Just off of Lake Michigan sits the beautiful "Windy City" of Chicago. I've visited both in the dead of winter and the peak of summer to see both weather extremes this city offers. Expect cold weather during the winter months and nice sunny days during the summer. Apartments on the water are going to cost you a lot, but don't worry since you can still get water views from further inland. Rentals vary a lot in price depending on neighborhoods, # of bedrooms, and distance from the city center. Chicago offers lots of attractions like the Sears Tower, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park, Comiskey Park for the White Soxs and Soldier Field for the Bears. Downtown is huge and apartments near the John Hancock Center, Water Tower, and Loyola University are pricey. Even if you go a little south to the Grant Park or Burnham Park regions, you are still going to pay heavily for the lake views and easy access to the downtown districts. If you can handle the commute, living further west in suburbs like Elk Grove Village, Addison, Glendale Heights, or even north into Evanston or Winnetka is a great choice. You will still be close enough to make a quick trip into downtown whenever you want. To start your apartment search, venture online to Rent.com or Apartmentguide.com and get some listings for rentals in the areas you would like to live in. Call a few apartment or property managers to find out what is available in your price range and then drive by those complexes. If they look desirable and affordable, then make the call to check them out.
The cost of living is high in the Chicago Metro area, and 1 BR apartments will normally set you back $850 or more per month. Below are listings for some Chicago Apartment Rentals.
Here are some more resources to aid in your apartment shopping: Apartment Inspection Checklist - take this on your walkthrus and jot down notes. Avoid Renters Remorse: parking, noise, etc. Check this list.
Rules for Renting a Condo: Condos are a little different..
Your Credit Report: What is shows, what to look for.
Other nearby cities to include in your search are: Albany Park, Albany Park, Bowmanville, Bronzeville, Bucktown, Canaryville, Chicago Lawn, Chinatown, Douglas, East Side, Edgewater, Edison Park, Goose Island, Greektown, Hyde Park, Jackson Park Highlands, Jefferson Park, Lake View, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, Little Village, Logan Square, Loop, Lower West Side, Loyola, Morgan Park, Mount Greenwood, Near North Side,Near West Side, New City, North Center, O'Hare, Rogers Park, South Shore, Uptow, West Town, Wicker Park, Wrightwood, Wrigleyville.
Buying a Home in Chicago: Real Estate Brokers and Agents
When looking for a home, whether for a corporate relocation or just moving across town, it always helps to begin with MLS listings to get an idea of what is on the market and what your $$ can buy. Start with MLS Listings. Then find a real estate agent you trust and are comfortable with. Coldwell Banker Residential (312-751-9100) serves the entire Chicago region, aiding in finding a home or planning a relocation. Get information on neighborhoods, schools, property taxes, etc. Check out the tools below:
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