Hey guys,

I'm finally moving to the US in October (on my re-entry permit which is due to expire) and looking for advice on living and working in Chicago?

My partner is in the process of getting a work transfer. I will be looking for work once I arrive (I have a green card via the DV Lottery). I've been doing research on jobs over the past few months and also about Chicago in general but always find it's good to network and chat to others.

Is there any areas people would recommend to look for an apartment to rent? We're a same-sex couple (29/32 yrs old) looking for somewhere close to the city centre, with good links to public transport, close to amenities (shops, gym, cinema, bars etc...). We're not really sure on budget yet but I would say we'll both earn a fairly decent wage. Do most places come furnished? Are most leases for 6 or 12 months?

I've joined a group on Facebook for Aussie's in Chicago but will be looking to join some sporting teams and other social groups if anyone has got any recommendations. We will also need some advice soon on my partners salary package so I will post separately. Any tips will be greatly appreciated!

Cheers,
Megs

In Chicago, especially in and close to the city center, you'll probably find that most (if not all) the apartments are unfurnished. Furnished flats are more for short-term stays.

The CTA website Deprecated Browser Error gives you a good idea of the public transport system - and if you're looking for accommodation close to public transport, there should be maps that give you an idea what areas are suitable.
Cheers,
Bev

move into an extended stay hotel for starters. runs around 250 per week. then check out the place. it will take two weeks from point of entry until you can apply for your social security number so make the most of that time.

Hi,
We just moved out of Chicago (well evanston..).. It really depends where you are looking to work AND your budget. and what you are looking for in a neighborhood.

If you need to be close to downtown (loop) , the west loop and south loop are trendy industrial turn hip neighborhoods. Lots of new development.

If you are looking for hipster , great but expensive neighborhood Lincoln Park is very nice. you got the green city market (chicago farmer's market), the lake not too far, and lots of bars/restaurants.

Boystown would be the LGBT district.
Lakeview is a good affordable more residential option. I hear Roscoe village is nice too though I am not sure about the bars/life there.

Make sure to check out both the CTA and metra train maps.
THE CTA will have a different route on purple line in the morning (rush hour) and does not stop everywhere.

The metra can be very convenient and some say nicer/quicker but has fewer stops and does not arrive in the same place the CTA/el red line arrives. can get pricey too if you need both a cta and metra pass to go to work.

As far as leases, all leases should be 12 months, sometimes 13 months. Furnished is not the majority of what you will find, though you might be able to get something closer to the Gold coast area/River north. A very very central neighborhood, can't get closer to downtown, you are in it.

Rent are not controlled in chicago so make sure you know that your landlord can raise the rent whatever they want every year (within reason of course...). We got a great deal one year from a rental and then they jacked up the price $300 for the second year once we got all nice and cozy. We had to move out. It is not that common, but if the price is too good to be true, it could be the game they are playing. Keep that in mind for budget.

Most of our rentals were found on craigslist but you can also use domu, atproperties (the up and coming real estate agent, usually have less rentals but nicer places) and other sites.

If you consider having a car in the city at some point and have a decent budget, don't underestimate the importance of a garage.. Snow and shitty parking condition can really be a pain. Otherwise turn to i-go car, a very nice way to rent a car by the hour throughout the city.

That is all I could think about. I am really more familiar with Evanston so maybe someone will have better advice

For Lesbians or gay men, I'll suggest Andersonville, Lincoln Square and Lakeview in the city, and for the suburbs, Oak Park. I think Andersonville and Oak Park are currently very popular with the ladies. ("Megs" is making me think your Lesbians, sorry if that's a mis-read).

But being relatively close to where one works or within easy reach of public transportation or expressways if driving out of the city ... is considered an equally as important factor ... as you indicate.

There are jobs in Chicago, particularly in the professional areas and tech. Food and Beverage is big here, as well. Lots of hotels.

Apartments typically come with gas/electric stove and refrigerator. Oftentimes with some sort of window coverings, but not curtains. Carpeted or wood/hard surfaced floors. Central air/heat or wall/window units. Most leases are for 12-months and the biggest start/expiration dates are May 1 / October 1. More apartments are rented/change hands on those dates than at any other time of the year. It's been that way for at least a couple of generations.

Best of luclk with the planning and the move. Lucky you!