Apartment Hunting

Let me tell you, the rental market is an... interesting game. Over the past two weeks, I somewhat drastically made the decision to end my current lease a month early, post my apartment on Craigslist, find new renters, and search for a new apartment for myself, as well. I saw at least 15 or so one-bedrooms around Chicago–and I mean all over the city, from Ravenswood to Logan Square to West Town–and am so so excited with the apartment I ended up getting, I jumped for joy when they called and told me my application was approved.

But before I reveal the new space, which don't get too excited because it's currently inhabited by very messy folks and the photos don't do it justice, I want to walk you through some of the BETTER options of what I saw the past two weeks...

Overall impression? Apparently 90% of the world lives like slobs. I'm no neat kitten but come on, people...

APARTMENT 1 – Lakeview at the corner of Belmont and Clark 

the good 

- amazing open space w/ bay windows 

- great location 

- tons of natural light 

- cheap rent 

- charming details: fireplace mantel, high ceilings and windows, entryway 

the bad 

- those are crayon renderings on the kitchen walls 

- kitchen was way too tiny 

- not a full-size sink, fridge, or oven 

- no grass outside to run the pups out when it’s lake at night, freezing, raining, etc. 

- no easy parking

APARTMENT 2 – Wrigleyville/Buena Park at Irving Park Road and Clarendon 
 the good 
- loved it, wanted it, would have signed. it's a great building w/ gated parking, amenities

the bad
- it is around the corner from my current apartment and I wanted a CHANGE.
- I'd have to move out in a year due to property updates and the thought of having to pack up and move again in 12 months exhausts me.

APARTMENT 3 – Logan Square 
the good 
- heart of Logan Square
- great natural light
- fun layout where bedroom and living room are open to one another
- claw-foot tub

the bad
- no dishwasher
- Logan Square is far
- no easy parking

APARTMENT 4 – Logan Square 
the good
- not much compared to the other Logan Square apartment

the bad
- way too small

APARTMENT 5 – The Runner Up at Halsted and Barry in Lakeview 

the good

- huuuge living space 

- top floor - lots of light 

- kitchen floor tile 

- small outdoor space 

- walking distance to Danielle 

the bad 

-   I'd have to walk down three flights of stairs outside to do laundry. That is no fun in the winter.

-   no dishwasher

- kind of a crappy bathroom

- not a ton of closet space

APARTMENT 6 – The Winner! Armitage and Halsted and Lincoln Park 

the good

 - LOCATION! short walk to both the brown line and red line, heart of Lincoln Park, so much closer to downtown than anywhere else I looked

- lots of light 

- charming separation of rooms: arched doorways, two doors to bedroom, small hallway and entryway

- eat-in kitchen 

- laundry and extra storage space in building 

- two huge closets 

- spacious rooms 

- built-in closet in the hallway between the bedroom and bathroom 

the bad

- no dishwasher

Hopefully I'll have some better before photos to show you once the apartment is vacated. This week I am in South Carolina with my family–follow along on Instagram!–so when I get back it's going to be A LOT of packing in preparation for the big move! Wish me luck!