Oh interwebz, how I have missed you! School is sort of kicking my ass this semester, but it is Saturday! And I am up before noon! So I shall delight you with this post about apartment hunting in Hyde Park!
Will and I, along with my awesome note-takin' momma, went apartment hunting in Chicago last weekend. We left the house at 7:45am to make it into the city in time for our first appointment at 10:00am, where we met with Dennis from TLC apartments. We arrived a little bit early, so we found some street parking, and proceeded to enter the Madison Park Apartment building. Dennis wasn't in his office yet, so we wandered around the awesome lobby checking things out. The building was built around 1930, and the architecture was awesome, if you're like me and you geek out on that sort of thing.
We checked out their brand new fitness center; a gym on site is a MAJOR plus in our book. We also checked out the laundry facilities. Very clean. Ample washers and dryers. 1.65 per wash, 1.65 per dry. Around that time, Dennis found us, and we filled out some paperwork to let him know what we were interested in.
Basically, we *need* something that rents for around 1000 per month that is cat friendly. We *want* something with a gym, on site laundry, relatively easy street parking, some legit closet space, very easy access to public transit, 600 or more square feet, a dishwasher, and a view. (Yeah, we'
re not picky at all, eh?!)
Dennis was really friendly and knowledgeable. He was supposed to show us two units in the Madison Park building, but one had been rented out the night before, so he showed us the one that was left. It was a small, 500 square foot box. The teeeeeeeny bedroom was directly off of the small living room. It was updated with a brand new, teeeeny galley kitchen. The kitchen had a brand new dishwasher! OMG! YES! Holy hell, I HATE hand washing dishes! I am too lazy for that shit, y'all!
The building was located on a nice, quiet, tree lined street. The unit had brand new carpet, and a huge window with a view of the street below. Dennis said that it rents for $975.00 per month, including the cat rent, and that it's so close to UC that we get the added benefit of the UC police force patrolling our street. He also said that street parking is relatively easy on Dorchester, but if we wanted a guaranteed spot, they have one space in the lot across the street that rents for 125.00 per month.
We thanked Dennis for his time, and we had about two and a half hours to kill before our appointment with MAC apartments, so we strolled the neighborhood. We saw some funky little shops, several ethnic restaurants, a dunkin donuts, a starbucks, and several adorable cafes. We ate breakfast at a great little spot called Mellow Yellow that has been around since the 70s. I took a mental note that the food here was relatively inexpensive, and pretty tasty. It could definitely be our breakfast spot in the area.
We also decided to go inside Hyde Park Produce, a grocery store that I had previously researched online, and I was very excited to check out their goodies. True to their name, they had a HUGE selection of tasty looking, fresh produce. I purchased 3 avacados for $1.10. SCORE!
Then we strolled past the produce section and began checking out other foodstuffs, and I almost shit my pants. I knew grocery prices were going to be high in Chicago, but it was still sort of shocking to see a pint of Breyer's going for over $8.00. I can buy one here for $3.60. Ah well. It won't kill me to give up a little icecream. Plus, when my parents and sisters come in to visit, I can tell them to bring cheap groceries and write em a check when they arrive. ;) Muahahhaa!
Our next appointment was at 1:00pm with Seth at MAC apartments. Again, we explained our likes and dislikes, and off we were to check out some apartments. Seth told us that pretty much all of the units we would be seeing were within a mile of the Obama home. So natch, I asked to drive past it. We did. And the Obama home is MASSIVE, old, and gorgeous, and there were secret service dudes all over the place. The street is blocked off at all times. I made my momma take some pictures. I am nerdy like that.
But I digress.
The first place Seth showed us was on Drexel Ave. As we began walking up to the building, Seth told us that the unit we were seeing rents for $850.00 a month. I was psyched! If we could find something we really enjoyed for less than $900.00 a month I would be beyond THRILLED.
Buuuut then we walked into the building and down the hall. And it stunk. And it was dark. And it was dirty. It had a palpable, creepy vibe. Gross.
Will shot me a look that said, "OH HELLLLL NO, WOMAN. We are NOT living here." We walked into the unit and it was actually pretty decent. Fresh paint. Hardwood. Big closet. But we didn't feel comfortable in that building. The hall was smelly. And it was creepy. And it kind of made me want to go home and take a hot shower. So we told Seth thanks, but no thanks, and off we went.
Apartment number 3 was a vintage walk up on Woodlawn. Seth told us it rents for $962.00 a month, plus $25.00 each month for our darling little feline. We hoofed it up the 4 flights of stairs, and through the door. Annnnnd....
......it was glorious! Angels were singing and beating their wings! I think I heard Jesus himself say, "you're welcome, my child." I. freaking. loved. this. place. It was HUGE!
It was also really messy, and I think that really turned Will off. Apparently the previous tenants had literally just moved out the night before, and the place was pretty messy. But of course they have a team that comes in and cleans everything up, paints, etc. I tried to reassure Will (who admittedly hasn't done a whole lot of apartment hunting in the past) that we wouldn't be moving in until everything was painted, and all cleaned up. I think he was still slightly put off.
But omg. The place was MASSIVE at 800 something square feet. Hardwood floors. Vintage character that I looooooove. And oh the windows! Windows everywhere. Every room had a nice, big ceiling fan. The closets were plentiful and so spacious. I loved the layout because the bedroom is way off in back, and it's large. Then there were two other spacious rooms which we could make into the living room and office/dining area. One of my most favorite features: there was a butler pantry. So cool! The place had so much character.
The cons? Laundry would have to be taken outside. No gym. No dishwasher.
After I marveled for a while, we moved on to the next space. It was on E 47th Street. One thing I noticed is that 47th is a super busy road; noise and parking could become an issue. The apartment itself was another vintage walk up. Smaller, at right around 600 square feet, it rents for $901.00 a month. It had one really large closet, small ceiling fans in each room, hardwood floors, and a small balcony.
As we were moving on I made a mental note of how I'd love to have a balcony! It would be so nice to be able to sit there and have a drink, or grill out when the weather is nice.
The last places we saw were 2 different units on S. Blackstone. The building was a hotel in the 1920s but they've made the inside modern. The building is a high rise, and it has a nice gym, and laundry on site. The building also felt really secure, and it had a concierge. The first unit we saw was on the 6th floor. It was clean, fresh paint, the carpet was brand new. It had central air. The kitchen was brand new, it had granite counter tops, maple cabinets, and a dishwasher. The bathroom had ample sink space, and the tub and shower were sparkling clean. The closet space left much to be desired. The bedroom was teeeeeeeeny. We'd only be able to fit our bed and one night table. It had a nice view of a park, and some of downtown Chicago. All in all, it was pretty nice, and it rented for 970.00 per month with a "one free month credit."
Then we went up to the 12th floor. And oh. my. gooooooooooodness. The view of the lake was AHMAAAAAZING. I seriously walked immediately across the apartment to the windows and my jaw dropped. I never dreamed we'd be able to afford something with a view like that! The unit was much the same as the one before, only reversed since we were looking in a different direction. And of course, the higher you go, the better the view, and the rent bumps up to $1025.00 per month with a one month free credit. The impractical part of me wanted to sign a lease immediately. "Yes Sir! We'll take it!" The view was just breathtaking. But instead of getting all crazy and signing a lease on the spot, we stared a bit longer, thanked Seth for his time, and headed back home.
I feel like this blog post was an episode of house hunters on TLC...which one will they pick?! So many great choices. We plan to check out a few more places in the next two weeks, so stay tuned!
Will and I, along with my awesome note-takin' momma, went apartment hunting in Chicago last weekend. We left the house at 7:45am to make it into the city in time for our first appointment at 10:00am, where we met with Dennis from TLC apartments. We arrived a little bit early, so we found some street parking, and proceeded to enter the Madison Park Apartment building. Dennis wasn't in his office yet, so we wandered around the awesome lobby checking things out. The building was built around 1930, and the architecture was awesome, if you're like me and you geek out on that sort of thing.
We checked out their brand new fitness center; a gym on site is a MAJOR plus in our book. We also checked out the laundry facilities. Very clean. Ample washers and dryers. 1.65 per wash, 1.65 per dry. Around that time, Dennis found us, and we filled out some paperwork to let him know what we were interested in.
Basically, we *need* something that rents for around 1000 per month that is cat friendly. We *want* something with a gym, on site laundry, relatively easy street parking, some legit closet space, very easy access to public transit, 600 or more square feet, a dishwasher, and a view. (Yeah, we'
re not picky at all, eh?!)
Dennis was really friendly and knowledgeable. He was supposed to show us two units in the Madison Park building, but one had been rented out the night before, so he showed us the one that was left. It was a small, 500 square foot box. The teeeeeeeny bedroom was directly off of the small living room. It was updated with a brand new, teeeeny galley kitchen. The kitchen had a brand new dishwasher! OMG! YES! Holy hell, I HATE hand washing dishes! I am too lazy for that shit, y'all!
The building was located on a nice, quiet, tree lined street. The unit had brand new carpet, and a huge window with a view of the street below. Dennis said that it rents for $975.00 per month, including the cat rent, and that it's so close to UC that we get the added benefit of the UC police force patrolling our street. He also said that street parking is relatively easy on Dorchester, but if we wanted a guaranteed spot, they have one space in the lot across the street that rents for 125.00 per month.
We thanked Dennis for his time, and we had about two and a half hours to kill before our appointment with MAC apartments, so we strolled the neighborhood. We saw some funky little shops, several ethnic restaurants, a dunkin donuts, a starbucks, and several adorable cafes. We ate breakfast at a great little spot called Mellow Yellow that has been around since the 70s. I took a mental note that the food here was relatively inexpensive, and pretty tasty. It could definitely be our breakfast spot in the area.
We also decided to go inside Hyde Park Produce, a grocery store that I had previously researched online, and I was very excited to check out their goodies. True to their name, they had a HUGE selection of tasty looking, fresh produce. I purchased 3 avacados for $1.10. SCORE!
Then we strolled past the produce section and began checking out other foodstuffs, and I almost shit my pants. I knew grocery prices were going to be high in Chicago, but it was still sort of shocking to see a pint of Breyer's going for over $8.00. I can buy one here for $3.60. Ah well. It won't kill me to give up a little icecream. Plus, when my parents and sisters come in to visit, I can tell them to bring cheap groceries and write em a check when they arrive. ;) Muahahhaa!
Our next appointment was at 1:00pm with Seth at MAC apartments. Again, we explained our likes and dislikes, and off we were to check out some apartments. Seth told us that pretty much all of the units we would be seeing were within a mile of the Obama home. So natch, I asked to drive past it. We did. And the Obama home is MASSIVE, old, and gorgeous, and there were secret service dudes all over the place. The street is blocked off at all times. I made my momma take some pictures. I am nerdy like that.
But I digress.
The first place Seth showed us was on Drexel Ave. As we began walking up to the building, Seth told us that the unit we were seeing rents for $850.00 a month. I was psyched! If we could find something we really enjoyed for less than $900.00 a month I would be beyond THRILLED.
Buuuut then we walked into the building and down the hall. And it stunk. And it was dark. And it was dirty. It had a palpable, creepy vibe. Gross.
Will shot me a look that said, "OH HELLLLL NO, WOMAN. We are NOT living here." We walked into the unit and it was actually pretty decent. Fresh paint. Hardwood. Big closet. But we didn't feel comfortable in that building. The hall was smelly. And it was creepy. And it kind of made me want to go home and take a hot shower. So we told Seth thanks, but no thanks, and off we went.
Apartment number 3 was a vintage walk up on Woodlawn. Seth told us it rents for $962.00 a month, plus $25.00 each month for our darling little feline. We hoofed it up the 4 flights of stairs, and through the door. Annnnnd....
......it was glorious! Angels were singing and beating their wings! I think I heard Jesus himself say, "you're welcome, my child." I. freaking. loved. this. place. It was HUGE!
It was also really messy, and I think that really turned Will off. Apparently the previous tenants had literally just moved out the night before, and the place was pretty messy. But of course they have a team that comes in and cleans everything up, paints, etc. I tried to reassure Will (who admittedly hasn't done a whole lot of apartment hunting in the past) that we wouldn't be moving in until everything was painted, and all cleaned up. I think he was still slightly put off.
But omg. The place was MASSIVE at 800 something square feet. Hardwood floors. Vintage character that I looooooove. And oh the windows! Windows everywhere. Every room had a nice, big ceiling fan. The closets were plentiful and so spacious. I loved the layout because the bedroom is way off in back, and it's large. Then there were two other spacious rooms which we could make into the living room and office/dining area. One of my most favorite features: there was a butler pantry. So cool! The place had so much character.
The cons? Laundry would have to be taken outside. No gym. No dishwasher.
After I marveled for a while, we moved on to the next space. It was on E 47th Street. One thing I noticed is that 47th is a super busy road; noise and parking could become an issue. The apartment itself was another vintage walk up. Smaller, at right around 600 square feet, it rents for $901.00 a month. It had one really large closet, small ceiling fans in each room, hardwood floors, and a small balcony.
As we were moving on I made a mental note of how I'd love to have a balcony! It would be so nice to be able to sit there and have a drink, or grill out when the weather is nice.
The last places we saw were 2 different units on S. Blackstone. The building was a hotel in the 1920s but they've made the inside modern. The building is a high rise, and it has a nice gym, and laundry on site. The building also felt really secure, and it had a concierge. The first unit we saw was on the 6th floor. It was clean, fresh paint, the carpet was brand new. It had central air. The kitchen was brand new, it had granite counter tops, maple cabinets, and a dishwasher. The bathroom had ample sink space, and the tub and shower were sparkling clean. The closet space left much to be desired. The bedroom was teeeeeeeeny. We'd only be able to fit our bed and one night table. It had a nice view of a park, and some of downtown Chicago. All in all, it was pretty nice, and it rented for 970.00 per month with a "one free month credit."
Then we went up to the 12th floor. And oh. my. gooooooooooodness. The view of the lake was AHMAAAAAZING. I seriously walked immediately across the apartment to the windows and my jaw dropped. I never dreamed we'd be able to afford something with a view like that! The unit was much the same as the one before, only reversed since we were looking in a different direction. And of course, the higher you go, the better the view, and the rent bumps up to $1025.00 per month with a one month free credit. The impractical part of me wanted to sign a lease immediately. "Yes Sir! We'll take it!" The view was just breathtaking. But instead of getting all crazy and signing a lease on the spot, we stared a bit longer, thanked Seth for his time, and headed back home.
I feel like this blog post was an episode of house hunters on TLC...which one will they pick?! So many great choices. We plan to check out a few more places in the next two weeks, so stay tuned!
Hey seeeester! I vote for the one with the great view or the LARGE 800+ sq. foot vintage! GOOD LUCK! *Hugs*
ReplyDeleteThank you! Can't wait to hang out soon! Love you!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say "hi" from random passerby! Found your blog while Googling "Hyde Park apartment hunting" in frustration. So glad to hear about someone else's apartment hunting experiences as we're moving to Hyde Park in Aug. for my husband to start his PhD program, and I hate the apartment search already. Happy to hear about someone else who is in the same boat that I'll be in soon!
ReplyDeleteWell hi there Lauren. I'm glad you stumbled upon my little corner of the internet. Have you begun to look at places yet? Hyde Park is a nice place to live, and I am sure you guys will settle in very nicely. :)
ReplyDeleteWe're kind of in the middle of it. We put in for graduate housing through the university but when they offered us a teeny tiny one bedroom we decided we may need to look beyond school housing. So I'm scouring Marketplace and Craigslist and such. It's hard because we're trying to do the long distance thing but it's hard to both go off pictures and to convince people that we aren't scammers.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that Hyde Park is nice! I feel better about the upcoming move by getting to live a little vicariously through your experiences.
Are you coming from out of state?
ReplyDeleteTLC and MAC apartments own the majority of the places in this area. Have you checked their websites?
You also might want to check the Hyde Park Herald for apartments. And if you can, obviously the best thing to do would be to come in for a few days and see as many places as you can.
I actually found our place on Craigslist, but was told that it was listed with McKey and Poague as well, so you might want to try them too.
I know it's daunting but don't give up. See as many places as you can, and as cheesy as it sounds, you'll know which one is the right one for you. ( Of course on the off chance that after a few months you end up hating your choice, it's not the end of the world, your lease will end! :) )
Yeah we're waaaay out here in Phoenix. So we're like, should we drop the money to fly out or take our chances? The answer to that depends how close we are from payday, ha ha.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of the Herald, that's a good idea!
I'm feeling a little better after seeing your guys stuff working out and seeing some decent places on Marketplace. I think you're right, the "this is it moment" is bound to hit us soon. Or at least, "this is it for a year."
I know you guys will find something great :) and like you said, if not, it's just a year! It'll fly!
ReplyDelete