Let’s say you just got off a Greyhound and you’re standing at the station with nothing but a broken guitar, your dreams and $800. Sure, that $400 a month mobile home in Hobart, Indiana sounds like a steal, but the location leaves a little to be desired. With your heart set on that seemingly-elusive apartment within your budget of $500, you take to the streets. And what do you find?
– Starting at $486, a studio apartment at 4423 N Sheridan Rd in Uptown might sound like a bargain. The units feature carpeting, new paint, many windows and separate kitchens, with new bathrooms and large walk-in closets. The building features an on-site manager, intercom entry and 24-hour coin laundry. Currently, building management is offering the first month’s rent for $300 without security deposit and a lease term of one year. To further sweeten things, gas for heating and cooking is included.
– For $499 – just 13 lucky dollars more – you can get a renovated studio apartment at 54 E 107th St in Roseland. Breaking the perceived monotony of “studio-as-open-box,” this unit has a separate dining room, kitchen and three closets. The updated kitchen also features new tile floors, cabinets, sink and faucet. The bathroom, also rehabbed, features new tub, tile and faucets. On the negative side of things, the tenant is responsible for all utilities. And if you couple that with the fact that parking and laundry aren’t available, the streets of Roseland might be even less appealing.
– At just one dollar more, this $500 one-bedroom apartment at 4847 N Kimball Ave on the border of Ravenswood Manor. In what seems like an anomaly for anyone living on a modest such a modest budget these days, the unit features hardwood floors throughout. The Craigslist ad describes the kitchen as “big,” featuring full-sized appliances and enough space for a dining set. Unfortunately, the bedroom is described as small, but has a large walk-in closet. The rental is a sublease with the option to renew at the end of the term and the tenant is responsible for all utilities.