a free and hassle-free service
Transcription
a free and hassle-free service
a free and hassle-free service THE PET CARE PROFESSIONALS FOR C HICAGO EXCITED ABOUT YOUR MOVE? SO ARE WE. We won’t help you unpack, but we can help you adjust to your new home and lifestyle. Urban Out Sitters can care for your pet whether you want time away from home to explore your new neighborhood or if your pet needs a trip to the spa to rejuvenate. Getting ready to make that move? We can help with our cage-free boarding services. We also offer free pickup and return of your pet safely to your home – and you don’t even need to be there. Our other services include premier dog walking services and cat sitting services. After five years of service, we were recently awarded “Best Dog Day Care” and “Best Pet Hotel” by Chicago Magazine. We are licensed and bonded as well as Red Cross Certified in pet first aid and CPR so you know your pet is in good hands. Visit us at UrbanOutSitters.com to see the many other ways we can care for you and your pet. Welcome to Chicago Apartment Finders We promise that we’ll do our best to make your apartment search as easy and enjoyable as possible. In this magazine, you’ll find information on Chicago neighborhoods, major events and local resources. We’ll also answer some of the questions you might have about the process of finding the right apartment. Finally, we’ll give you advice on how to make your move and life in Chicago as pleasant as possible. Chicago Apartment Finders has been a free and hassle-free service since we started the business in an office the size of a closet. Today, we are the leading apartment finding service in Chicago. We also claim the highest success rate in the city and the most satisfied customers. But these stats 312.651.PETS URBANOUTSITTERS.COM are meaningless unless we find you a place you’ll be proud to call home. DAY CARE • 24 HOUR CAGE-FREE BOARDING CAT SITTING • DOG WALKING • GROOMING SPA Andy Ahitow, Founder To welcome you and your pet to your new home, we would like to provide you with these special offers: ONE FREE WEEK OF DAY CARE BOOK FOUR DAYS OF OVERNIGHT BOARDING, PAY FOR TWO BOOK FOUR DAYS OF CAT CARE, PAY FOR TWO Some restrictions apply. First time customers only. Please provide coupon at the time of purchase. Copies of any coupon will not be accepted. Some restrictions apply. First time customers only. Please provide coupon at the time of purchase. Copies of any coupon will not be accepted. Some restrictions apply. First time customers only. Please provide coupon at the time of purchase. Copies of any coupon will not be accepted. based on the purchase of one month’s service. CAF_7/07_001 CAF_7/07_002 CAF_7/07_002 Justin Elliott, Founder CONTENTS 4 6-8 8 8 Frequently Asked Questions “Welcome Home” Find the Right Apartment Roommate Placement 34-40 Renter Resources, continued Finding Your Perfect Health Club 35 Renter’s Insurance 36 Finding a Bank That Works For You 37 Parking in Chicago What To Do In Chicago Chicago Neighborhoods Chicago Neighborhoods Map Renter Resources 38-40 10-25 11 27-33 Moving Check List 28 Connecting Your Utilities 29 Phone, Cable, and Internet Service 30 Packing List 30 Decorating a Small Space 31 City Dogs 37 32 Chicago Apartment Finders 3 F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S How, Why, What and When? You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Here are a few of our clients’ most common concerns. How much will it cost to use your services? Nothing. Seriously. F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S Who is Chicago Apartment Finders? In November of 2002 Chicago Apartment Finders was launched in an office the size of a closet, the brainchild of two guys who were sick of the headaches that come with finding a new place to live. We started out with no clients and some big dreams. Basically, we wanted to end the hassles renters endure while searching for that perfect apartment. Today, Chicago Apartment Finders is the leading free apartment finding service in Chicago. In just five years, we’ve established the highest success rate in the city. Those are some impressive stats on paper, but they don’t mean much unless we find you a place you will be proud to call home. Our waiting areas are designed like cozy apartments. SO HOW DO YOU MAKE MONEY? Area landlords pay us a fee for helping them find qualified tenants like you. How do I know that I am viewing quality apartments at fair prices? Our service is simply a link between renters and property owners. We don’t own or manage any of the properties in our database. Our earnings are the same no matter which unit you choose to rent, so there’s never any pressure on you to take one place over another. That means we’re able to focus entirely on finding a space that suits your specific needs. We firmly believe that pleasing one customer will lead to many more customers. More than 30% of our business comes from referrals from satisfied clients, so it’s in our best interest to make your apartment hunting experience as smooth as possible. Can I rent for less than 12 months? Yes, our database includes many clients looking to sublet their units for one to 11 months. WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME FOR THE APARTMENT SEARCH? You will need a photo ID. We also recommend bringing a camera and a note pad. You’ll be looking at a number of places, so it’s helpful to compare notes and pictures. We want you to feel at home. When should I begin looking for an apartment? We suggest beginning your search roughly 45 days prior to your move-in date. This will give you time to view a selection of the best apartments available on the market. But should you need an apartment ASAP, we can find you a great place in no time too. What is the difference between a “condo” and an “apartment”? First, we need to make a distinction between apartment buildings and condo buildings. An apartment building is made up of multiple units owned by the same person or company. A condo building has multiple units as well, but these are all owned by different individuals. These terms can be confusing when condo owners refer to their units as “apartments.” Can I rent an apartment without actually looking at it? Absolutely. We will work closely with you over the phone and send you digital photos of listings that interest you. Chicago Apartment Finders 4 What form of payment can I use for my first month’s rent and security deposit? We accept the following types of payment: • Master Card • Personal Check • Visa • Cash • American Express • Certified Funds • Discover • Debit Card What if I have no credit history or a challenged credit history? You wouldn’t be the first. We are accustomed to working with each client’s different needs and will do our best to help you out. How are you different from other apartment locators? We’re believers in karma here. If our customers and our employees are happy, good things are going to keep coming our way. We’ve hunted for apartments in Chicago ourselves, and we know it’s no easy task. We know that this city offers a lot of options for apartment seekers, so all we can do is strive to lead the field in customer service and satisfaction. How much will my security deposit be? When do I get it back? This depends on your landlord. On average, most landlords ask for a one-month security deposit, but some collect a move-in fee in lieu of a security deposit. Legally, a landlord must return the security deposit – minus unpaid rent and money for any damages – within 45 days from the day you move out. It’s always a good idea to take pictures of the unit before you move in and after you leave. So what exactly happens when I sign my lease? After you are approved for the apartment, you’ll get a call from our Processing Department. Depending on the owner or management company, you’ll come to one of our offices or their location to sign your lease. This is also when you’ll need to pay your security deposit and make arrangements to get your keys. DO I NEED RENTER’S INSURANCE? Most landlords will require you to secure renter’s insurance. Even if yours doesn’t, we definitely think it’s a good idea. Most renter’s insurance plans cost less than $30 a month and will protect all of your personal belongings. Better safe than sorry. What will I need when I apply for an apartment? • Current/previous landlord phone and fax number • Current/previous employer phone and fax number • Driver’s license or photo identification • Income verification, if self-employed • Co-signer application, if a student or unemployed • Student loan documentation, if student • Two most recent pay stubs What if I have to sublet? Life happens. We understand that. If you have to move before your lease is up, we’ll be happy to help sublet your apartment. To take advantage of this service, visit www. chicagoapartmentfinders.com. Chicago Apartment Finders 5 I should tell you right from the start that I’m an artist. Welcome home: How I found an apartment, got a good cup of coffee and made it home in time for lunch I’ve got the art school degree, the tasteful body art, an iPod full of obscure bands from the late ‘60s – the whole artsy nine yards. More specifically, I’m a writer. I’ve been working on a novel for a few years now, and I’m starting to feel like the end is in sight. When folks like me go looking for apartments, we’re not generally seeking luxury or pampering. What we want is a reasonably comfortable space that allows us maximum freedom to do what we do: make art. It was already sweltering when I arrived at the Chicago Apartment Finders office on Belmont Avenue. I was slightly late for my 9 a.m. appointment, my bus having been stuck in traffic for nearly an hour. The traffic tie-up perfectly underlined my motivation for moving. I’d been living on Chicago’s far Northwest side for four years. I worked mostly from home, doing freelance writing for various magazines and newspapers, but recently I’d had to leave the house frequently for interviews and editorial meetings in more fast-paced parts of the city. While I liked the peace and quiet of my neighborhood, I was tired of having to budget a couple of hours for travel anytime I wanted to go somewhere. ...my whole apartment hunting experience was kind of like that cup of coffee: I would have been satisfied with just the basics, but everything was better than it had to be. I could feel the first twinges of a headache coming on as the bus finally wheezed to a stop at Sheffield and Belmont. Clearly, I hadn’t had enough coffee before leaving my apartment. Thankfully, the office had me covered. After I exchanged a friendly greeting with the receptionist and filled out a couple of simple forms, I hit the well-equipped kitchen area and poured myself a cup of coffee. I was startled to find that this was genuinely good coffee, not the day-old, freeze-dried swill served in most waiting rooms. I took this as a good sign. “they drive you around and have a sense of humor” much did I want to spend? How important were amenities like laundry and dishwashers? Did I need to be near public transportation? After processing my answers, she took a few minutes to pull together a handful of likely candidates. Then we hopped into her car and hit the road. Our first stop was the 18th floor of a high rise. I’d told her that high rise living wasn’t my first choice, but Ashley said she wanted to show me one just to be sure. One look at the view and I was glad she did. The place featured two large picture windows, one boasting a full-on view of Wrigley Field, the other looking out over the majestic downtown skyline. The rest of the apartment was clean and well-maintained, with a big kitchen and a ton of closet space. There was even a private basketball court on the ground level, fulfilling one of my lifelong dreams. Still, it was all a little slicker than my usual tastes. I had to admit the place was impressive, but I’m just never going to be a high rise guy. “That’s no problem. I just wanted you to try it on for size. It helps me to figure out what you’re looking for.” Ashley said. “Don’t worry, no more high rises today.” We drove a few blocks, chatting amiably about the many neighborhoods of Chicago. The next apartment was in a small building on a quiet side As it turned out, my whole apartment hunting experience was kind of like that cup of coffee: I would have been satisfied with just the basics, but everything was better than it had to be. After a few minutes of sipping coffee and flipping through a copy of The Onion, I met my leasing agent, a charming, professional woman named Ashley. Ashley asked what exactly I was looking for in an apartment. I gave her a fairly vague description of a cat friendly one-bedroom in the Lakeview area (We artsy types aren’t always that good with details). Undaunted, Ashley asked me for a few more specifics. How Chicago Apartment Finders 6 “my new street” Chicago Apartment Finders 7 street. This too was a pretty nice place, with freshly painted walls and a kitchen big enough for me to whip up my famous chicken jambalaya with ease, but somehow it just didn’t grab me. I tried to picture myself sitting up late nights in the living room, pounding away at that elusive novel. I couldn’t quite see it. I asked Ashley a few questions about pet deposits and utilities. She had all of the answers, but I think she could tell my heart wasn’t in it. And so it was on to the next spot. As soon as Ashley parked the car, I could tell we were getting warmer. This was an older-looking brick building with a small courtyard and ivy-covered walls – the type of place that really says “Chicago.” It was just a couple of blocks off the happening nightlife scene on Halsted – great for when I felt like going out – but the building was on a secluded street that would shelter me from the shenanigans of the party crowd when I wanted to work. Ashley guided me into the apartment, a homey space with hardwood floors, well-used fixtures and a sunny living room. I suddenly realized the quality I’d been looking for but hadn’t been able to name: character. This place clearly had some history. It was lived in. I felt right at home from the moment I stepped in the door. Here, I could finish my novel in no time. Having an agent like Ashley on hand to do the legwork took all of the pain out of the process. In fact, it became downright enjoyable. “You planned this, didn’t you?” I asked Ashley as I cast a last admiring look at the place. “You somehow figured out my tastes and you’ve been building up to my perfect apartment.” Ashley just smiled. “This isn’t my first showing. I can usually read my clients pretty well. I think you’re really going to like this next place.” How we find you a great place to live. Let’s walk through a typical visit to your nearest Chicago Apartment Finders office. Your first step is filling out a client information form. This tells a little about who you are and what we need to do to make you happy. Once that’s done, help yourself to a soda or some fresh-brewed coffee and take a seat in our cozy waiting area. Within a few minutes, you’ll be assigned a leasing agent who’ll sit down with you and chat about your tastes, your price range and what neighborhoods appeal to you most. Using that information, your agent scrolls through our thousands-strong database of properties and selects four to eight apartments that most closely meet your criteria. Now it’s time to hit the street. For the next two to four hours, your agent will drive you around your ideal neighborhood and guide you through the selected apartments. Feel free to ask any questions that spring to mind, and don’t hesitate to let your agent know about any concerns you have. If you don’t find the perfect place on your first outing, we’ll be glad to take you out as many times as it takes to put you in an apartment that works for you. Once we’ve found a spot you love, it’s back to our office to fill out an application that will secure the apartment. Our entire processing department is at your disposal to make this yet another hassle-free step toward putting you in your dream home. She was right, of course. The final apartment was very similar to its predecessor – it had the hardwood floors, the cozy courtyard, the sense of character. But a couple of factors made this place even more ideal. One, it was just a few blocks from Lake Michigan and the lakefront bike path. Two, it included a small balcony for those moments when I just had to get out of the house. And three, it was within half a block of not one but two gourmet coffee shops, an incredibly appealing arrangement for any writer. ROOMMATE PLACEMENT “You’ve got yourself a renter,” I told Ashley. She looked pleased but not surprised. Not only are we devoted to finding you a place to live, we can also help you find someone to share that space. On our drive back to the leasing office, I thought back on some of my previous apartment hunting experiences. I’ve blown more than one weekend dialing every number in the newspaper classifieds, only to hear that 90% of the places are already rented. I can’t even guess how many hours I’ve spent bicycling around cities keeping my eyes peeled for “For Rent” signs, then making appointments at places that turn out to be nothing like what I’m looking for. Having an agent like Ashley on hand to do the legwork took all of the pain out of the process. In fact, it became downright enjoyable. Come next month, I’m looking forward to spending a lot less time on the bus and a lot more time sipping coffee and typing in my humble new abode. If I’m not careful, I might even wind up finishing that novel. Chicago Apartment Finders 8 Our roommate matching system has a proven track record, bringing together thousands of compatible people to live under the same roofs. Like most of our services, it’s a fairly simple process. You’ll fill out a questionnaire that gives us a better idea of who you are and who you’d like to live with. Once that’s done, you’ll have access to our private listing of personal profiles from around the city. Our database is continually updated, so check in often. Our contact center is available seven days a week to answer any questions you might have. Just visit www.chicagoapartmentfinders.com and click on Roommate Center to get started. NEIGHBORHOOD RENT RANGES Chicago Neighborhoods NeighborhoodStudio 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR Albany Park 550-750 725-950 900-1300 1350-2000 Andersonville N/A 750-1300 950-2100 1400-3000 Bucktown N/A 750-1600 100-2100 1200-3000 Buena Park 550-950 675-1500 900-1800 1200-3500 East Village/River West 1000-1500 1200-1600 1400-2000 1800-3000 Edgewater 475-100 600-1200 850-1700 1200-2000 Gold Coast 700-1500 1000-2200 1600-4000 2100-6000 Humboldt Park 450-700 600-850 800-1100 1200-1700 Lakeview/Wrigleyville 625-1200 800-1600 1200-2600 1500-5000 Lincoln Park 675-1400 850-2000 1200-3000 1700-5000 Lincoln Square/Ravenswood 575-800 700-1200 900-1600 1200-2400 Logan Square N/A 650-1000 800-1500 1100-2000 Old Irving Park 550-750 700-1000 1000-1400 1300-2000 Old Town 675-1400 1000-2400 1300-3000 1800-5000 River North 800-1400 950-2400 1400-3000 2000-5000 Rogers Park 450-750 600-1000 750-1500 1000-1800 Roscoe Village N/A 850-1100 1200-2000 1500-2100 South/West Loop 900-1300 1300-2000 1800-4000 2700-4000 Streeterville 700-1500 1000-2200 1600-4000 2100-6000 Tri-Taylor 800-950 800-1400 895-2000 1100-2400 Ukrainian Village N/A 650-1400 800-2100 1000-2400 UIC/Pilsen 700-900 850-1300 800-2000 1000-2200 Uptown 500-900 675-1200 850-2000 1100-2400 Wicker Park N/A 700-1200 900-2200 1200-2600 90 The City of Chicago has more than 70 neighborhoods. The following pages will give you an introduction to many of these diverse communities. Our leasing agents will also provide you with more information while showing you around. 90 94 Chicago Apartment Finders 10 Chicago Apartment Finders 11 Sheridan Wayne Halsted Wrigleyville is an energetic section of Lakeview surrounding Wrigley Field, the historic home of the Chicago Cubs. Wrigleyville is packed with unique clothing stores, specialty boutiques, and antique galleries. You will also encounter the well known Music Box Theater and a bevy of fine restaurants (come prepared as many are BYOB). The wide variety of clubs and bars along Addison and Clark offer excellent night life. Whether you want a ballgame, ball gown, gourmet food, or a good night out, you’re sure to find it in Lakeview. Go Cubs! Hudson Commonwealth Sheridan LINCOLN PARK Lake Shore Drive Schubert Lehmann Halsted Dayton Mildred Wilton Kenmore Cambridge Broadway Orchard Waterloo Dayton Sheffield Kenmore Seminary Racine Magnolia Southport Greenview Bosworth Ashland A large percentage of the buildings in this neighborhood are Graystones or brick two- and three-flats, but you will also find a significant number of high-rise and mid-rise buildings along Lake Shore Drive. Pine Grove Clifton Racine Lakewood Southport Paulina Paulina Marshfield Hoyne Hamilton Leavitt Reta Wilton Wolcott Wayne Oakley Fremont Clifton Seminary Magnolia Wayne Southport Janssen Greenview Ashland Bosworth Marshfield Paulina Hermitage CTA Red Line Alta Vista Kenmore Seeley Seeley Hoyne Hamilton Leavitt Bell Damen Damen Seeley Wolcott Wolcott Wieland North Park Orleans Astor Whole Foods 1000 W. North Avenue North & Sheffield Hoyne Crilly Wells Crilly Orleans Hudson Fern Sedgwick Cleveland Meyer Vine Hudson Larrabee Mohawk Orchard Howe Burling Halsted Dayton Ravenswood Orleans Hudson Dayton Oakley Commonwealth Lincoln Park West Stockton Orchard Burling CTA Brown Line Fremont Bissell Fremont Sedgwick olia Magn Hamilton Lehmann Halsted Dayton Mildred Wilton Kenmore CTA Red Line Sheffield Kenmore Clifton Seminary Magnolia Geneva Lakewood Wayne en m Da Lincoln Park West Janssen Marshfield Hermitage Paulina Wood Racine Surrey Te rr a or e Ho n Honore Wolcott Winchester Magnolia Wayne Southport Ashland Co tta Bosworth Marshfield Paulina Wolcott W in ch es te r Seeley Damen Lake Shore Drive 1639 N. Wells North & Wells r 12 Treasure Island 2121 N. Clybourn Clybourn & Lakewood The Clark, Belmont, and Broadway shopping districts offer a wide variety of stores that cater to all needs. You will find vintage dresses next door to biker jackets, and health spas down the street from tattoo parlors. eD h or Chicago Apartment Finders Trader Joe’s 1840 N. Clybourn Clybourn & Sheffield Located just north of Lincoln Park, Lakeview is a vibrant neighborhood infused with nightclubs and restaurants. This is considered one of the most active areas of Chicago with the highest concentration of 24 to 34 year-olds in the country. eS Lak Three Penny Cinema 2424 N. Lincoln Lincoln & Fullerton 773.525.3499 959 W. Fullerton Fullerton & Sheffield LAKEVIEW Diversey ond Drumm Wr od two igh n Lincoln Park Conservatory 2351 N. Stockton Drive www.chicagoparkdistrict.com Dominick’s 2250 N. Clybourn Clybourn & Wrightwood Schubert Surf pde Lincoln Park Zoo 2200 N. Cannon Drive www.lpzoo.com GROCERY STORES Oakdale e rov Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum 2430 N. Cannon Drive www.naturemuseum.org Biograph Theater 2433 N. Lincoln Lincoln & Fullerton 773.549.5000 n ga Lo Wellington ROGERS PARK Wolfram Diversey Briar Barry Ham Chicago Historical Society Clark Street at North Avenue www.chicagohs.org Pipers Alley 1608 N. Wells North & Wells 312.642.6275 Burton Barry eG Loews Webster Place 1471 W. Webster Webster & Clybourn 773.327.3100Loews Wolfram Briar Pin MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS MOVIE THEATERS Wolfram Diversey Fletcher Belmont Harbor Melrose rk A small, well known neighborhood within Lincoln Park is Old Town, home to the famous Second City, the training ground for such comedians as John Belushi, Joan Rivers and other popular stars. This area is popular for shopping and excellent restaurants. Be sure to visit the Old Town Art Fair, an annual event that takes place in early June. George Roscoe Aldine Wellington Oakdale George e orn Hawth Cla Housing options include contemporary townhouses and condos, Victorian three-flats, walk-ups, vintage mansions, and towering high-rises overlooking Lake Michigan and Lincoln Park. Second City 1616 N. Wells North & Wells 312.337.3992 Chicago Historical Society e Elain The Park itself is over one mile long and encompasses over 1000 acres of public park stretching from North Avenue to Diversey along the lake. Lincoln Park is well known for it’s free world class zoo, golf driving range, baseball fields, and lengthy paths for biking and running. Steppenwolf Theater 758 W. North Avenue North & Clybourn 312.335.1888 alle Wellington Oakdale n The neighborhood that borders Lincoln Park takes the same name and offers a huge variety of trendy boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, theaters and cinemas including the world famous Steppenwolf Theatre and Chicago’s “off-Loop” theater district. LaS Nelson ol THEATERS North Avenue Beach Oakdale rd atfo Belmont Belmont Nelson Str n yto Da rk Cla Concord P A R K Brompton Aldine Fletcher MICHIGAN ton mp Buckingham nc Blackhawk Melrose on ters Pat Cornelia Li CTA Brown Line Henderson LAKE Bro Newport Newport CTA Brown Line Barry rn d ee W Eugenie L I N C O L N Bradley Cornelia Fletcher Hamlin Park Grace Addison Eddy Melrose ou Blackhawk LINCOLN PARK School yb Weed Henderson Cl Julian Concord Wisconsin North LeMoyne Roscoe Sheridan Waveland Patterson Addison Newport on Concord Addison Eddy rk LeMoyne le Gr ov e ob Pa rk N ick er Pierce Wood W Willow Patterson Wrigley Field Byron Belmont Menomonee p roo a Ad ton Els ly s Be rd nco Co Waveland Cornelia Cla W Th sia ban Wa e d Po au M sin Lincoln Park Zoo n ell k n on isc w illo MICHIGAN Bradley Armitage Armitage Wisconsin Berenice Lago Armitage Dickens Cortland Cl Wabansia Grant Webster o ift St Paul Fullerton o Cann Dickens McLean W El DePaul University Oz Park nd Willow r Home Belden Webster k nic lly Bloomingdale Me Ho Metra Clybourn Belden Dakin Byron Byron Bittersweet Cuyler Irving Park ay adw Kemper Cambridge Dickens mi Av xpw on y da le Do on st El yE Arlington LAKE Nature Museum Fullerton Fullerton Shakespeare ed Montana es Jam St. yn l Ros ton g Ar lin Deming n ol nn Altgeld i Larchmont Cuyler Grace nc Li Ke Lill od wo ght Irving Park Bro e Jonquil Park Wr Cuyler Irving Park e rov eG Pin Li st er ond e rov eG Pin n pde H am Medill rk Cla Montana Schubert Drumm Wrightwood Draper Lill n ol Schubert Diversey Diversey nc Li Hoyne Wolfram Greenview Wolfram Wolfram MID NORTH NEIGHBORHOODs Ravenswood Ravenswood MID NORTH NEIGHBORHOODs ATTRACTIONS GROCERY STORES Wrigley Field Clark & Addison www.cubs.com 773.404.CUBS Jewel Addison & Southport Broadway & Brompton Ashland & Oakdale Music Box Theater 3733 N. Southport www.musicboxtheater.com 773.871.6604 Dominick’s Broadway & Wellington Whole Foods Ashland & School MOVIE THEATERS Vic Theater - Brew & View 3145 N. Sheffield www.victheater.com 312.618.VIEW Century Center Cinema 2828 N. Clark www.landmarktheaters.com 773.509.4949 Treasure Island Broadway & Stratford POLICE STATION Addison & Halsted FIRE STATIONS Waveland & Seminary Halsted & Diversey Chicago Apartment Finders 13 MID NORTH NEIGHBORHOODs NEAR NORTH NEIGHBORHOODs ROSCOE VILLAGE BUENA PARK GOLD COAST RIVER NORTH Roscoe Village is a neighborhood bordering the Lakeview community offering a small town feel. It has a restaurant and shopping strip on Roscoe Street stretching from Damen to Western Avenue. Antique Row, the largest concentration of antique stores in the Midwest, is a five block stretch on Belmont from Damen to Western. A small pocket in the southeast corner of Uptown, Buena Park is north of Lakeview and steps from Lake Michigan. Buena Park is close to Wrigleyville, which means the many shops, restaurants and bars, as well as Wrigley Field, are just a short distance by foot. The Gold Coast is the residential area adjacent to the Magnificent Mile (the famous mile-long stretch of Michigan Avenue which is home to world-class shopping). This neighborhood dates back to 1882 and hosts extensive high rises, brownstones, and one-of-a-kind mansions. A growing neighborhood filled with art galleries, antique shopping and interior design service, River North has been compared to Manhattan’s Soho area. Residents have immediate access to Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan for running, boating, volleyball, biking and enjoying the lake. The Gold Coast offers magnificent views of Lake Michigan and the man-made Oak Street Beach is just steps away. The intersection of Rush and Division offers some of the most popular bars and restaurants in the city. Retro on Roscoe is an annual neighborhood festival that takes place in August. There you will find a vintage car show, popular bands appearing on three stages, and booths overflowing with art, jewelry, and crafts. Delicious food, soft drinks, and cold beer can be found on Roscoe Street between Damen Avenue and Leavitt Street. Located just four miles from the Loop, Roscoe Village is easily accessible by Lake Shore Drive, I-90/I-94 and the CTA Brown Line. THEATERS GROCERY STORES Griffin Theatre Co 3711 N. Ravenswood Ravenswood & Waveland 773.769.2228 Porchlight Theatre Ensemble 1919 W. Oakdale Oakdale & Wolcott 773.325.9884 Chicago Apartment Finders 14 Trader Joe’s 3745 N. Lincoln Lincoln & Waveland Whole Foods 3300 N. Ashland Ashland & School Dominick’s 3350 N. Western Western & Roscoe Buena Park was once one of the most fashionable places in the city to live at the turn of the century and has recently begun to regain its former status. New construction developments are consistent in scale and appearance with the many vintage buildings that are undergoing condominium conversions. Two colleges, Truman College and St. Augustine, call this area home. Chicago’s most famous cemetery, Graceland, is also in the area and contains magnificent tombs of many of 19th-century Chicago’s greatest architects, mayors and business men. MOVIE THEATERS GROCERY STORES Music Box 3733 N. Southport Southport & Waveland 773.871.6604 Jewel-Osco 4355 N. Sheridan Sheridan & Montrose Aldi 4450 N. Broadway Broadway & Montrose The Gold Coast is also home to the Newberry Library, an independent research library concentrating in the humanities, with an active educational and cultural presence in Chicago. It houses an extensive non-circulating collection of rare books, maps and manuscripts. The Newberry Library is adjacent to the Washington Square Park. River North also contains more trendy restaurants and dance clubs than anyone could hit in a month of weekends. The neighborhood covers a wide area and has an interesting blend of architecture, including new town homes and mid-rise condominium developments. The area is attracting urban dwellers who love the proximity to the Loop and the Financial District. River North is also home to the Merchandise Mart, recently renovated into a first-class shopping center for home design and fashion. MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS GROCERY STORES COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES THEATERS & ATTRACTIONS Museum of Contemporary Art 220 E. Chicago Ave Chicago & Michigan www.mcachicago.org Jewel-Osco 1210 N. Clark Clark & Division Loyola School of Law Kendall College Northwestern University Goodman Theater 170 N. Dearborn Dearborn & Randolph 312.443.3800 Newberry Library 60 W. Walton Walton & Clark www.newberry.org Treasure Island 75 W. Elm Elm & Dearborn THEATERS GROCERY STORES MOVIE THEATERS Potash Brothers 875 N. State State & Chestnut Lowes Theater 600 N. Michigan Michigan & Ohio 312.255.9347 Whole Foods 30 W. Huron Huron & Dearborn AMC River East 322 E. Illinois Illinois & Park 847.765.7262 Jewel-Osco 550 N. State State & Grand Loews Esquire 58 E. Oak Oak & State 312.280.1205 Chicago Apartment Finders 15 DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOODs FA R N O RT H N E I G H B O R H O O D s STREETERVILLE LOOP UPTOWN ANDERSONVILLE Streeterville is named after George Wellington “Cap” Streeter, who ran his schooner aground a sandbar near Michigan Avenue in 1886. Unable to dislodge his boat, he turned it into his home. Over time, landfill turned that part of Lake Michigan into land and Streeter laid claim to 168 acres. Though he was eventually evicted, Streeter remained on the land until his death in 1921. For more than a hundred years, the Loop has been the business center of Chicago. So named because of the El (elevated) train that “loops” around it, this district encompasses towering skyscrapers including the Sears Tower, the Chicago Board of Trade and the Art Institute of Chicago. County and State buildings are located here, as well as many theaters, restaurants and universities. Uptown is located between Lakeview and Edgewater. Some of the best live music in Chicago can be found here, from jazz to rock and everything in between. Uptown is home to the Green Mill, once a speakeasy of the infamous Al Capone and now a world-class destination for jazz musicians. Southwest of Edgewater, Andersonville is an old Swedish neighborhood. Although many of the Swedish residents are gone, the heritage is maintained in clean architecture, neighborhood bakeries and gift shops as well as the Swedish American Museum. Located between the Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan and bounded on the south by the Chicago River, Streeterville’s main attractions include Navy Pier, North Pier and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Grant Park, home of the famous Buckingham Fountain, plays host to the Taste of Chicago every summer. During this two week festival, over 3 million people gather to sample food from over 65 restaurants and to enjoy free performances by local and national acts at one of the four stages. Additionally, every Tuesday evening during the summer months people gather here with picnic baskets and blankets to enjoy classic films played on an outdoor 50’x34’ movie screen for free. Spacious mansions and apartment buildings have been renovated and restored over the past 20 years. This neighborhood is home to Foster Beach and Montrose Harbor and has easy access to Lake Shore Drive and Lincoln Park. Small cafes, galleries, book shops, antique stores and experimental theaters are found along Andersonville’s tree-lined streets. This is a clean-swept, long-established neighborhood with many single family homes and two-flats. Navy Pier is a popular tourist stop with over 50 acres of parks and gardens, shopping, restaurants and attractions. Ride the 50’ Ferris wheel, watch world-class performers at the Skyline Stage and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and enjoy the 3-D movies at the IMAX Theater. MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS MOVIE THEATERS Chicago Children’s Museum avy Pier Imax N 600 E. Grand 312.595.5629 700 E. Grand – Navy Pier www.childrensmuseum.org GROCERY STORES Navy Pier Jewel-Osco 550 N. State State & Grand 600 E. Grand www.navypier.com Chicago Apartment Finders 16 A small pocket of Uptown is Buena Park which is only a short walk from the Wrigleyville section of Lakeview. COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES MOVIE THEATERS THEATERS GROCERY STORES Illinois Institute of Art John Marshall Law School DePaul College of Law Argosy University Gene Siskel Film Center 164 N. State State & Randolph 312.846.2800 Historic Uptown Theater 4816 N. Broadway Broadway & Lawrence 773.561.4110 Jewel-Osco 4355 N. Sheridan Sheridan & Broadway MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS GROCERY STORES Art Institute of Chicago 111 S. Michigan Ave. Michigan & Monroe www.artic.edu Jewel-Osco 1224 S. Wabash Wabash & Roosevelt Riviera Theater 4746 N. Racine Racine & Lawrence 773.275.6800 Aldi 4450 N. Broadway Broadway & Sheridan Chicago Cultural Center 78 E. Washington Washington & Michigan Dominick’s 1340 S. Canal Canal & Roosevelt www.cityofchicago.org/culturalcenter/ MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS GROCERY STORES MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS Swedish-American Museum 5211 N. Clark Clark & Foster 773.728.8111 ewel-Osco J 5516 N. Clark Clark & Catalpa Vietnam War Museum 954 W. Carmen Carmen & Sheridan 773.728.6111 Town & Country Conservatories 1475 W. Foster Foster & Clark 773.506.8000 Dominick’s 5235 N. Sheridan Sheridan & Foster Chicago Apartment Finders 17 Park Lin n col Hutchinson Montrose Pensacola Cullom Ravenswood Agatite Cullom Warner Cuyler Irving Park Patterson Addison Rockwell Eddy h Wolcott Damen Seeley Hoyne Hamilton Leavitt Bell Oakley Claremont Western Artesian Campbell Talman Waveland B Bradley Bradley Ashland Berenice Grace Marshfield Seeley Hamilton Bernice Byron CTA Brown Line Larchmont Dakin Park Hermitage Irving Park Ravenswood Ravenswood Belle Plaine Cuyler Paulina Hermitage Berteau Paulina Warner Claremont Hutchinson Horner Revere Sunnyside Montrose Wolcott Honore Welles Pensacola Park Wilson Windsor Winchester Artesian Campbell Rockwell California Agatite Mozart Maplewood Windsor Oakley NORTH CENTER NEIGHBORHOODs Claremont FA R N O RT H N E I G H B O R H O O D s Cornelia Melrose School Melrose Paulina Henderson Campbell Henderson Roscoe Ravenswood Newport Roscoe Roscoe Melrose EDGEWATER ROGERS PARK LINCOLN SQUARE / RAVENSWOOD ST. BENS Edgewater lies between Lakeview and Rogers Park. Known for its diversity, Edgewater is home to Chicago’s New Chinatown with popular restaurants and shops owned by refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. As Chicago’s northernmost neighborhood, Rogers Park is one of the only communities with buildings that have direct access to Lake Michigan and some even offer semi-private beaches. This neighborhood is only a 15 minute train ride to the Loop. The heart of Lincoln Square is found where Lincoln, Western and Lawrence Avenues intersect. With leafy residential streets and remarkable architecture from beautiful old wood-frame Victorians to brick and graystone two- and three-flats, this neighborhood is also known for its many parks. Located just north of Roscoe Village, St. Bens is a well-established community convenient to the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/I-94) and Lake Shore Drive. The Edgewater Beach Hotel, a pink Spanish-style structure, opened in 1916 and soon became the place to be seen in Chicago. This lavish resort dominated the lakefront for almost 50 years and hosted celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe and Babe Ruth. The hotel closed its doors in the 1950s and the remaining structure has been renovated and is now condominiums. Housing options in Edgewater are diverse. You will find high rises, condominiums, mid-rise buildings and single family homes. The neighborhood boasts eight beautiful beaches, many small parks and eclectic shopping areas influenced by a diversity of cultures. Housing ranges from large Victorians and bungalows to converted condos and multi-unit buildings. This is a growing community with hundreds of new buildings being developed every year. Rogers Park is also the home of Loyola University. More than 10,000 students live and play in this neighborhood. COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES Loyola University Northwestern University (in Evanston) GROCERY STORES Jewel-Osco 5516 N. Clark Clark & Catalpa Dominick’s 6009 N. Broadway Broadway & Elmdale Jewel-Osco 5343 N. Broadway Broadway & Balmoral Chicago Apartment Finders 18 MOVIE THEATERS Village North 6746 N. Sheridan Sheridan & Columbia 773.764.9100 THEATERS Boxer Rebellion Theater 1257 W. Loyola Loyola & Lakewood 773.465.7325 Shopping includes a mixture of independent and one-of-a-kind businesses with a diverse selection of European and American merchandise. Traditional and new, trendy restaurants, a number of ethnic cafes and diverse entertainment abound. Ravenswood is a small neighborhood on the north side of Chicago located northwest of Lakeview. Ravenswood is off the beaten path but still maintains a close proximity to downtown, making commuting to work simple with easy access to the expressway and the Brown “El” line. GROCERY STORES Dominick’s 6623 N. Damen Damen & Albion St. Ben’s is also home to Bell Elementary School, a well-respected public school named after Alexander Graham Bell. Involved in the planning of the school, Bell’s goal was to educate hearing and deaf children together and all students still learn American Sign Language. Shops, bars and restaurants represent a wide range of cultures and its housing ranges from beautiful Victorian homes on large lots to spacious vintage apartments in courtyard buildings. GROCERY STORES Dominick’s 1763 W. Howard Howard & Hermitage Residents enjoy low-density living and a short walk to the local butcher shop or bakery. Characterized by brick two-flats and frame single-family homes on tree-lined streets, St. Ben’s also features many newer town home developments and loft conversions. Dominick’s 5233 N. Lincoln Lincoln & Foster Jewel-Osco 4250 N. Lincoln Lincoln & Hutchinson Aldi 2431 W. Montrose Montrose & Western GROCERY STORES MOVIE THEATERS Jewel-Osco 4250 N. Lincoln Lincoln & Hutchinson Davis Theatre 4614 N. Lincoln 773.784.0893 Jewel-Osco 3400 N. Western Western & Roscoe Aldi 2431 W. Montrose Montrose & Western THEATERS American Theatre Co. 1909 W. Byron Byron & Lincoln 773.929.1031 Chicago Apartment Finders 19 NORTHWEST NEIGHBORHOODs NEAR WEST NEIGHBORHOODs ALBANY PARK OLD IRVING PARK WICKER PARK BUCKTOWN Along the Chicago River and just east of the Edens Expressway lies Albany Park. This neighborhood is halfway between O’Hare International Airport and the Chicago Loop. Several bus lines serve the area as well as three stops on the CTA Brown Line. Northwest of downtown Chicago and just west of the Kennedy Expressway is Old Irving Park (also known as Old Irving and Irving Park), a large community full of many smaller shopping districts, each with its own flavor of delis, bakeries, pubs, independent businesses and retail shops. Wicker Park is an eclectic neighborhood with an emphasis on performance art, music and theater, that attracts an offbeat crowd. It also has many independent art galleries, particularly in the Flat Iron Building which features sculptors, painters and mixed-media artists. You’ll find Bucktown just to the north of Wicker Park. The neighborhood is made up of new condo buildings and formerly humble cottages now sporting skylights. Housing in Old Irving ranges from Victorian and bungalow homes to multi-unit apartment buildings. The lots in this area are larger than most you will find in Chicago and the neighborhood is filled with thriving gardens that provide a beautiful backdrop. There is a remarkable mix of small businesses, chic boutiques, galleries and trendy restaurants which results in a vibrant, dynamic neighborhood. On an average day in Wicker Park you could be buying a sequined armchair, having a dinner of octopi and chocolate-covered asparagus, getting a tattoo, seeing a thrash band, and watching the sun rise from one of its many late-night clubs. The CTA Blue Line as well as several bus lines provide transportation and there is easy access to Metra trains and I-90 / I-94. Housing in Wicker Park consists of single family homes and two- and three-flats. The proximity to the Chicago River provides picturesque views and parks with many sporting and recreational activities. A wide variety of vintage homes and apartment buildings ranging from two-flats to large courtyard buildings as well as single family homes and spacious condominiums make up the area. A refreshing mix of ethnic restaurants, shops and food markets are abundant, especially around the intersection of Lawrence and Kedzie Avenues. GROCERY STORES GROCERY STORES Chicago Produce 3500 W. Lawrence Lawrence & St. Louis Chicago Apartment Finders 20 Jay’s Grocery 3003 W. Montrose Montrose & Sacramento Jewel-Osco 4660 W. Irving Park Rd. Irving Park & Kilpatrick Aldi 3363 N. Milwaukee Milwaukee & Pulaski MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS MOVIE THEATERS Flatiron Building 1581 N. Milwaukee Milwaukee & Damen Cinema Borealis 1550 N. Milwaukee Milwaukee & Damen 773.293.1447 THEATERS GROCERY STORES Trap Door Productions 1655 W. Cortland Cortland & Paulina 773.384.0494 Aldi 1767 N. Milwaukee Milwaukee & Bloomingdale Chopin Theatre 1543 W. Division Division & Ashland 773.278.1500 Jewel-Osco 1341 N. Paulina Paulina & Milwaukee “Gallery Point,” the area’s central art colony, is bounded by Milwaukee, Damen, Wabansia and North Avenues. The Bucktown Arts Fest is held here every August and attracts over 30,000 people. Small neighborhood bars are found on every corner and both North and Damen Avenues boast smoky late-night clubs and stylish bars, shops, and restaurants. THEATERS GROCERY STORES The Double Door 1572 N. Milwaukee Damen, Milwaukee & North Ave. 773.489.3160 Cub Foods 2627 N. Elston Elston & Leavitt MOVIE THEATERS AMC Theater 2600 N. Western Western & Logan 773.394.1601 Aldi 2600 N. Clybourn Clybourn & Wrightwood Dominick’s 2550 N. Clybourn Clybourn & Wrightwood Chicago Apartment Finders 21 NEAR WEST NEIGHBORHOODs NEAR WEST NEIGHBORHOODs UKRAINIAN VILLAGE EAST VILLAGE & RIVER WEST HUMBOLDT PARK LOGAN SQUARE Ukrainian Village is a 32-square-block area northwest of downtown Chicago and is one of the most distinct areas of Chicago. With trendy Wicker Park nearby, residents have immediate access to dozens of spectacular restaurants, eclectic boutiques and art galleries. Ukrainian Village residents living near Ashland and Division also have an easy 10-minute ride to the Loop and a short commute to O’Hare via the CTA’s Blue Line. Directly east of Ukrainian Village, East Village was originally known as East Ukrainian Village, and then later named East Village. Humboldt Park is rich in culture and in history. One of Humboldt Park’s main attractions is “Paseo Boricua,” a Puerto Ricanflavored business strip on Division St. that stretches from one Puerto Rican flag to another. Another is the big park with its popular beach, outdoor pools, several lagoons, tennis courts, playgrounds, baseball diamonds, football/soccer fields, basketball courts, bicycle path, picnic areas, and mansion-lined boulevards. Logan Square provides one of the grandest intersections in Chicago. The square is set around an enormous marble column, which celebrates the centennial of Illinois statehood. Logan Boulevard, a split-street with flowers and trees presented between the eastbound and westbound thoroughfares, enters the square from the east, and is suitably majestic with large, well-tended homes with sweeping lawns. A cohesive residential area of simple, red brick 2- and 3-flats, cottages and Victorian style homes all with neatly groomed lawns, Ukrainian Village has also seen new townhouses being constructed in architecture that blends well with the vintage buildings surrounding them. The streets, yards and buildings are well-maintained with lovely gardens and balconies. This neighborhood primarily consists of charming 2 and 3 flats along tree-lined streets. Renovated apartments and single-family homes can also be found, as well as some new brick and limestone constructions. Property owners in East Village have carefully rehabbed the historic homes that abound in this area. And, you are still able to find apartments with great views of the city at very attractive prices, all within 10 minutes from downtown. On the west bank of the Chicago River is the area known as River West. It rubs elbows with trendy Wicker Park and artistic River North. River West boasts many charming traditional family-owned restaurants, bakeries, and flower and produce stands. Along Randolph Street many old warehouses and markets have been transformed into premier dining destinations. MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS GROCERY STORES ockwinkel’s B 600 W. Chicago Chicago & Larrabee Dominick’s 1 N. Halsted Halsted & Washington MUSEUMS GROCERY STORES Polish Museum of America 984 W. Milwaukee Milwaukee & Augusta 773.384.3352 Ukrainian Institute of Mod. Art 2320 W. Chicago Ave. Chicago & Western 773.227.5522 ldi A 1767 N. Milwaukee Milwaukee & Wabansia Chicago Tribune Newspaper Tours 777 W. Chicago Ave. Chicago & Halsted 312.222.2116 Ukrainian National Museum 721 N. Oakley Oakley & Superior 312.421.8020 Jewel-Osco 1341 N. Paulina Paulina & Milwaukee Chicago Center for the Performing Arts 777 N. Green - Green & Superior 773.327.2000 Chicago Apartment Finders 22 The neighborhood is well cared for and appealing, and truly one of Chicago’s melting pots. Logan Square has a diverse population comprised of Latino and Eastern European communities, as well as a younger demographic attracted to the neighborhood’s diversity as well as cheaper rents. Consequently, Logan Square offers a varied array of restaurants, bars, and shopping to its locals and visitors. GROCERY STORES Aldi 1767 N. Milwaukee Milwaukee & Bloomingdale Aldi 800 N. Kedzie Kedzie & Chicago MOVIE THEATERS GROCERY STORES Logan Theater 2646 N. Milwaukee Milwaukee & Sawyer 773.252.0628 ominick’s D 3300 W. Belmont Belmont & Spaulding Logan Square Supermarket 2857 W. Diversey Diversey & Mozart Chicago Apartment Finders 23 NEAR LOOP NEIGHBORHOODs NEAR LOOP NEIGHBORHOODs WEST LOOP SOUTH LOOP UIC / PILSEN TRI-TAYLOR The West Loop is a community just west of the Loop. The area is experiencing incredible growth and development as urban dwellers seek to find property that enables them to live, work and play in close proximity of Chicago’s downtown. The South Loop has been developing since the early 80’s and continues to experience a construction boom. A century ago, this neighborhood was Chicago’s most famous gambling and prostitution district. Today the South Loop consists of three neighborhoods – Dearborn Park, Printer’s Row and Central Station, a new neighborhood currently being developed. Pilsen hosts several notable festivals of Latino origin that attract visitors from throughout the city. Twenty-Sixth Street is the site of the Mexican Independence Day Parade, the largest Latino parade in the city. The three-day Fiesta del Sol is one of the city’s largest neighborhood festivals and takes place during the first week of August. In September, the neighborhood’s annual Day of the Dead celebration begins. Tri-Taylor is a desirable, highly accessible location, energetic with new life due to new housing developments. Local government, local businesses and the community are working together to further the development of this neighborhood. The West Loop has a mix of lofts, galleries, photographers, and graphic design firms. It is also an architecturally interesting mix of residential and commercial loft space conveniently located close to the Loop and the near north side. The West Loop is home to the United Center, the sports stadium where the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks play. The United Center is also one of Illinois’ largest entertainment venues for music, circuses and performances. The West Loop is also home to Harpo Studios which is where Oprah Winfrey records her shows. Once famous for its meat and produce markets (many of which still exist), nearby Randolph Street is now home to many of Chicago’s premier restaurants. MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS Union Station 210 S. Canal Canal & Jackson Jane Adams Museum 800 S. Halsted Halsted & Harrison 312.413.5353 Chicago Apartment Finders 24 Dearborn Park is a 20-year-old condo development built on land that was owned by several railroads. It’s just south of the Loop between State Street and Clark Street, and south of Polk Street to 15th Street. Printer’s Row is a condo and rental area made up of loft buildings. It is located directly southwest of the Loop. Every year the neighborhood hosts a large book fair and there Is no shortage of bookstores, restaurants, and bars. MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS MOVIE THEATERS Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive www.sheddaquarium.org Burnham Plaza Theater 826 S. Wabash Wabash & 8th 312.544.9100 GROCERY STORES GROCERY STORES Adler Planetarium 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive www.adlerplanetarium.org Dominick’s 1 N. Halsted Halsted & Madison Field Museum Roosevelt Road at Lake Shore Dr. www.fieldmuseum.org Civic Opera House 20 N. Wacker Wacker & Madison 312.419.0033 Jewel-Osco 1224 S. Wabash Wabash & Roosevelt A large artist community has been drawn to Pilsen partly because of the availability of loft space. The Pilsen East Artists Open House occurs during the last weekend of September, when artists who live around 18th and 19th streets near Halsted Street open their studios to the public. It is a true open studio walk, and the interior courtyards are also used as exhibit space. The Podmajersky family has supported artists and the Pilsen community for over forty years and started the event in the mid-1960s. The city awarded parts of Tri-Taylor landmark status to preserve its essential old-world flavor. The tree-lined streets consist of restored 19th-century row houses and two- and three-flats, as well as new townhouses and single-family homes. GROCERY STORES GROCERY STORES Jewel-Osco 1220 S. Ashland Ashland & Roosevelt A short walk from Little Italy, Tri-Taylor is close to some of the best Italian restaurants and bakeries in the city. It’s also convenient to the delicious restaurants of Chicago’s Greek Town on Halsted. Dominick’s 1340 S. Canal Canal & 14th Jewel-Osco 1220 S. Ashland Ashland & Roosevelt Chicago Apartment Finders 25 Every home needs a good provider. Renter Resources On the next pages you’ll find ways to cut the hassles that come after you sign your lease. We’ll tell you how to best organize your move, what kind of insurance you’ll need and how to hook up your phone, cable, internet and utilities. Make moving simple. Pre-order your RCN bundle: Cable TV, Internet and Phone, and your services will be ready on move-in day. Here are some of the services we offer: You’ll also find information on what’s going on in Chicago so you can make the most of this great city. High-Speed Internet: • The fastest residential Internet available; 1.5 Mbps, 5 Mbps, 10 Mbps, and 20 Mbps • McAfee® Internet security services • RCN Games and RCN Music Digital Cable TV: • Up to 240 digital channels including digital music • 19 HD channels • DVR to record all your favorite programs • Video ON DEMAND Unlimited Phone: And don’t forget there’s also the convenience of one bill for all your RCN services and no long-term contract. RCN bundled services – helping you feel at home. For special offers, call Yaz today, your local sales representative. 312.804.2516 • Unlimited domestic long distance, regional, and local calling • Choose phone features like Voicemail, Caller ID, and more • Keep your current phone number For additional terms and conditions log onto www.rcn.com. Subject to taxes, franchise fees, or other government-imposed charges or fees. All sales are subject to a credit check and may require a pre-payment of services. Other restrictions may apply. © 2007 RCN Telecom Services of Illinois, LLC. All rights reserved. 4987 06/07 Chicago Apartment Finders 27 CONNECTING YOUR UTILITIES MOVING CHECK LIST SIX WEEKS BEFORE MOVING ONE WEEK BEFORE MOVING ELECTRICITY THE BUDGET PLAN Make an inventory of everything to be moved. Collect everything not to be moved for garage sale or donation. Contact the charity for pick-up date/time, save receipts for tax records. Select mover, arrange for exact form of payment at destination. Get cartons and packing materials and start packing now (unless you have packing services). Contact insurance agent to transfer/cancel insurance coverage. Check with employer to find out what moving expenses they will pay. Transfer or close checking and savings accounts. Have automobile serviced for the trip. Check and make inventory of all furniture for dents and scratches, notify moving company of your inventory and compare on final day. Pack a separate carton for cleaning materials and tools. Separate cartons and luggage you need for personal travel. Organize at least one room in the house for packers and movers to work freely. Cancel all newspaper subscriptions. Review the entire list to make sure you haven’t overlooked anything. COMED www.comedmove.com Customer Service and Emergency line: 800-EDISON-1 Visit the web site to set up, cancel or transfer service, find information on rates and energy saving tips. You can also pay your bill online. Gas and electric companies realize that the cost to run and heat your home varies from season to season. Often, your gas bill is much higher in the winter than in the summer. In an attempt to help customers manage their bills, they offer a budget plan. This plan is set up to make monthly payments more equal all year round, based on a 12-month plan. FOUR WEEKS BEFORE MOVING Notify all magazines of change of address. Check with vet for pet records and immunizations. Contact utility companies to set turn-off date. Contact utility companies in new location to set turn-on date. Collect everything you loaned out, return everything you borrowed. Get family records and prescriptions from doctors and dentists. Get children’s school records. Give away or arrange for transportation of house plants (most moving companies will not transport plants). Fill out change of address form at www.usps.com. MOVING DAY Plan on spending the entire day at the house. Last minute decisions must be made by you. Don’t leave until the movers have gone. Tell packers and/or driver about fragile or precious items. Make a final check of the entire house. Approve and sign bill of loading, double check delivery address. GAS Peoples Energy www.peoplesenergy.com Emergency line: 866-556-6002 Customer Service: 866-556-6001 Visit the web site to set up, cancel or transfer service, find information on rates and billing information. At the end of the twelve months, your account will be audited and you will be credited if you paid for more energy or gas than you actually used. Conversely, your account will be charged if you ended up using more energy or gas than you paid for - which is often the case. CHANGE OF ADDRESS Different companies have different policies, but usually if you are continuing service, the amount owed at the end of the first 12-month period can be rolled into a new budget plan. If you are cancelling service, you will be expected to pay the amount in full. United States Postal Service https://moversguide.usps.com To change your address online, you must verify your information by using a valid credit card. There is a $1.00 fee for this service. You also have the option of printing your information and mailing it in, for which you will not be charged a fee. Budgeting information can be found on the web sites provided at the left, or by calling the customer service numbers. ǏƗǖǔǔƗǒǔǔƗǕǎǕǎƧ ƕ Ɲ ƕ ƕ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƕ Ɲ Ɓ ƒ Ɲ ƕ Ɲ ƕ ƒ ƒ ƕ ƒƝ ƕ ƒƕƕƦ ƕƿǐǎǎǔ ƒƕƕ ƕ Chicago Apartment Finders 28 Chicago Apartment Finders 29 PHONE, CABLE & INTERNET SERVICE D E C O R AT I N G A S M A L L S PA C E YOUR OPTIONS COMCAST FROM SMALL TO SPACIOUS In Chicago, consumers have three main options for phone, cable and internet service: Comcast, RCN and AT&T. Generally, all three suppliers are available throughout the city. However, some buildings have contracts with one or the other and you may not have a choice. Your best bet is to check with the companies to ensure they provide service at your building. Phone, Cable and Internet www.comcast.com Customer Service and Billing: 866-594-1234 Decorating and furnishing a small apartment or studio can be challenging, but when done correctly your small spaces will look and feel more spacious. Try these suggestions for creating space. These companies often “bundle” services. The idea is to give customers a discount for purchasing more than one service from their company. Rates, discounts and options are all listed on the web sites provided. Keep in mind that you need to make sure the prices you are comparing are for identical services. RCN Phone, Cable and Internet www.rcn.com Customer Service and Billing: 800-Ring-RCN AT&T Phone, Satellite TV and Internet www.newatt.com Customer Service and Billing: 800-244-4444 Sturdy boxes of all sizes Packing tape Bubble wrap Razor knife and/or scissors Dark, water resistant marker HELPFUL GUIDELINES • Pack one room at a time, labeling each box appropriately. • Label boxes containing breakable or sentimental items “Fragile.” • Wrap items individually. • Cushion the bottom of boxes with a layer of crushed paper. • Pack heavy items in small boxes • Make sure boxes are firmly packed with lighter items on the top. Lighting: Use a soft, even light and eliminate shadows which tend to slice a room up into smaller spaces. Incandescent lighting will also soften a room. Avoid ceiling lighting as this will visually lower your ceiling. Tips: Keep your apartment simple and clean. If you don’t need it throw it out! Clutter free = Stress-free! Rental Decorating Digest www.rentaldecorating.com Toiletries (soap, shampoo, razors, etc.) First-aid kit Aspirin or other pain reliever Medications and eyeglasses Box cutter or knife Tape, scissors Basic cleaning supplies Snacks Disposable plates, cups and eating utensils Pet supplies Trash bags Lightbulbs and flashlights Bedding and alarm clock Tools Map of your new area EXTRA TIPS • Hazardous materials - items that are flammable, corrosive or explosive. • Perishables - food, plants or living things that may die or spoil. • Items of personal importance or sentimental value - plan for special care of photographs, jewelry and legal documents. • Buy or rent garment boxes to ship clothing on hangers. • Don’t be afraid to start early. • Packed boxes should have a consistent weight (25 - 30 pounds). Accidents happen when boxes weigh much more or less than people expect. 30 Use the same or similar colors for your large pieces of furniture and your walls and keep your ceiling lighter than the rest of the room. WHAT TO PACK LAST WHAT NOT TO PACK Chicago Apartment Finders Arrangements and Traffic Flow: When arranging your furniture, be aware of traffic patterns. All traffic should flow uninterrupted through your room. In a living room, start with the sofa or love seat. When arranging your furniture, start with the largest piece on the largest wall and facing your focal point. Then create a conversation area. Place a side chair on each side of the love seat and place your coffee table where it can be reached from all three sitting places. Accessories and Patterns: In small spaces be careful not to overuse accessories. Remember, less is more if you want to create an open feeling. Mirrors and shiny reflective accessories help create the illusion of more space. Larger patterns should be limited to pillows and smaller accessories rather than a large sofa or love seat. PA C K I N G L I S T WHAT YOU NEED Furnishings: When selecting furniture for your small space, choose smaller pieces that have a more open design. Color: When choosing color schemes, select soft and monochromatic colors. Chicago Apartment Finders 31 CITY DOGS ARE YOU READY FOR A DOG? There are so many wonderful reasons to get a dog. But for some of us, there may be a few reasons not to have one. Don’t just think about how a dog will enhance your life, but ask yourself, “What am I willing to do to enhance the life of my dog?” Ask yourself the following questions if you are considering becoming a pet owner. • Food and water bowls. Stainless steel are the easiest to clean and are the most durable. • An area outside where it can do its business and not ruin anyone’s garden or play area. 1. What do you expect your life to be like in the next few years? 2. How much time do you spend at home - awake? 3. Will your home provide enough space for a dog? 4. How would you be affected if your dog needed surgery that would cost in excess of $500? 5. What would be your support system for the dog when you go out of town? 6. How often do you travel? • Chew toys and bones. Nylon bones and squeaky toys are favorites with dogs. • A leash and collar, so you can take the dog home without worrying about the dog running away. •Cleaning solutions for mistakes (the enzymatic ones work best). With every dog, expect a few mistakes. READY? WHAT YOUR NEW DOG WILL NEED CHICAGO DOG PARKS • • 1825 N. Damen 2645 N. Sheffield 1466 S. Wabash 3035 N. Hoyne A spot in the house that will be his own, where he can sleep and keep all of his toys. A dog bed. You can buy one depending on the size of the dog or make one by using a small rug or an old blanket. Chicago Apartment Finders 32 4921 N. Marine 1425 N. Damen 1722 N. Ashland Chicago Apartment Finders 33 F I N D I N G Y O U R P E R F E C T H E A LT H C L U B 6 ESSENTIALS TO LOOK FOR Location: For you to succeed in your health and fitness program, the facility of your choice must be convenient or it will not become a realistic habit that you will form. The faster and easier it is for you to get to your club and park your car, the better. Comfortable Atmosphere: Take a tour of the club. Find out what the members are like, and if you like the atmosphere. Will you feel comfortable working out there? Talk with all of the staff, not just the sales person you meet. Select a club where you feel you fit in and are welcome. Staff: Make sure the club is adequately staffed i.e. that there is always someone there who can answer your questions, show you a new exercise, or show you how to use the equipment correctly. Facility Offerings: Before you visit a club make a list of all the things that are important to you, such as child care, weight loss programs, personal training, cardio equipment, etc., and make sure that the club you choose offers most of them. Chicago Apartment Finders 34 Costs: Everyone is on a budget. Be sure your membership fees fit in with yours. Find out exactly what your membership fees will be and for how long. Find out exactly what your membership includes: classes, lockers, child care, towels, etc. Are there extra costs for extra services? Contracts: Some clubs have a one-time initiation fee and require you to purchase a minimum of three months up front, while others allow month to month memberships. Most clubs will debit your fees directly from your credit card or checking account. Make sure you understand the cancellation policies and always read your Consumer Rights which should appear on every contract. TRY BEFORE YOU BUY Membership consultants will educate you as to the benefits of joining a club. If you feel you need to try out the equipment and get a “feeling” for the club before you commit, ask for a day pass or trial membership. Make sure you try out the club at the time you would normally work out; you’ll get a better feel for how crowded it is. Notice if there is a wait for the equipment, how helpful the staff is, and if the facility is clean. Talk to a few members and ask how they like the club. Chicago Apartment Finders 35 RENTER’S INSURANCE BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW F I N D I N G A B A N K T H AT W O R K S F O R Y O U THERE ARE CHOICES Damage to your personal property is almost never covered under the landlord’s insurance. It is in your best interest to obtain renter’s insurance. A relatively inexpensive policy could end up saving you thousands of dollars. Here are some terms and definitions to help you make sense of your policy: Personal Property Protection: This is the amount of money the insurance company will pay you to replace personal property like your clothes, furniture, or electronics that are damaged, destroyed or stolen. Often, this protects your property even if it is not in your home (ex: if your golf clubs are stolen out of your car). Some items, like jewelry or stereo equipment, may have their own much lower limits. Make sure to pay attention to these limits and to purchase additional insurance if the limit is not enough. Loss of Use Coverage: If you have a loss (your apartment burns down) this coverage will help you pay for any expenses you have beyond replacing property - like helping to cover the cost of your hotel bills during reconstruction. Family Liability Protection: If you (or someone in your family who lives with you) are responsible for accidentally hurting someone or damaging their property, the insurance company will pay the damages up to the set limit. This insurance will also help pay your legal costs if you are sued because of this accident, or if someone gets hurt while visiting you. Guest Medical Protection: If someone is injured on your property, this insurance will help cover that person’s medical bills - no matter who is at fault for the accident. Replacement Coverage vs. Actual Cash Value: Insurance companies provide coverage for your property either through Replacement Coverage or Actual Cash Value Coverage. If your 10 year old dresser is destroyed in a fire and it is going to cost $1500 to replace it, Replacement Cost Insurance will pay to replace your dresser with a new dresser of the same quality as the one you lost (less your deductible). But, if you have Actual Cash Value Insurance, the company will pay what your 10 year old dresser would be worth today (minus your deductible). 3UREYOURENTBUTITS 7(!43).3)$% Choosing a bank can be confusing for anyone, especially if you are new to an area. You may ask yourself, “Do I want a large chain bank? Does a neighborhood bank suit my needs better? How many ATM’s does my bank have in the area?” There are many factors to consider when choosing a bank that is right for you. Finding a large bank with a neighborhood feel can seem close to impossible, but in Chicago, they do exist. You can choose a bank with all of the bells and whistles of a large chain bank, but still find the friendly atmosphere you desire. Find a bank that prides itself on simplifying your finances to help you make your banking experience as convenient as possible. A bank with multiple branch locations can help to ensure a long term relationship. Having to choose a new bank because you are moving to a different part of the city can be a time consuming hassle. Make sure to choose a bank that is convenient to the locations of not only your home, but your job as well. Everyone needs a checking account, and choosing one can be a confusing process. The bank that you choose should provide you with different options for checking accounts that will suit your needs at different stages in your life. There are several types of checking accounts to choose from. A checking account that offers you a low minimum balance can provide overdraft protection which will help avoid financial problems in the future. There are also excellent options which allow you to earn interest on the money that you have in your checking account. They will require that you keep a higher minimum balance, but the benefit is that you will receive a more significant return on your money. A savings account is essential nowadays, and most people need guidance on what type of account will work for them. 10% of your income that you take home should be put into a savings account. Finding a bank that can automatically transfer funds from your checking account to your savings account is a good idea. Your bank should offer you a basic savings account as well as a higher yield savings account to help you save for your future. Most banks offer credit card services to all of their qualified customers. After graduating from college the average American carries over $2700.00 in credit card debt. One way to avoid debt is to use a debit card that your bank may offer so you have the convenience of using a major credit card name without the debt. PA R K I N G I N C H I C A G O THATMAKESIT 9/52(/-% 9OURLANDLORDSINSURANCECOVERSTHEBUILDINGNOTYOUR STUFFINSIDE&ORAROUNDTHECOSTOFA$6$AMONTH YOUCANGET2ENTERS)NSURANCEANDPROTECTTHETHINGS THATMAKEYOURPLACEYOURHOME 3COTT!NGAROLA)NS!GCY)NC 3COTT!NGAROLA!GENT 7"ELMONT "US SCOTTANGAROLAHLA STATEFARMCOM To ensure that residents of densely populated areas have access to parking, the City of Chicago requires Chicagoans to display a parking permit sticker on all cars parked in restricted areas during designated hours. Zone permits are $25.00 annually. Guest passes in books of 15 can be purchased for $3.00. Both are available at your Alderman’s office. CITY STICKERS Every year Chicagoans must comply with the Wheel Tax Ordinance and display a new sticker on their windshields or face tickets and fines. The money collected from the vehicle sticker fee pays for road improvements (a.k.a. filling up potholes). City Stickers can be purchased at any Currency Exchange or at www.cityofchicago.org PARKING TICKETS Should you get a parking ticket we recommend that you pay it on time, as three or more unresolved tickets will result in your car being booted. This is when a large ugly yellow “boot” is attached to one of your tires and your car is immobilized. In general, the boot will not be removed until all fees are paid in full. To avoid this you can always let Chicago Apartment Finders find you an apartment with parking. 3TATE&ARM&IREAND#ASUALTY#OMPANY3TATE&ARM'ENERAL)NSURANCE#OMPANY"LOOMINGTON), 3TATE&ARM&LORIDA)NSURANCE#OMPANY7INTER(AVEN&,sSTATEFARMCOM 0 Chicago Apartment Finders PERMIT PARKING 36 Chicago Apartment Finders 37 CHICAGO EVENTS W H AT T O D O I N C H I C A G O MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL The Art Institute in the summer EVENTS 2007 Chicago Cubs - Wrigley Field www.cubs.com 773.404.CUBS ST. PATRICK’S DAY • Chicago Triathalon August 24-26 •Viva! Latin Music Festival August 25-26 • Chicago Jazz Festival Chicago White Sox - US Cellular Field www.chisox.com 866.SOX.GAME A day where the river is colored green and everyone gets drunk. August 31 – September 3 THE WELLS STREET ART FESTIVAL NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE Chicago Bears - Soldier Field www.chicagobears.com 847.295.6600 • Around the CoyoteSeptember 8 - 10 •The Wine Crush in Old TownSeptember 9 NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION • Celtic FestSeptember 16 - 17 •Lincoln Park OktoberfestSeptember 22 – 23 Chicago Bulls - United Center www.nba.com/bulls 312.455.4000 • Chicago International Film FestivalOctober 5 – 19 •State Street Thanksgiving Day Parade November 23 NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE • 93rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony November 24 • Chicago MarathonOctober 22 • New Year’s Eve FireworksDecember 31 Chicago Blackhawks - United Center www.chicagoblackhawks.com 312.455.7000 •LaSalle Bank Chicago MarathonOctober 7 •State Street Thanksgiving Day Parade November 22 • 94th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony November 23 • ChristkindlmarketDecember-January • New Year’s Eve FireworksDecember 31 THE CHICAGO DEEP PAN PIZZA 20.000 mouth watering calories POINTS OF INTEREST MUSEUMS Buckingham Fountain Grant Park Adler Planetarium www.adlerplanetarium.org Chicago Botanic Garden 1000 Lake Cook Road The Art Institute of Chicago www.artic.edu The Hancock Observatory 875 N Michigan Avenue Chicago Historical Society www.chicagohs.org Lincoln Park Zoo Fullerton at Lake Shore Drive The Field Museum www.fieldmuseum.org Navy Pier 600 E Grand Avenue Museum of Contemporary Art www.mcachicago.org Sears Tower Skydeck 233 S Wacker Drive John G. Shedd Aquarium www.sheddaquarium.org Garfield Park Conservatory 300 N. Central Park Avenue Museum of Science and Industry www.msichicago.org • Chicago Jazz Festival August 30 – September 2 •The Wine Crush in Old TownSeptember 15 • Celtic FestSeptember 15 - 16 •Lincoln Park OktoberfestSeptember 21 – 22 • Chicago International Film FestivalOctober 4 – 17 • Around the Coyote Fall Arts FestivalOctober 11-14 EVENTS 2008 •South Side Irish Parade March 9 • Naperville St. Patrick’s Day Parade •St. Patrick’s Day Parade • Art Chicago • Chicago Gospel Festival •Lakeview Mayfest March 10 March 17 April 1-30 May 30-June 1 May THE PRIDE PARADE Chicago Apartment Finders 38 The second largest gay parade in the country. Chicago Apartment Finders 39 CHICAGO EVENTS AND MEDIA • Chicago Blues Festival •Old Town Art Fair June 5-8 June 14-15 •Taste of Chicago June 27-July 6 • Chicago Country Music Festival June 28-29 • Andersonville Midsommarfest June • Northcenter Rib Fest June • Wells Street Art Festival June •Taste of Randolph Street June • Pride Fest and Pride Parade June • Chicago Outdoor Film Festival •Venetian Night July 15-August 26 July 26 •Lakeview Music Festival July • Magnificent Mile Art Fest July •Old St. Pat’s Block Party July • Pitchfork Music Festival July • Rock Around the Block July •Sheffield Garden Walk July •Summer on Southport July •Taste of Lincoln Avenue July •Lollapalooza Chicago Sun Times www.suntimes.com 800-945-5000 Chicago Tribune www.chicagotribune.com 800-TRIBUNE Chicago Reader www.chireader.com 312-828-0350 Crain’s Chicago Business www.crainschicagobusiness.com 312-649-5411 TABLOIDS Newcity www.newcitychicago.com Red Eye www.chicagoredeye.com 800-TRIBUNE The Onion www.theonion.com 312-498-5200 MAGAZINES C August 1-3 •Gold Coast Art Fair August 1-3 • Air & Water Show August 16-17 • Retro on Roscoe August • Northalsted Market Days August M Time Out Chicago CityGuide Magazine www.timeout.com/chicago www.cityguidechicago.com 312-924-9555 312-498-5200 Chicago Magazine www.chicagomag.com 800-999-0879 Windy City Times www.outlineschicago.com 773-871-7610 TELEVISION STATIONS UR Chicago www.urchicago.com 773-404-1497 Chicago Apartment Finders 40 CM WBBM TV 2 WMAQ TV 5 CBS NBC WLS TV 7 WGN TV 9 ABC cw WLUW WBEZ WXRT WZZN WNUA WBBM WDRV WLUP WUSN WNND WKQX WTMX WJMK WGCI WMVP 88.7 91.5 93.1 94.7 95.5 96.3 97.1 97.9 99.5 100.3 101.1 101.9 104.3 107.5 1000 AM CY CMY Fifth Third Free Checking* K No Minimum Balance No Monthly Fees WCIU TV 26 WFLD TV 32 WPRW TV 50 THE U FOX UPN WTTW TV 11 PBS RADIO STATIONS 4TH OF JULY Y MY CityGuide Magazine www.cityguidechicago.com 312-498-5200 Every year two million people gather at the lakefront to watch the spectacular fireworks show. Free your mind. NEWSPAPERS College Public Rock Oldies Smooth Jazz Top 40 Classic Rock Rock Country R&B and Disco Alternative Contemporary Variety Hip-Hop Sports The last thing you should be thinking about is your checking account. With Fifth Third Free Checking, you’ll free yourself from monthly fees and minimum balances. Fifth Third Bank can show you how all of your hard work today can mean more for your tomorrow. Call 1-773-327-2702 or walk into our Lakeview Banking Center at 640 W. Diversey Pkwy., Chicago, IL 60614. www.53.com *Customer purchases checks. Fifth Third and Fifth Third Bank are registered service marks of Fifth Third Bancorp. Member FDIC.