|
| Thread: Survival guide for first-timer in (northern) U.S. |  This thread is pages long: 1 2 · NEXT» |
|
dimis
Responsible
Supreme Hero
Digitally signed by FoG
|
posted July 09, 2007 10:59 PM |
|
|
Survival guide for first-timer in (northern) U.S.
Hi Guys,
I need your help with some things if this could be possible.
I am about to move to U.S. (Chicago in particular) this August and I don't know what to do with the matter of renting a house (among other things that still confuse me  ). There are houses that include heat in their price and others that don't include heat in their listing price. The deviation though can be quite large enough. For example, studios that include heat in their price start from 650-700$ while others that don't include heat in their price start from 400-450$ (perhaps lower than that - I haven't been very thorough in my search).
So the question is, which one do you prefer and why keeping in mind that the winter is quite harsh?
What about the monthly or yearly cost of heat in northern U.S.? Do you have any idea?
What about the period that you actually use heating-facilities? Is it necessary for more than 8 months ?
Perhaps I'll have some more questions for other matters, but for now I want to know more about the subject I described above!
Thank you in advance for your help and participation.
____________
The empty set
|
|
Binabik
Responsible
Legendary Hero
|
posted July 09, 2007 11:48 PM |
|
Edited by Binabik at 23:49, 09 Jul 2007.
|
Just out of curiosity, why Chicago?
I'm in northern US, but it's probably slightly warmer here than in Chicago. It may be different in the Chicago area, but I've lived several places in the US and I have VERY rarely seen heat included with rent.
I can only guess at heating costs because there are so many factors. But the difference in rent that you mentioned seems like too much (about $250 a month difference). $250 per month sounds like it might be reasonable during the coldest months of a bad winter. (I've never paid that much myself, but I know people who have)
Also different places in Chicago might have different costs for heating. It's provided by private companies and there may be more than one in the area. The costs from one company to the other may vary a lot.
Quote:
What about the period that you actually use heating-facilities? Is it necessary for more than 8 months ?
It depends on how warm you like it. The weather will be much colder than where you are now. So if you aren't used to it, you will probably want to keep it warmer than someone who's used to the cold. You will probably start using a little heat sometime in September. Peak heating will be about December-February. By about April you will be starting to get days where you don't use heat.
I would suggest trying to find a short term lease so you can live there for a while to get a feel for the area. Leases also vary from one place to another. Some places have mostly yearly or six month leases, and other places it's common to find month-to-month leases. A month-to-month lease will usually be more expensive, but it might be worth it so you don't get stuck for a year in a place that sucks.
btw, if you are seeing rent from $400-450, then either Chicago is cheaper than I would expect, or you are looking in a part of town that is, um, questionable.
____________
|
|
dimis
Responsible
Supreme Hero
Digitally signed by FoG
|
|
posted July 10, 2007 12:16 AM |
|
|
Quote:
Just out of curiosity, why Chicago?
It had the best offer among the universities I applied for.
Quote:
... I have VERY rarely seen heat included with rent.
This made me suspicious. It's just that someone told me to try to find a place where heat is included in the price.
Quote:
I can only guess at heating costs because there are so many factors. But the difference in rent that you mentioned seems like too much (about $250 a month difference). $250 per month sounds like it might be reasonable during the coldest months of a bad winter. (I've never paid that much myself, but I know people who have)
From what you describe later in your post I realize that on average as you say you use heat for about 8 months. So, my prediction was ok I guess. Moreover, I also had a feeling that 250$ per month (on average) is way much, but since I am ignorant, I had nothing to lose but ask.
Anyway, since the worst case is 250$ per month, this means that I will have to pay no more than 1800$ on a yearly basis or on average no more than 150$ per month. Now this is good, since it can boost the rent on the place I am looking for (overall I don't want to exceed 700-750$ per month, heat included).
Quote:
I would suggest trying to find a short term lease so you can live there for a while to get a feel for the area. Leases also vary from one place to another. Some places have mostly yearly or six month leases, and other places it's common to find month-to-month leases. A month-to-month lease will usually be more expensive, but it might be worth it so you don't get stuck for a year in a place that sucks.
Very nice. I believe this tip will be my guide.
Quote:
btw, if you are seeing rent from $400-450, then either Chicago is cheaper than I would expect, or you are looking in a part of town that is, um, questionable.
Well, what can I say? I have no clue. I was given some generic guidelines from a person I know and more or less these seem accurate from aerial views with googleearth. Near the "problematic" zones, the grass gradually disappears and then from green turns to brown (sepia?). Now, all the places I am looking for so far are in the green zone and preferably near a train/underground station. In any case though, I think that it will be easier for me to search for a house now that I have gained something from heat. Not to mention that I 'll seek for a month-month lease for my first month there until I become somewhat familiar with the area.
Thanks again Binabik
____________
The empty set
|
|
Binabik
Responsible
Legendary Hero
|
|
posted July 10, 2007 12:53 AM |
|
|
Um, one other thing considering you are going to uni. If it's a large uni it's possible that most of the places nearby get leased in August just before classes start. So it's possible there could be shortage of places if you wait too long (like if you do a one month rent like I mentioned). But the opposite may also be true...if the place isn't rented out by the time classes start, the landlord may drop the price to get someone.
What uni is it? Are you taking programming?
____________
|
|
dimis
Responsible
Supreme Hero
Digitally signed by FoG
|
|
posted July 10, 2007 01:13 AM |
|
Edited by dimis at 01:15, 10 Jul 2007.
|
MSCS @ UIC.
As for the subject I don't know. Perhaps I will continue working on Symbolic Algebra (or something very-very similar) or (and this was what I indicated in my statement of purpose) I will work in Cryptography / Computational Number Theory.
Time will tell I guess. I 'll meet the people who work in these fields and see which ones suit better to my tastes. After all I find both very interesting. My preference in Cryptography is pretty simple. At the moment very few people in Greece actually do something in that field and it's an opportunity for open position / or an opportunity to start a company that sells protection. (yeah, I know how it sounds!  )
Not to mention all those that work on networks and say they do cryptography (because the word sounds good) ...
____________
The empty set
|
|
Binabik
Responsible
Legendary Hero
|
|
posted July 10, 2007 01:16 AM |
|
|
You're going to sell condoms!?
____________
|
|
dkolb
Promising
Known Hero
Nay Nay and Aslan Protector
|
|
posted July 10, 2007 01:27 AM |
|
Edited by dkolb at 01:38, 10 Jul 2007.
|
Quote:
Hi Guys,
I need your help with some things if this could be possible.
I am about to move to U.S. (Chicago in particular) this August and I don't know what to do with the matter of renting a house (among other things that still confuse me ). There are houses that include heat in their price and others that don't include heat in their listing price. The deviation though can be quite large enough. For example, studios that include heat in their price start from 650-700$ while others that don't include heat in their price start from 400-450$ (perhaps lower than that - I haven't been very thorough in my search).
So the question is, which one do you prefer and why keeping in mind that the winter is quite harsh?
What about the monthly or yearly cost of heat in northern U.S.? Do you have any idea?
What about the period that you actually use heating-facilities? Is it necessary for more than 8 months ?
Perhaps I'll have some more questions for other matters, but for now I want to know more about the subject I described above!
Thank you in advance for your help and participation.
I'm from downstate Illinois and I've been to Chi-town a few times. It's a nice place. Make sure you get (I think it's Gino's) Chicago style-pizza for a real treat.
Chicago has all the political power and so everything is nice there, but traffic on the interstate is crazy. Theres a road pass or something you can buy to bypass the tolls, so I'd definately buy that ASAP otherwise you have to merge onto the last lane and it's very dangerous.
As for the rent it sounds typical for Chicago. Some places Do include utilities (heat/air conditioning etc.) but be sure to ask. Normally they don't.
The winter there is not harsh but it fluctuates alot and there is a reason Chicago is known as the windy city. It might be really cold depending on where you lived before. And you will not use heat for 8 months unless you get cold extremely easily!
Also I would not suggest living in a place in Chicago that is $400-$450. That sounds like it might be in a dangerous area.
If you can avoid it I HIGHLY recommend you avoid alot of South Chicago. There are some extremely dangerous areas in the south side. Not all of it though. And I'm of course generalizing. Just a friendly tip. 
And go to a cubs game it's almost an American tradition, and almost all of the city loves the Cubs. You can meet alot of really nice people there.
Good luck if you need anymore information let me know.
If you want to explore the rest of Illinois or wanna hang out and play Heroes let me know. I lived in Monticello the home of Allerton park (one of the 7 wonders of Illinois)
|
|
dimis
Responsible
Supreme Hero
Digitally signed by FoG
|
|
posted July 10, 2007 01:47 AM |
|
Edited by dimis at 01:51, 10 Jul 2007.
|
Quote:
Make sure you get (I think it's Gino's) Chicago style-pizza for a real treat.
Tip taken into account. It will be the first place I'll visit.
Quote:
Theres a road pass or something you can buy to bypass the tolls, so I'd definately buy that ASAP otherwise you have to merge onto the last lane and it's very dangerous.
Now, I don't get this at all! What's wrong with the tolls?? 
Quote:
Quote:
As for the rent it sounds typical for Chicago. Some places Do include utilities (heat/air conditioning etc.) but be sure to ask. Normally they don't.
Quote:
Also I would not suggest living in a place in Chicago that is $400-$450. That sounds like it might be in a dangerous area.
These are a bit controversial. The 650-750 with heat included is rather normal and 450 is not?
Quote:
If you can avoid it I HIGHLY recommend you avoid alot of South Chicago. There are some extremely dangerous areas in the south side. Not all of it though. And I'm of course generalizing. Just a friendly tip.
Yes, that's what I've been told. Actually, I am looking north of UIC and in the "green" area.
Quote:
And go to a cubs game it's almost an American tradition, and almost all of the city loves the Cubs. You can meet alot of really nice people there.
Another tip taken into account. Btw., I was also thinking of going to a cubs game asap.
Quote:
Good luck if you need anymore information let me know.
I sure will!
Quote:
If you want to explore the rest of Illinois or wanna hang out and play Heroes let me know. I lived in Monticello the home of Allerton park (one of the 7 wonders of Illinois)
Consider it done! I'll let you know as soon as I arrive.
Thank you very much dkolb!
____________
The empty set
|
|
dkolb
Promising
Known Hero
Nay Nay and Aslan Protector
|
|
posted July 10, 2007 02:33 AM |
|
Edited by dkolb at 03:29, 10 Jul 2007.
|
"These are a bit controversial. The 650-750 with heat included is rather normal and 450 is not?"
yes that is correct.
http://www.chicagoapartmentfinders.com/pages/index.asp
http://www.chicagoapartmentfinders.com/pages/search_detail.asp?ListingID=34528&table=listings
this is a type of place you DON'T want to live in
In general the Southside is the worst.
Do not get caught anywhere east of the Dan Ryan expressway past 22nd Street (Cermak) or west of the Ryan past 35th Street.
Edgewater has gangs around Bryn Mawr and possibly Thorndale.
If you need to live in the west part try to get in near Midway.
1000 W Harrison should be avoided like the plague especially if you have a car.
Oak Park might look appealing but it is an overprice suberb between Berwyn (which I wouldn't be caught dead in) and Lake street which is an underground crime nest.
worst neighborhoods (do not drive through day or night)
Riverdale, Roseland, and West Pullman.
bad neighborhoods (ok to drive through during the day but at night forget it)
Englewood, Eastern Morgan Park, Marquette Park, Pullman, East Chicago, Brainerd, Gresham
Finally where you want to live is:
Mt. Greenwood, Beverly and West Beverly because they have good apartments, also Oak Lawn has swarms of firemen and police so your pretty safe their actually.
other great ones are:
Hyde Park, South Loop, Bridgeport.
pretty good neighboorhoods:
Garfield Ridge, Clearing, Scottsdale, Chatham, Auburn, Bronzeville, McKinley Park, Western Morgan Park, Mt Greenwood, Washington Heights, Hegewisch.
|
|
Binabik
Responsible
Legendary Hero
|
|
posted July 10, 2007 03:09 AM |
|
Edited by Binabik at 03:15, 10 Jul 2007.
|
that site
http://www.chicagoapartmentfinders.com/pages/index.asp
has a live chat
I just talked to the guy a little.
He said the closer to the uni you get the higher the rent. He said a studio near there would probably be $800-1000. And he said most studios include heat.
Edit: places that use a rental service like that may be higher priced, so the $800-1000 price may be above average.
____________
|
|
dimis
Responsible
Supreme Hero
Digitally signed by FoG
|
|
posted July 10, 2007 03:13 AM |
|
|
Thank you both guys!
I don't know what I can say! I didn't expect so much help actually.
I'll check the links but I must say I was impressed that Lincoln Park is dangerous. As for housing, as long as I am close to a train/underground I am willing to live a bit further from uni at a lower cost. No way I am going to give 1000 per month for a studio.
____________
The empty set
|
|
Binabik
Responsible
Legendary Hero
|
|
posted July 10, 2007 03:21 AM |
|
|
Chicago is not going to be a cheap place to live.
And you probably want to use public transit also. A uni in the city like that will be almost impossible to park a car.
Hopefully Gootch will reply. He should be able to give you a much better idea of things than us non-chicago folks.
____________
|
|
dkolb
Promising
Known Hero
Nay Nay and Aslan Protector
|
|
posted July 10, 2007 03:33 AM |
|
|
Quote:
Thank you both guys!
I don't know what I can say! I didn't expect so much help actually.
I'll check the links but I must say I was impressed that Lincoln Park is dangerous.
There is a very interlocked crime network in Chicago. Lincoln Park on the surface looks like one of the nicest places. But underneath there is alot of corruption. Also alot of cops and firefighters don't live in that area.
|
|
The_Gootch
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Kneel Before Me Sons of HC!!
|
|
posted July 16, 2007 04:09 PM |
|
|
I don't know about firefighters but cops seem to find the farthest reaches of the city borders for their housing. I'm not sure why. Maybe they get paranoid the longer they're on the job.
Hey dimis. I was born and raised in Chicago. I'm familiar with the area surrounding UIC and the north/northwest side of the city. I've tended to avoid the south side over the years. Traditionally the neighborhoods on the south side aren't as integrated as those on the north side, Pilsen being the lone exception.
You have questions? Bring'em to me and I'll give you a run down on places to live, how public transportation works, and why the White Sox suck.
|
|
TitaniumAlloy
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Professional
|
|
posted July 19, 2007 10:13 AM |
|
|
keep all your money in small change and keep it handy. you need to tip anyone who looks at you in america 
____________
John says to live above hell.
|
|
dimis
Responsible
Supreme Hero
Digitally signed by FoG
|
|
posted July 20, 2007 02:03 PM |
|
|
Thanks for participating Gootch. Most likely I 'll come up with questions in 2-3 weeks. At the moment I am working (almost frustrated) with many "peripheral" things I have to take care before I arrive at Chicago. Anyway, I 'll let you know soon enough.
@TA: Thanks. I 've heard too that when you go to a restaurant you have to give a tip of 5% of your bill. Otherwise the person who owns the restaurant comes over and asks you what didn't you like in their food! lol
Regards,
- dimis -
____________
The empty set
|
|
TitaniumAlloy
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Professional
|
|
posted July 20, 2007 02:27 PM |
|
|
if you tip 5% you will be punched
If you tip less than 15% they will ask you what was wrong.
Somewhere between 15 and 20% is polite...
____________
John says to live above hell.
|
|
The_Gootch
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Kneel Before Me Sons of HC!!
|
|
posted July 20, 2007 05:42 PM |
|
|
If you give me some addresses I can give you a rundown as to the kind of neighborhood it is. I might be from the rough and rugged streets of the city but there are some places even a cat like me will avoid.
Edit: Tipping...
In restaurants it is customary to tip 15% as the standard and upwards of 20% if you really liked the service. This only applies to sitdown restaurants and not fast food joints.
I hated waiting on Euros when I was a server. Willful ignorance of the cultural practices is inexcusable for all sides and all travelers.
____________
|
|
TitaniumAlloy
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Professional
|
|
posted July 21, 2007 03:52 AM |
|
|
I hate those guys who open the cab door for you and expect you to pay them
It's like, how about I open my OWN door, and keep my money?
____________
John says to live above hell.
|
|
dimis
Responsible
Supreme Hero
Digitally signed by FoG
|
|
posted July 24, 2007 08:28 PM |
|
|
Quote:
Willful ignorance of the cultural practices is inexcusable for all sides and all travelers.
True indeed. Thanks for the tips regarding "tipping" Are there any other cultural practices that I should be aware?
Quote:
I hate those guys who open the cab door for you and expect you to pay them
Forgive my ignorance, but do you mean that the taxi-driver will step down and open my door to get an extra tip?
____________
The empty set
|
|
|
|
