I thought it would be interesting to show where I have lived in the 16 years since I left home. With the help of Google Streetview I can show where I lived.
1992, 4600 block of North Magnolia, for about 3 months until the building was bought:
As you can see, they changed some affordable housing into an empty field. Progress. On the plus side, there is a new Starbucks 3 doors down. It was a 2 room studio, decent size, only $275 a month! It was also a 4th floor walk up and you had…a shared bathroom. Yes, you had to put your clothes on and walk down the hall to take care of business. It must of been an old hotel or that was just how buildings were made 100 years ago.
1993 to 1994, 4700 block of North Malden, Chicago:
Another studio. This one is still standing. It was a second floor unit, with a bathroom this time. It had windows, but it was so close to the other building, you might as well brick it in. Not a bad place, but quite small with 6 legged pets. I think it was $325 a month.
1994 to 1995 4600 block of North Winchester, Chicago:
A two room studio with a large walk in closet. This was a nice, airy place with built in bookcases. No six legged friends and laundry right down the stairs. There was the “EL” very near, but the Brown line doesn’t run after midnight, so at least sleep was ok. I think this one was $425 a month.
1995-1996 2300 block on North Kenneth, Chicago:
It’s the one on there right. A large 3 bedroom, 1 bath with a large living room and dining room. Shared with 2 other people. It was a nice place, but the neighborhood was a little sketchy. I see they have an iron fence now, it was not there when I was living there. I think the rent was something like $800 a month, but split 3 ways it was pretty cheap.
1995-1996 South Bell, Chicago:
Behind the tree there is the old homestead. Had to move back home since I was out of money and in school. Which I think kind of goes hand in hand. At the same time, Handy Andy went out of business, so that didn’t help either.
1996-1997 4000 block, N. Pulaski/W. Irving Park road:
You want to talk about a loud place to live, this is it. On the corner of Irving Park Road and Pulaski. My apartment was the corner unit as well. You can see it right above the blue awning. Parking was a bear as well. I think it was around $425 a month as well. No good memories of that place. It was a studio with a kitchenette.
1997-2001 4200 Block of North Laramie, Chicago:
A two bedroom, 1 bath, with a huge living room and dining room. It was a nice place. I was living here when I met Tiffany. For two people, it was more than enough room.
2001-2003, Lincolnwood, IL:
My mother in law’s house. We stayed here so we could save up for a down payment. It worked well and it was very close to my job at the time.
2003-2004 8800 Block of Golf Road, Unincorporated Cook County (Postal address was Des Plaines):
Our first home bought together, a condo. A one bedroom, one bath with a den. Nice kitchen, terrible street noise. When we were looking at it, they were working on the bridge that crosses the Des Plaines river. When the bridge was complete, the traffic got about 10 times worse. Stayed about a year. It was my bicycle being stolen that broke the camel’s back.
2004 to Present, Troy Avenue, Evergreen Park:
Our little blue house. We have been in it over 4 years now. It is a 3 bedroom, 1.1 bath. It is a nice size, but nothing is perfect. Neighbors don’t really give a crap, but I think that is problem everywhere. Eventually we should probably put in a new kitchen, which is the worst problem inside. This is Glenn’s first and only home so far.
Wow, 10 places in 16 years. I hate moving, by the way. In the beginning, it was simple. Just some clothes and furniture I didn’t care about. Life sure does get more complicated as the years go on.