The village of Justice saw its major boom happen on and around Archer Avenue one of Cook County's most historic roads.
You would think the name of this village had clear origins, but no one really knows how Justice got its name. Home to 12,926 people, Justice is only 14 miles from the Chicago Loop. While the presence of the Windy City plays a role in the daily life of Justice residents, the village's attraction comes in its seamless mixture of contradictory attributes: the traditional with the modern, the grand metropolis alongside a village, and nature beside concrete. All those marvelous combinations of contradictions mean you can forgive the village for not understanding where its name came from.
Moving to Justice
It may be just a village, but the real estate market kind of resembles the big city of Chicago, if you just look at the hard numbers. As a renter, that's good information to know. Nabbing anything from a house to a studio for rent in Justice shouldn't be like trying to bring justice to the world, unless you are as gifted as Superman or Superwoman. Even if you are a superhero, you still have to buff up on how to successfully rent in Justice.
Trends Are on Your Side
Over 47 percent of homes in Justice are being rented, which is much higher than Illinois' average. In addition to that, Justice boasts a nice mix of detached houses, town homes, apartments, condos and mobile homes. If you want a tree-house, however, you may need to wait as that project hasn't been implemented yet. But, you can nab a duplex for rent on a place like Banks Street or rent a mobile home at Chief Mobile Home Park.
Don't Get Caught Sleeping
While there are enough available listings to meet renter demands during any time of year, you may have a tougher time finding your perfect pad at certain times. That's because most of the great homes are snatched up by the early fall. Looking in December, April, and August is advised as leases most commonly expire in January, May, or September; in general, 20 to 30 days should be ample time during those three months. You can still get a home rental at other times; you'll just have to look 10 to 15 days longer. It is vital to record in your home hunting notebook that nice pads in Justice get grabbed quite quickly. Where's the justice in Justice, right? So if you see a home that leaves you drooling, chances are another potential renter is drooling too. Don't lose that home because you wanted to take some time to weigh the pros and cons; otherwise, you'll be left with option B, or worse, option C.
A Word of Caution
Just because landlords and management companies in Justice may seem trustworthy when they rave about a place, it doesn't mean that that specific pad is perfect. While you don't need to inspect everything, make sure the big things are running okay. Go on a rainy day and see if there is any leaking. Ask to test out appliances. Search for the presence of bugs or mice. And flush that toilet to get a feel for the plumbing. Once you feel comfortable with how the place works, then talk contract.
A Note About The Bills
While all-utilities-paid apartments are not too common with rentals in Justice, places that include certain bills are very common. If you find an opening at a complex offering heating included, take it. Winters in Justice can get extremely cold, and having the freedom to use that heat without worrying about added costs is awesome, like so awesome you'll just be dying to get home and cozy up on the sofa.
Where Are All The Complexes?
Apartment complexes in Justice don't exist in large numbers. While you will have the most luck searching for an individually owned duplex or apartment, you can still locate homes within managed communities. The Laurels Apartments property, which has spacious one-bedroom apartments, as well as two- and three-bedroom pads, usually has openings; to successfully land a home at one of these complexes, call about a month or more in advance to begin the renting process.
What to Prepare
Once you know what you want, you have to give them what they want. In terms of finances. You won't be able to sign the rent agreement until one month's rent is paid along with a deposit. Application fees and / or realtor fees are typically required, unless you are dealing directly with an individual owner. If you are in a battle for a dream home, bringing your own credit score, background check, and landlord references can help make you a more reliable choice than other potential tenants.
Justice Neighborhoods
Justice has a total land area of just 2.88 square miles so it may not seem like it matters where you live, but it does. With a crime rate of well less than half the national average, you won't have to consider crime when choosing a neighborhood as every 'hood in town is quite safe. But, some neighborhoods in Justice are convenient in different ways, and that's why it's vital that you be aware of the features of each neighborhood.
Village Center: The gorgeous Bethania Cemetery and beautiful Resurrection Cemetery have added fame to this neighborhood. The area is mostly housing. R. J. Munchies is a popular local eatery. While it's possible to walk to eat, get coffee or buy a few things from a convenience mart, you'll have to drive, furiously bike or bus for major errands and to explore the greater region.
Blackstone Avenue / Oak Grove Avenue: Mostly residential with a few scattered businesses, this is perhaps the most car-dependent area of town, unless you live in the section closer to Archer Road. Chet's Melody Lounge is a neighborhood party spot.
82nd Avenue / I-294: It's possible to live here without a car as long as you are okay walking slightly longer distances or biking in some narrow streets. This area offers the best balance as it's full of eateries, near Founders Park and Commissioners Park, and right by the highway.
Living in Justice
Very much within the realm of Chicago, Justice is still far enough back that you don't get blown off your bike by heavy Lake Michigan winds. With Chicago so close, Justice locals do enjoy going to the Windy City to hang out at Navy Pier, catch a Chicago Cubs baseball game, and visit the Shedd Aquarium. Yet there still are ample activities within the village's boundaries. Fasano's Pizza and Jimmy's Drive-In bring so much flavor that even those living in the Loop make the trip for a bite. Resurrection Cemetery, with its grand gates and pristine grounds, makes for a pleasant afternoon stroll. Walking along Archer Road and 79th Street and viewing all the marts, flower stores, and barber shops makes you feel like you have returned to a simpler time, until you walk right into a Marathon Gas Station and Subway Restaurant. You see the contradiction! The only righteous way to enjoy Justice is to embrace it all.
