Evanston or La Grange? (Chicago, Skokie: crime, house, neighborhoods)

[ksmc]

We're moving to Chicago in a few months and want to hear you opinoins on whether we should live in Evanston or La Grange. I want to live near a nice town center with shops, restaurants, etc. I don't really want to live in a congested area where it's hard to find parking everywhere you go.

We're in our thirties and have a 15 month old so schools will be important in a few years.

Thanks in advance!!!!
Suzanne

[Pixie Dust]

Definately Elmhurst!!!!!

[ahava]

I'd suggest La Grange, but my opinion is biased because I live in the next town over. The schools in La Grange perform better on state testing than Evanston's, but a child can get a good education in either school system. La Grange has a central area with shopping and restaurants, whereas in Evanston it's more spread out. Evanston has a more urban feel because of this. Both towns have parking garages near the commercial area, but the street parking situation in Evanston is very congested - at least it was when I lived there, but I lived on a major road so maybe it was just my neighborhood that was bad. It's also very congested near the university, and that isn't going to change. I've never had trouble finding parking in La Grange.

[outsider1]

There will be parking and a bit more safety in LaGrange. You won't find much else you're looking for in the close proximity. At the beginning it'll look good, but you'll be bored eventually. Try searching northeast part of Evanston. I you don't like it or can't afford it, you might want to follow previous poster's advise and look at Skokie if you want all that you listed and an easy access to Chicago.

[domergurl]

If you can find a house in Evanston, I'd go there. I lived there twice and I also lived in Brookfield, which is close to LaGrange. There's nothing wrong with LaGrange, it was a bit too suburban for my tastes.

[bobsmith319]

Hi, Suzanne well you picked some good towns. Evanston borders Chicago, it has nice schools but the town can be mixed. Some areas are very expensive, and some are not very nice. La Grange has good schools.. and nice neighborhoods, and if u ask me , I would say La Grange, I guess I like the urban feel it has, eventhough it is still as a nice subarb. I guess I don't care for the suburban feel of Evanston. Good Luck!

[Marcus23]

Well, like someone said above Evanston borders Chicago so that part isnt particularly a good area. However, if you go farther north a nicer quieter Evanston does exist. If you go to the Evanston police departments website, they have something called crime reports for each day of the year, and if you scroll through that you get the crimes(ie. burglaries,armed robberies, thefts, assaults) in the city and addresses and dates they occurred so you get a hint of which areas to stay out of.

[jennifer12345678910]

Just wondering where this family ended up and if they like it. Our family is also moving to Chicago area and have similar questions about a family-friendly area to raise our young kids in. As the original poster said, we also are looking for not too busy of any area with decent parking, schools and amenities. I welcome any advisement you have! Thanks in advance!
Jennifer

[mh7]

I live in La Grange & think its great. Parking is rarely an issue, the schools are good, there are plenty of local restaurants & good proximity to the mall in oak brook if you are looking for shopping. The area is super kid friendly too.