Planning a move to Chicago can be a daunting task. The city is expansive, there’s an overwhelming amount of shops, bars, and restaurants to explore, and no one neighborhood is the same. Thankfully, there are perks to all of these facets. We’ll help you navigate the apartment hunting process so the only thing you’ll have to figure out is your moving date.
When to Start Searching
The best time to start searching is anywhere between 30-60 days away from your ideal move-in date. Start your search any sooner and the listings you’re interested in will already be snatched up by the time you’re ready to move. You can also start a few days before or after the 30- or 60-day marks; whatever you do, though, don’t expect to find your perfect place at the very last minute.
Watch Out for Scams
There are some unfortunate rental scams out there you should always be cognizant of. Finding a 2-bedroom with a rooftop pool and on-site gym in Lincoln Park for $1,200 should raise some concerns. Copied listings – using enticing details from another listing and lowering the price by hundreds of dollars in an attempt to get you to jump at the apartment and pay upfront – are among the most common rental scams out there.
There are also scammers out there who are trying to charge exorbitant background check fees, offering an apartment without the option of signing a lease, and coming up with excuses as to why you need to pay before even seeing the apartment. Always be wary of these scams and trust your instincts if anything else seems fishy to you.
Do Your Research
Every year, the city of Chicago updates a list of building owners who have been “repeatedly cited for failing to provide tenants with basic services and protections”. That list, available here, will show you the worst of the worst landlords and owners. If you find an apartment you’re interested in, ask for the name of the landlord/building owner and check the list to make sure they aren’t on it. Even if they aren’t on the list, search sites like EveryBlock, Review My Landlord, and Rate My Landlord to see if there’s any additional information you can find out about them.
Seasonality
Let’s just rip the bandaid off: Chicago winters are not always friendly. Fortunately, you can use this to your advantage by moving in the winter. Many of the best deals come in the winter months when business is slower, so keep an eye out for reduced rates and special move-in deals during this time.
Choose Your Neighborhood
The trickiest part about picking your neighborhood is that Chicago is full of them. In fact, Chicago boasts 77 different neighborhoods! Keep in mind your commute to work from each neighborhood you’re interested in and if there are any Here are a few to keep in mind when looking for that perfect one.
Between the LGBTQ+ dance bars in Boystown to the sports bars in Wrigleyville, this neighborhood has it all. Lakeview covers a large area, so be sure to figure out where exactly you want to live before starting your apartment search.
Home to Chicago’s classic must-eats, rooftop bars, and secret speakeasies, River North serves as the cultural hub of the city. This former industrial neighborhood boasts art galleries and specialty stores housed in converted warehouses, and it’s populated with recent college grads and young professionals.
The Gold Coast & Streeterville
Similar in profile and adjacent to one another, these hoods are in between Michigan Avenue and the Lakefront. They’re dotted with famous steakhouses and high-end boutiques and are constantly buzzing with retail tourists along the Magnificent Mile. High rise life is almost the standard in these hoods.
Logan Square, Wicker Park, Bucktown
Some of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in Chicago, you can expect to find young people here strolling the streets, perusing art galleries, stumbling to their next bar of choice, or waiting in line for boozy brunch. The majority of residents are in their late twenties and early thirties and are what most might call hipsters. No less, the cool factor is alive and well in these hoods. With multiple Blue line stops and the North Avenue bus line, public transportation is also a perk of living here.
Factor in Transportation
Moving to Chicago means you can probably get rid of your car, thanks to the Chicago Transit Authority’s “L” trains and buses. The L is made up of eight color-coded lines that will take you all over the city – from downtown to Wrigleyville and beyond. In many neighborhoods, you’re never too far from an L stop and you can get around town with relative ease.
Get Help from an Agent
In Chicago, you have the option to use a licensed real estate agent through Zumper— for free. Not only can you get help from a local agent, but we also have rental experts who will suggest apartments that might not be on your radar, coordinate your schedule and a landlord or property manager’s, and book tours for you. We’ll take care of the legwork for you, all for free.
Read Through Your Lease
Once you’ve found your apartment and the time comes to sign the lease, give it a thorough read. Make sure you check which utilities are included in your rent and which you’ll have to pay. Read through to see if you’re responsible for any maintenance or if your landlord will take care of everything. Pay attention to the details and sign only when you feel confident about the agreement.
Ready for the move? Find your perfect Chicago apartment on Zumper and get ready to enjoy your new home.
Images courtesy of iStock: Shelly Bychowski, Kirkikis, rabbit75_ist
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