Sweet Chicago Rental: Quaint Wicker Park Home for $2,550

For approximately the same amount of money it costs to rent a one- or two-bedroom in a luxury high rise downtown, a Chicago renter could have this entire 3,000 square-foot Wicker Park house (well, at least until the lease is up). In Chicago, it's not unfathomable -- though sometimes a rarity -- to find a quaint and upgraded house with an affordible rent.

In my opinion, this brick home's location is perfect. Wicker Park, a part of town northwest of Chicago's Loop that's gentrified over the past decade, beams with character and vibrance. From gourmet sandwich shops to hipster bars to high-fashion boutiques, the bustling neighborhood makes staying local the best way of life.

But part of what's great about this adorable bungalow-style home on North Damen, sandwiched from both the south and north by enclaves of shopping and dining, is that you don't even have to go out to find the scene. The party can literally stay in-house with a private backyard terrace (pictured above). Think about adding some lawn chairs, an umbrella, a grill and your 20 best friends. Now, that sounds more like urban living.