The Reader or Craigslist.  You can also try the “free” apartment services.  An agent will take you out in his/her car to look for a place.  These companies will charge you a finder’s fee of $200-$300 if you take one of the apartments they show you.

Cheap rents and rental advice?

I checked the Reader, where I’ve always found the best deals.  Live-able apartments in decent neighborhoods can be found at these rates, heat included:

Studio:  $600-$700
1 BRM:  $750
2 BRM:  $1,200
3 BRM:  $1,450-$1,500

It’s a renter’s market right now, so please negotiate!  Many management companies are taking action, reducing $15-$20/mo from the advertised price to further entice a potential tenant.  Management companies are also changing their policies regarding security deposits.  Some ask for $250-$350 in non-refundable “move-in” fees, instead.

Cheapest safe neighborhoods?

Most common to entertainment industry folks just starting out are Andersonville and Wicker Park.  Also try Lincoln Square, Wrigleyville, and Albany Park.  Be near a grocery store:  Jewel, Dominick’s, Aldi’s.

Transportation?

You’re a performer, student, etc.?  Forget your car.  We have plenty of trains and buses.  Live off the Red or Blue lines and you’ll be fine.  The Brown line is safe, but may be inconvenient if you frequently travel after Midnight. 

How much money should I save before I move?

I recommend 4 months of your projected Chicago rent as your emergency fund.  (Out of college, I sold my car to raise the funds.)  But, more important is to have a skill and some related job experience:  typing & computers, coffee slinging/waitressing, dog grooming, some time in a law office, personal trainer certification, etc.  Whatever you do, don't come without a marketable skill and at least a little experience.  It may be a renter's market, but the job market is very difficult.

What about jobs?

The unemployment rate in Chicago was 10.6% for December.  No industry has been spared job losses.  If you're an artist, try the temp agencies first, then the papers -- Tribune, Sun Times, Reader.  I also suggest you walk around your neighborhood and look for businesses that are hiring. 

If you're working under a temp agency, you can leave with very little notice should you land something better or more permanent, and that's the advantage.  The Larko Group is often advertised in PerformInk.  I was a Kelly girl myself for a number of years.

How do I break into the entertainment industry?

That's a post of a different color, but I can tell you that print ads, commercials, and television series are non-existent right now, and feature film shoots are sporadic, even though we renewed our tax incentive.  Also, Oprah and Bonnie Hunt are leaving, which means the Chicago job market will soon be swimming in highly qualified television workers.

Other advice?

Get yourself the Not for Tourists Guide to Chicago.  And read my other posts:

• Should I Own A Car In Chicago? 
• Ride Chicago Transit for Next to Nothing!