Is it possible to live in Chicago on a CNA salary?

[Drowinginthesouth]

Hi everyone. I have finished my prerequisites for the BSN programs here in my hometown. There are two local programs. This is my second year applying and my second year being denied. I've always dreamed of living in Chicago. I've visited the city, and I am in love. Is is possible to live in Chicago on a CNA's salary? I have not gave up on school, but I'm tired of waiting around down here to get into a program. I always thought I'd finish school, have my nursing license, and then move to Chicago. Instead I am thinking about establishing myself there and then finishing school. So... Is it possible to live solo in Chicago on a CNA, PCT, MST, etc.. salary?

[jj224]

Depends where in the city you're looking to live and where you work. If I remember correctly, CNAs at Northwestern are unionized and make a decent hourly rate, but definitely not enough to live in River North, Streeterville, South Loop, Wicker Park, Bucktown, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Old Town, Gold Coast.. there will definitely be exceptions and if you have a roommate you might be able to find places in the above mentioned neighborhoods if your making a decent amt. Lakeview is a little more affordable and is a fun neighborhood. Just speaking from experience when I was working as an EMT making no money - I had to live with roommates and work a ton of overtime to have enough money to enjoy my life in the city.

There are definitely places you can find in the city, but it depends on your expectations for how nice your place will be and whether or not you're comfortable living with roommates. There are a lot more affordable neighborhoods besides those I mentioned, but those (minus Streeterville) are places I typically hung out / lived. The CTA is pretty great and you can get around the city pretty easily, so even if you have to live a little further away it's not a huge deal.