been going it's gotten a lot LESS iffy. The city has to protect it's yuppies ya know!!

It's probably not too much more expensive than Oak Park.

As far as a part time job, check out the Music Mart at DePaul. It's downtown, but it may be kind of cool.

Marc Piane · #4 05-07-2007, 01:14 PM

My brother just went through the same thing. He actually works in Hyde Park and his wife works in Naperville. They used to live near me, Division and Damen, but she was spending 1 1/2 hours commuting most days. They actually ended up buying a place in Brookfield.

I have been actually looking at buying down by UIC. That area is changing quickly. Unfortunately it doesn't really help her commute to Naperville much. I find the worst part of getting to gigs in the western 'burb just getting past Oak Park on the Eisenhower. That is why that area came to mind. I actually was doing a regular gig in Glen Ellyn for a while and it often took me an hour or more to get there. I ended up taking Lake St. to Oak Park then getting on the Eisenhower. Naperville is a bit further down the same highway.

frichter · #5 05-07-2007, 02:58 PM

Thanks for the info guys. I understand that the west side may be improving a little, but I think my fiance would like to stay in the "near burbs" if possible. I think that Oak Brook, Forest Park, and Brookfield have been suggested to us. Berwyn has been mentioned as well. Are all of these ok commutes into Chicago? And any idea how much it would cost me everyday to get down to Lincoln park from the nearby burbs? All the info has been great. I really appreciate the "el" map -- very useful. Thanks.

One more thing -- What area/neighborhood is Mark Sonksen's shop in?

Marc Piane · #6 05-07-2007, 06:24 PM

Right down the street from me.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...wloc=addr&om=1

Your location depends on how much you want to take the train. You can also check the metra map.

http://metrarail.com/System_map/index.html

frichter · #7 05-09-2007, 08:53 AM

Thanks!

el_mariachi · #8 05-09-2007, 09:29 AM

You might also want to either A) stay the Naperville area or try Wheaton/Glen Ellyn. both are nice places and you can have very easy access to the Metra train that goes to downtown, as fingers mentioned. With gas prices like they are around here, you'd be better off getting a place close to where your soon-to-be wife will be working and you can take the train.

I myself live on the northside near damen and foster. its a really nice area but a bit of a drive to my job in Woodridge (just SE of Naperville). I'm thinking about talking my better half in to moving back out to the burbs. that gas ain't cheap!! good luck!!

frichter · #9 07-05-2007, 09:04 PM

Don't know if anyone cares . . . BUT, my fiance and I did sign a lease on a place in Oak Park. We definately dug the area and the commute seems acceptable both ways. We have a place, and in 9 days we get married -- so pretty soon I should be able to get back to playing bass

. I really appreciate the help and hope to see you guys around.

Frank

Marc Piane · #10 07-05-2007, 09:32 PM

CamMcIntyre · #11 07-14-2007, 07:17 AM

Congrats. I got an apartment near State & Elm for this coming school year. I'm stoked-i move in on August 5th and 2 weeks after that i'll be there full time for the upcoming school year.

Marc Piane · #12 07-14-2007, 09:47 AM

Jeez. Rents are insane over there. Cool neighborhood though. Whenever I have a gig over there I have to spend my breaks walking around taking in the "sights".

christ andronis · #13 07-14-2007, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamMcIntyre

Congrats. I got an apartment near State & Elm for this coming school year. I'm stoked-i move in on August 5th and 2 weeks after that i'll be there full time for the upcoming school year.

Stay away from Rush St..

CamMcIntyre · #14 07-14-2007, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fingers

Jeez. Rents are insane over there. Cool neighborhood though. Whenever I have a gig over there I have to spend my breaks walking around taking in the "sights".

Very.....i'm payin $750/month for an efficiency. I decided it was worth it to stay a bit closer to school/work in exchange for a smaller place at a bit higher of a price tag. I've worked my ass off this summer [and sold a bit of stock] to pay for rent.

CamMcIntyre · #15 07-18-2007, 04:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christ andronis

Stay away from Rush St..

I've been thinkin bout this one and i can't tell if it's a joke or not....there a lot of bars or somethin on Rush? I haven't wandered around up there all that much just yet [still in Indiana].

christ andronis · #16 07-19-2007, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamMcIntyre

I've been thinkin bout this one and i can't tell if it's a joke or not....there a lot of bars or somethin on Rush? I haven't wandered around up there all that much just yet [still in Indiana].

Well..it's meant as a joke..but it is an alluring place if you want to socialize alot. Also, late night breakfast, check out the Tempo restaurants' skillets. I think it's on State right before it turns into Rush. Enjoy!

Marc Piane · #17 07-19-2007, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamMcIntyre

I've been thinkin bout this one and i can't tell if it's a joke or not....there a lot of bars or somethin on Rush? I haven't wandered around up there all that much just yet [still in Indiana].

Ah, young Skywalker. Much you must learn before Jedi you become.

christ andronis · #18 07-19-2007, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fingers

Ah, young Skywalker. Much you must learn before Jedi you become.

good one!

CamMcIntyre · #19 07-19-2007, 01:31 PM

Ok-i was thinkin "hmmm....can't quite tell on this one". I *thought* the area was fine, but thought maybe i missed something.

I'm moving in 2 weeks before school starts so that i can wander around the area and see what i can see....and practice even more.

Marc Piane · #20 07-19-2007, 01:40 PM

No worries. That area is great. Good food, drinks, beautiful people... My comment is regarding Rush St. being like no other neighborhood in Chicago. You'll just have to experience it for yourself. Kinda like a "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" thing. Definitely not where I'd choose to live if I wanted to focus on school. Granted I've never lived there but I have gigged and hung out there a good amount and it always involves some crazy story and not getting home until the sun is rising.