Comments | chicagochat: What neighborhoods have I missed?

shy_extravert in chicagochat

What neighborhoods have I missed?

Feb 16, 2009 09:56

Yes, this is a "where should I live" question. Yes, I checked the tags & memories first. I hope that my question is specific/somewhat-researched enough that you'll be willing to help.
( Cut for length )

general - chicago's neighborhoods

Comments 9

snmnstrz21 February 16 2009, 19:55:11 UTC

I live in Forest Park in a SFH and I think it's a pretty good place to be. The only downside is that the only grocery store within walking distance to me is a little corner mom-and-pop place that doesn't have the best selection. However, I live right near the El and am a 15 minute walk from downtown Forest Park with its restaurants, bars, and boutiques (and bookstore!). I'm also about a 15 minute walk from the library (which is pretty small so I do a lot of my stuff via interlibrary loan) and about a five minute walk from the major park and the pool. Technically I could walk to downtown Oak Park, too, but that would be a slightly longer walk ( ... )

surlycue February 16 2009, 20:20:28 UTC

Though it is on the northwest side, Old Irving Park and North Center have great deals to be had. Irving Park is very family friendly and I think it's in the Bell school district. From both it's only a 5-10 minute train ride to all the good stuff that Wicker Part has to offer but you'll never have to worry about anyone puking in your yard because you are well insulated from it. North Center is a bit more walkable and vibrant. Plenty to do there and in Lincoln Square.

kittenspeaks February 16 2009, 20:41:27 UTC

I currently live in Irving Park and I have to second the idea. This is a great neighborhood. I have seen several more duplexes coming up for rent recently and the prices seem very reasonable. And there are two park area at California and Irving Park Rd so there is a great place for the kids/ family to go play safely. There are grocery stores close by, tons of restaurants of various types and getting to the newly expanded shopping area at Logan and Elston is easy. (Target, Petsmart, Strack and Van'til, Home Depot, etc)
Easy access to Blue and Brown Lines and it doesn't hurt being accessible to 90/94.

c0mfortable February 16 2009, 20:31:16 UTC

Ravenswood/Lincoln Square/Andersonville.

davey83 February 16 2009, 22:27:05 UTC

Also look at bucktown/old town area, not as expensive as LP.

surlycue February 17 2009, 03:40:55 UTC

Old Town is more expensive than LP unless you are in that phony Marshall Fields apt area south of North Ave. She might have a tough time getting a SFH or Duplex in Bucktown too. Plenty of two and three flats though.

davey83 February 17 2009, 03:47:48 UTC

Yup, that's the area of Old Town I was referring to south of north, I just looked @ a few places in that area, some of them aren't worth $1500 they were asking for 2brm, though.
Yeah that's true about bucktown, I was looking @ 2bdrm's only.

chitowndiva February 17 2009, 00:12:40 UTC

I live in the Ukrainian Village, and I dig it.

Very walkable, lots of groceries and restaurants. The Metra is nearby (Grand/Western), and the Chicago and Western buses are plentiful and 24 hours. (And depending on where you are, the blue line isn't far.)

Great mix of Ukrainian families, Hispanic families, hipsters, and yuppies. Quick shot down Western to get to 55.

The price is right.

Not sure about the park district, but Humboldt Park is nearby and there seems to be a lot going on there.