Housing in Chicago
If you are looking for a home in Chicago, this article will explain you the types of accommodation available and the related procedure.
To be able to settle in the city of Chicago, you will need to find housing. You can either buy a house, rent or sublet an apartment, or opt for flat sharing. But above all, choose the area where you wish to live and learn about its environment. The city is divided into four sections: 'The Loop', 'Mostly' on the north side, the "West Side" and "South Side." Apartments for rent are available in almost all regions.
How to find housing
To find a home, you can see the classified ads in the local newspaper if you are already in Chicago or identify "For Rent" sign boards on houses or apartments. You can also visit the housing websites where you can publish an announcement indicating that you are looking for housing, or simply hire a real estate agent who will handle all the procedures for you. Here are some links that you may find useful:
Chicago Tribune www.chicagotribune.com
Chicago Sun searchchicago.suntimes.com
Craiglist chicago.craigslist.org
Apartements.com www.apartments.com
You are advised to visit a maximum of apartments or houses before making your choice. Take your time to learn about the lease on the various fees that may be attached to the rent, and if you have to pay an advance or a guarantee. If you intend to bring your pet with you, first check the conditions with the owner.
It is also important to know your rights as a tenant, especially regarding the lease. You must know and understand the terms before signing the lease. You'll have more information about this on the following link: www.renters-rights.com
Types of accommodation
Several types of accommodation are available in the city of Chicago. If you have a higher budget, you can afford a modern and comfortable apartment in a skyscraper, with security services, a terrace, a laundry and dry cleaning services included. These are primarily found in the "downtown" and along Lake Michigan. The "townhomes" or townhouses, are more common in Chicago. These generally include a small garden, a garage overlooking an alley. This is the preferred type of accommodation. It is ideal for a quiet and peaceful neighborhood life.
You'll also find lofts which are old warehouses or factories converted into apartments. The lofts are spacious and offer more or less the same comfort as the skyscrapers and are located near the city center.
Prices
Apartments in "The Loop" are the most expensive ones as they are located in a trendy neighborhood. Prices vary according to the three sub-sectors: South Loop, West Loop and Streeterville. If you want to rent a studio flat, you will have to pay around $800 per month while for an apartment with three bedrooms, you will need $5,000 per month.
In "Mostly", you will need at least $600 per month to rent a studio and $1,600 for an apartment with two bedrooms. In Northern "Mostly," you can rent an apartment as from $800 and a studio flat as from $500. The apartments in the "West Side" are available as from $ 1,000 while the rent for a studio starts at $500.
The least expensive homes are mostly in the South Side. But they are not recommended because this region is considered as dangerous because of the lack of security.
