Affordable, safe apartments near Libertyville/Vernon Hills/Buffalo Grove/N. Arlington Heights/N. Wheeling? (Gurnee: crime)

[prillc]

I will need to move within the next 6 months to a year (I'm beginning the divorce process) and would like to move to this area. I work in Vernon Hills so I would like something with a short commute. Also, my son will start kindergarten in the Fall of '11 so I need to be in a good school district as well.

I know apartments tend to me pricier in this area than if I were to go a bit north (Grayslake, Gurnee) but I'm trying to find something that is more accessible to the highway and not too far from my STBX for visitation purposes with our son. I can't really afford more than $950 w/utilities and need a 2 bedroom...yes, I realize this is pushing it. I've been looking at craigslist, realtor.com, etc. just for pricing ideas and everything I've found so far seems to be in a somewhat sketchy area. Any suggestions of a location that would fall into my price bracket in a good school district? Thanks

[TempesT68]

Those are all decent areas, but $950 for a 2 bed with utilities is going be rough. Likely all you may be able to land is an older, pretty crappy building no matter what city you choose. Best option is just to keep your eyes peeled for a great deal, or see if you can up your budget a bit.

[prillc]

Are there any specific areas of those towns to stay away from?

[parmand]

I'll tell you right now that I'm in the Madison at Park Butterfield apartments on Butterfield Rd. between 60 and 45 (right where they meet, by Buffalo Wild Wings), and this place is absolutely terrible. Look elsewhere unless you have to (you COULD get in their 2bedroom for under 1000 I would think(.

[pvande55]

Originally Posted by parmand

I'll tell you right now that I'm in the Madison at Park Butterfield apartments on Butterfield Rd. between 60 and 45 (right where they meet, by Buffalo Wild Wings), and this place is absolutely terrible. Look elsewhere unless you have to (you COULD get in their 2bedroom for under 1000 I would think(.

Is that the old Whitehall Manor? The police actually set up a substation there to deal with all the crime. I thought it was finally cleaned up.

[parmand]

Ummmm I'm not sure to be honest. The crime as far as actual assault/murder isn't too bad, but the places are very run down. My car has been keyed in the parking lot 4 times now, management really doesn't care, seems to have a bit of a bug problem too.