Do it! Garden units aren't that bad. I just tried to go for lots of pretty walks when I was in one. For me, the dishwasher alone would probably tip it!

The space that you say is compromising your quality of life is also affecting your son. Having two bedrooms would allow both of you for more space. Losing the view may even give you an impetus to go out more, and discover another beautiful, but unheralded, sections of your city!

Get some mirrors and glassy things to reflect the light. We gave up a view of the Philadelphia skyline for a tiny townhouse at street level and never looked back.

My advice would be to take the larger unit and invest in some great lighting and other decor. Renting from a friend could be an issue, but it sounds like you've worked that out? I guess another obvious question is whether you've also looked at other apartment options--maybe you can find something else that you like even better than either of these two apartments.

There may be hidden quality of life issues to consider.

What about noise? From other neighbors? If your new place has loud neighbors (or footsteps over head) that your current place doesn't have...it is a very important issue to consider (there was an exhaustive thread recently about how to control for noise in an apt). With a kid that may be doubly important.

For me, I'd also compare neighborhoods - does it have all the amenities (nearby grocery etc)? Easy to commute to work?

In other words, there are lots of factors outside the apt that should be considered, as well.

Stay and keep searching for other apartments.

My two cents - I lived in a garden apartment when I first moved to Chicago over 20 years ago and didn't mind it at all. I gave up a gorgeous view of mountains, waterfalls and wildlife from my previous home in Juneau, AK, so I understand your concerns about leaving a nice view. Since I worked during the day, the relative lack of sunlight in the garden apartment wasn't a concern, but I did have a beautiful backyard at my disposal. I suggest you think about your future needs. Your son is now 10 and will soon be a teenager. Space and need for privacy will only increase. If not your friend's apartment, perhaps it's a good time to look for another one. It's not necessarily a bad thing to rent from a friend, but as with any landlord/tenant relationship, you'll want someone who will be responsive to any problems that may develop. If your friend turns out to be a bad landlord, it can definitely have an impact on the friendship. I rented from my boss' boss - definitely a bad situation. He was a horrible landlord and I couldn't do a thing about it.

The issue with renting from friends is that unspoken feeling the "landlord" often feels overtime of being taken advantage of. They want to help and support, but also want to keep their lives from disruption and avoid overextending themselves. That said, make sure you've worked out an agreement that takes nothing for granted. That would include how the heat and air conditioning will be regulated throughout the house, if this is actually a basement apartment in her home, and also who is responsible for what repairs, what the "noise ordinance" is, etc. I know you said you'd worked out a standard agreement, but I find these things to be particularly important when in a shared space and should be emphasized. Assuming it's a totally separate living space, if you know you are going to pay your rent on time without any issues cropping up I would say take the space. A 10 year old boy really needs room to move around in, and his mom should REALLY have a w/d on hand as he is only going to get larger and stinkier as adolescence approaches! Besides, I'd use the sunless apartment as a reason to get out and walk in my neighborhood more- and maybe find a different way to enjoy the view than through your window. Getting familiar with your surroundings also increases your ability to protect yourself (you mentioned safety issues were a mild concern).

I would think a larger space is worth the loss of the view considering you live with your son. He's getting older (and bigger), and I think you'll both appreciate more space more than you will a beautiful view.

If you think you have things worked out with your friend then I don't see a problem here at all. Just be up front with how long you plan to stay so they are aware this isn't a temporary thing and become frustrated with the lowered rent. You could also agree that they not raise the rent by more than X amount of dollars each year if you want to be extra sure.

As a parent, you clearly need more space than you do a view.

Not getting the safety issue, but as long as everything is in writing, it seems like a no-brainer.

As a fellow Chicago resident, I HATED the year I spent in a rear, first floor unit with buildings on either side blocking all natural light. It wasn't even a true garden and the lack of light was soul-crushing. I vowed never to live without sun flooded windows again. Don't under-estimate the necessity of sun (and parking). If you are managing fine where you are, I'd say stay, but only you can know what you value most! If you get SOME light or view in the garden that could be key.

Two-bedroom, for sure. If for no other reason than living with a 10 year old is much different than a tween and teenager. You're both going to want and need your own private room.

I don't get the safety issue either, bepsf. Isn't it the same as living in a house, basically? Lock your doors and windows.

I'd go for the larger apartment with extra amenities, as long as everything is in writing with your friend/landlord. A view is nice, but you and your son would probably not miss it once you had your own rooms.

I personally wouldn't want to rent from a friend, but you sound like you need the space more than you do a view. If everything about the other place seems like the better option, just take walks or make sure you get outside sometimes.

I just moved out of a garden. I actually really liked it. The yard and surrounding buildings blocked a lot of light during the day, and the view was just a fence and some mango trees, but it also blocked the streetlight at night time. I can't fall asleep but in a pitch black room.

Anyway, it will allow more space for you and your son. As your son gets older, he'll probably want to bring friends over, and not want to hang out in mom's room/the living room. Do it.

I'm on my third winter now in a Chicago garden unit, and it's really not that bad. The extra space, dishwasher, and backyard my place offers makes up for the lack of view.

That said, there are a couple safety issues to beware with these units. Make sure each bedroom has an operable window you can climb out of in the event of an emergency. It's a good idea to have security bars on your windows, but they should be unlockable and the key should be stored right next to the window (but not visible from outside!).

I totally understand your dilemmas-- though the two things holding you back (lighting/a view and renting from a friend) seem very manageable.

Be sure to have a written contract with a stipulated early-end-of-lease procedure, and the renting from a friend thing shouldn't be too bad? & with the right lighting, a garden could feel like a lovely cocoon, not a cave. good luck! sounds like you and your son could really use the extra space. I vote for going for it!

I rented a garden apartment from a friend years ago and it was a great situation with no issues at all -- and I loved the apartment too. It felt really cozy and warm in the winter; I would think about how often you look outside and actually appreciate the view vs. how often you'd appreciate the extra space.

And keep in mind that if your friend owns the building, he/she will appreciate a responsible tenant who takes good care of the property.

Good luck with your decision!

I live in Chicago and have never lived in a garden apartment, but all of my friends who have done so have had issues with their garden apartments flooding.

The larger unit sounds great for you, but it all depends on how you feel about the lack of sunlight. Gardens are a deal breaker for some people like myself. I just would feel like I"m living in the basement.
I also live in Chicago and there are soooo may apartments to choose from, try looking in a more affordable neighborhood and you might find something that is perfect for you!

It's hard to believe now, but I did the exact same thing for years, and I actually grew to love my pull-out couch/bed, not that I would go back to it! I agree with many here, tween and teen kids take up a lot more room, physically and emotionally ;)

I would move into the friend-rented place as a stepping stone. You'll save some money by paying cheaper rent and can take some time to re-evaluate what your ideal place is, and then hopefully find it in a few months or a year. If you are in good communication with your friend/landlord, this should work out well for all involved.

Do it. Reasons why: you have a child whose psychological development is shaped by YOU. He needs as much space as you do, and it sounds like you need a lot. Kids are a resilient bunch, but I had some weird living situations when I was a kid (a lot of moving) that did affect me negatively. You have an opporunity to provide your child with a more normal living situation. "Mommy lives in the living room" is not ideal for anyone.

Most importantly, you have to consider your Priorities. I don't have a family of my own yet, but I would guess your priorities would look similar to the following:

1. Your 10 year old son
2. A safe, stable and secure living space
.
10. Sunlight
20. A nice view

Like a lot of the other posts said, your son will become a teenager and will DEFINITELY need his own space. You probably still have 1-2 years until puberty really hits.

But renting from a friend can be dangerous. I can absolutely guarantee unexpected/unaccounted for problems will arise in your renters agreement. Money and the general state of the apartment will be big issues.

I would give it a trial run of 3-6 months before committing to a full year.

Obviously the decision is up to you and I'm curious which way you'll go. Good Luck!

@kozy11 - I live on a third floor apartment facing a lot of woods, so I don't get a lot of sunlight either. I thought I would be miserable, but I actually find it very peaceful.

That said...she has her son to consider. Like others have said, he needs room to move around and so does she. He's getting older, and with that comes a need for more privacy and more freedom. Right now things are handled by mom, but what happens in a few years when he's old enough to want to have his friends over and mom needs to go to bed (in the living room) at 10.

Not only would your son probably appreciate more space, but you need/deserve privacy too. If I had a good relationship with a friend and no reason to think ahead of time that renting from him/her would be awkward, I would probably proceed with a solid agreement in writing and even a disucssion of any ways I thought this arrangement might get dicey. I would also do some "comparrision shopping" at the same time I was considering this possibility. Spend some time looking for an apartment and see what your alternatives are before signing on the dotted line.

I ditto stay and look for another space. Price aside, the lack of sunlight is going to be a shock to the system, as well as the loss of view. I currently own such a space and I regret it every day. I'd give my left foot for less space and more sun and a view again like I had before.......

I think the garden apt is the best bet.

@cliokitty - if it was just her, I'd say "tough it out" - but she has a kid, and he doesn't deserve to be cooped up in a one-bedroom apartment with his mother sleeping in the living room. They've been doing it this way for six years, but he's growing up and it's going to start getting weird, especially as he starts looking for more freedom. If he hasn't realized it by now, he will soon realize that mom sleeping in the living room isn't like how other people live. Teen moodiness can be a killer when things aren't "normal" because you kind of want to fit in and be like everyone else.

I lived in a garden apartment for nearly 2 years in Chicago. There are two issues that you should investigate thoroughly before making a decision.

The first is flooding, as someone else mentioned. I was assured prior to signing my lease that there had been no flooding in the unit. Almost two years later, following a major rainstorm, I had a mud line approximately 8" up my wall and destroyed stuff. Most renters insurance policies don't include flood insurance, so I and some of my friends who also lived in garden apartments were s-o-l. I moved out a month later. My current house has no flooding issues in the basement, despite having a bathroom down there, so it really can vary. Be careful.

Second issue that was a problem in my place was the flooring. I had a linoleum floor that had been laid over the concrete slab. This provided no insulation and was extremely chilly in the winter.

On the plus side, it was the most comfortable place I have ever lived in during the summer. The sun issue really wasn't a draw-back for me as I worked long hours and spent a log of time out with friends. It sounds as if the amenities definitely make up for a lack of sun and view, provided the flooring is good and there hasn't been any flooding in the last 3 - 4 years.

I lived in a garden level and loved it! Mine didn't lack light and, since i was generally home to enjoy the light on summer evenings, I could go outside! think of the gardening, too! plus, i think it's important that you each have your own space. renting from a friend should not be a problem.

Pi is right - She's lucky that she's getting the extra space and more amenities for the same amount of money...

...when looking for a 2 bedroom on a studio budget, there are going to be compromises.

Thanks everyone - all very good advice..Pi, you made me laugh...

I'm gonna go for the garden unit. My boy doesn't want to move, but you're right - what is currently the norm, will eventually be awkward - I already hold back with inviting guests over and play dates at our place because of the living situation. I've pimped out my place like nobody's business and it looks great, but no matter how cute, guests sitting next to my bed is *not cute* anymore.

Thank you again!

I'm in agreement with the garden apartment choice, but it sounds like you are already on that wagon. Good luck in your new home.

Hey - do you think your friend could let you stay there for 2-3 nights before making a decision? Just camp out there and see how it feels!

@madge524 - in a few years when your kid hits his super awkward phase and starts getting really interested in dating, break out the story of how you totally "pimped out" your last apartment. He'll LOVE that.

The earlier he realizes that growing up doesn't mean you get to stop being embarassed by your own parent, the better he can cope. :)

Madge, I applaud you for giving your son the bedroom for so long. (I would too, but it's commendable nonetheless.) The question I have is one that it seems no one else has asked. It sounds as though you have been a single mom for a long time. What if--somewhere down the road--you are dating again, and farther down that road your son gets to know your BF, and perhaps farther still the BF occasionally spends the night at your apartment?

Two bedrooms, no question! Plus, when your son is a teenager and wants to have friends over--some of whom may be girls--you won't want them in his room with the door closed, most likely, so a bedroom for you will allow him to entertain in the common area while you pretend you can't hear anything from your private space.

Do the garden! I live in a garden unit in that neighborhood (I recognize that church!) and love it.
As others have said, invest a bit of cash in some nice lighting and you'll be just fine.

Only you can decide what's right for you and your son but since this is your friend's place maybe you could ask to spend a few nights or a week there. See how you like it and then make your decision.

You can find really really nice two bedrooms further north. Try Lincoln Square. You would not have to live in the garden.

You have such a sweet friend. I would use her favor as my last option. Look around and you might be able to find something you can afford. Be creative in the new space. Hate to see problems ruin good friendships.

i lived in a garden apartment - in the winter i found it fine, but in the summer, the darkness was sort of a downer because it was so different than the "real" outside. couple that with feeling slightly unsafe - which was more of a problem with my landlord believing the locks didn't need to lock and that a piece of wood would suffice - and yeah, there were problems.
we never flooded, but we were constantly vigilant about keeping all the drains open.
it was VERY hot in the summer, even with the two bedrooms and the living room having AC units - which seems counter intuitive for a garden. in our case, the place got so hot because it was SO humid. flip side, that humidity was great in the winter; i have a humidifier in my new place on all the time.
it's all up to you in the end, though - good luck!

I was in that same situation a few years ago. I went with the larger garden unit. It wasn't too bad and the extra space was nice, but the lack of sunlight was TERRIBLE! Dark and depressing. If I had to do it over again I would go with the smaller unit on a higher level.

Don't give up a fantastic view for a dark, larger place. You'll feel like you live underground and it will be SO depressing. Also, don't ever rent from a friend. Sometimes it works but when it doesn't, you lose the friend for life. Stay put and look for something with an equal view.

You can visit a view, can you visit an extra bedroom & dishwasher?

I don't think you'll regret your choice. The privacy is going to be a bigger and bigger issue over time, and you will be amazed at the difference the dw & w/d make. I rented from friends for a while, and it wasn't really a problem -- and I shared a space with them. If I had rented a garden apartment from them, then there would not have been the tension there was from sharing chores, etc. Just be sure to have a real lease -- you should be able to find a standard form for your area on line -- that way you'll both know what to expect if any problems arise, so things like broken water heaters won't be a test of your friendship.

If you've "pimped out" this place, then you can make your new place great as well. See this old post about creating light and space in a basement apartment. Keeping it nice down there will please your friend as well, making the landlord-tenant relationship easier.

Do a trial run! Rather than moving to this place for just 6 months to a year, ask for a week or two to try it out to see if it works for you. This is the benefit of potentially renting from a friend and it saves you from the stresses of packing up and moving all your stuff only to be disappointed/miserable. I think your son's well-being (and your own, of course) come first but a space can really affect your emotional health (as AT wrote about in another post today). I think a trial run is best and if it doesn't work out, actively look for a new space because it sounds like you need it before your boy becomes a teenager. Everyone needs space from teenagers.

I would say go for the garden unit. You and your son both could use your own spaces and the relationship will be even healthier. Plus lesser view also will prompt you to be outside more and going for more walks. Plus the common areas of the apartment will finally be just that...while both of you have a place to retreat to at the end of the day.

Find another apartment that suits your needs.

Based on your sample photo, I assume you live in Edgewater. This neighborhood is teeming with nice & affordable apartments. You can give up your modern unit and consider some vintage ones just off the main road (be picky though).

At the end of the day, you want to minimize the compromises. This will make you enjoy your home more.

I am glad you decided to move. Beyond the obvious, I think it will be good for you to make yourself a priority and for your son to see that.

Also glad you opted for the move. Your son is reaching a "certain age" where the need for your space to be clearly delineated from his will be crucial. Having Mom in the living room probably won't cut it. No, a view and some nice light is totally NOT worth jeopardizing his development and your relationship with him!

I think you should hold out for a better space with a great view.

What if the garden apartment is dark, and you feel closed in. Do you want to live like that? For six years? Only you can make the decision, but by saying even though it has a DW and W/D and 2 bedrooms, I still don't know, tells me the view is important to you.

When in doubt, don't do it. Stay. A great apartment that you will JUMP at may be just around the corner.

I would keep looking for a place you can afford with light and a view.

Madge524 I would love to see a picture of the pimped out room

Honestly, I would do the garden apartment. If it were just you, then it would be a no brainer- stay in the place with more light! But since you do have a child to care for as well, I would opt for the larger space. Try doing things with your son to get out of the house during the day... it could work as a bonding experience!

As far as safety goes, I'll tell you this much: KEEP THE BLINDS ON ANY STREET FACING WINDOWS CLOSED. The people who live in the garden unit of my building didn't do this, and they ended up getting robbed a few weeks ago. But it was VERY easy to see that they had a large flat screen TV in their living room from the street! Also, it's very rare to have break-ins at night (or while someone is home, for that matter). Most burglaries happen during the day, when everyone is at work.

Your son is ten! As he hits adolescence he's going to need more and more private time. Take the garden unti for his sake if nothing else.

seconding the flooding issue, if anyone's still reading this thread! ;)

if you're living comfortably in the smaller unit, then the view is just a bonus.

but this wouldn't even be a question if you WERE living comfortably.

it's obviously a tough decision because you need the room. I would spring for the larger unit and make the best of the view you have.

and think about it this way, less stairs to take when carrying in groceries!

Your son would love more space as well!

I own a garden level unit in the rear of a building with no view. It's an incredible location and safe. I went by the "worst house on the best block" philosophy, I suppose. It's a 2br/2ba with nice space for just hubs and me. We've painted and made improvements with more to come, and have really made it a home.

We had a great courtyard view until the law firm next door built a giant addition. I do find it depressing without sunlight streaming into our home. I often work from home too so I'm there more often than most people would be. I long for the day when I can have more windows and daylight. I don't mind the garden unit at all, but not every garden unit is as dark as ours.

Good luck with your decision.

I lived in a garden apartment for a few years. Hated the lack of natural sunlight, but I really enjoyed the ample space and it had great heat in the wintertime. If you are able to be out and about locally on foot with your son, I would suggest to move into that apartment. Otherwise, you'll have to find another one eventually as he gets older.