Sweet Chicago Rental: Irving Park 2BR with Yard for $1,075

Many renters overlook the possibility of living in neighborhoods on the outskirts of Chicago's Loop. But for some -- especially those who reverse commute to jobs on the North Side or attend DePaul University or Northwestern University, renting in the grey area between the city and the suburbs may be the a smarter compromise.

If that's your situation, the sweetest rental you can find is half-way between school or work, and equidistant to the nightlife, restaurants, and culture of downtown. Irving Park is one of those in-between communities located on the northern tip of the city limits, where you get perks like bigger spaces and back yards without having to fully convert into a suburbanite.