Might be moving to Chicago - need apartment advice

Thanks in advance for your help on this. There is a possibility of me moving to Chicago after the first of the year to advance my career. I will have very little time to go up there and look for an apartment. I have a couple of friends up there and I might be able to establish a roomate, but in case that falls through...what are my options for the best value in apartments in that area. I would be going there for a job, would be working in the heart of downtown, and I am single and do not want to spend a fortune on my lease, but at the same time I do want a nice area where I don't have to worry about crime too much. Thoughts?

edit: I used to live up in Naperville and have visited friends in the city many times and am generally familiar with the area...not sure if that helps or not.