Quiet, safe suburbs with access to UIC? (Chicago, Time: move to, park)

[chet everett]

I wonder if the OP might consider some parts of Chicago that are not really all that much less safe than some of the cheaper suburbs. There is, I believe, a fals assumption that there is some kind of huge premium to live someplace like Canaryville or Pilsen. The newer units in some of those areas are kind of pricey but in the main the older smaller units are cheap and convenient to UIC, and not all that likely to result in some ugly encounter with criminals...

[chitownperson]

I think some areas of the city could work well in terms of distance and amenities, but part of the list was "quiet" and "treelined" (I'm guessing a quaint type of place) which may be harder to fine in a place like Pilsen.

[Lookout Kid]

There aren't many rentals in Riverside, but it is close to UIC and very safe and woodsy. And there are some apartments there near the downtown and along the train. Just stay off Harlem Avenue, which is noisy and somewhat low rent.

[chitownperson]

Good call on Riverside. If the OP can find a decent rental, it is certainly beautiful, but the trade off is the downtown is a bit dead, but Berwyn is not far, and you can always bus, drive or bike to amenities in towns close by.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by chitownperson

...but the trade off is the downtown is a bit dead, but Berwyn is not far, and you can always bus, drive or bike to amenities in towns close by.

You can get a drink at Mollie's Public House, the bar at the Chew Chew Cafe, or the Riverside Tap Room. And there are a few options for good grub, and an independent coffee shop--along with a few other quirky businesses and a grocery store. It's not bustling, but it has some function.

[kindrakindra]

Originally Posted by chet everett

I wonder if the OP might consider some parts of Chicago that are not really all that much less safe than some of the cheaper suburbs. There is, I believe, a fals assumption that there is some kind of huge premium to live someplace like Canaryville or Pilsen. The newer units in some of those areas are kind of pricey but in the main the older smaller units are cheap and convenient to UIC, and not all that likely to result in some ugly encounter with criminals...

Definitely not bad advice, especially for someone looking for an urban experience. But I think the OP is looking for cheap and quiet, tree lined streets and close by forests.

OP, check out Oak Park, Forest Park and Berwyn. If you live in Forest Park or south Oak Park, try to find a place walking distance to the blue line. That train will take you a few blocks from UIC. Thatcher Woods is a nearby forest preserve. A little further further west there are even more.

[nana053]

Originally Posted by jsk1983

The Pink Line no longer goes to UIC. The northern part of Berwyn along Roosevelt Road isn't that far of a walk to the Blue Line though.

According to this, the pink line polk stop serves the UIC east campus.

Directions | University of Illinois at Chicago

[chitownperson]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

You can get a drink at Mollie's Public House, the bar at the Chew Chew Cafe, or the Riverside Tap Room. And there are a few options for good grub, and an independent coffee shop--along with a few other quirky businesses and a grocery store. It's not bustling, but it has some function.

That's true, and I like Chew Chew. I suppose if bustling is not a concern for the OP and his partner, Riverside could be pretty great.

[BRU67]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

You can get a drink at Mollie's Public House, the bar at the Chew Chew Cafe, or the Riverside Tap Room. And there are a few options for good grub, and an independent coffee shop--along with a few other quirky businesses and a grocery store. It's not bustling, but it has some function.

Lookout Kid, where have you been? Great to see you back!

Agree on downtown Riverside. I go to Chew Chew and Mollie's relatively frequently. Both are excellent. Hopefully Mollie's remains in that space, which has been somewhat of a revolving door for whatever reason. They seem to be doing well. I've heard good things about the Tap Room.

There are a few large rental buildings right downtown Riverside which will put you right on top of these. And if you live there, Berwyn's Depot District with the James Joyce, Olive or Twist Martini bar, George's (a totally underrated dive bar), and other stuff is right nearby.

The issue here would be he'd be limited to the Metra and would have to get to UIC from Union Station. Still, it is a very nice, quiet area.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by BRU67

Lookout Kid, where have you been? Great to see you back!

Thanks, man! I am moving soon--possibly near your neck of the woods, so my interest in the forums has been revived after a bit of a break.