Help with Chicago Neighbourhood for Single Prof Female from UK? (Morton Grove: apartment, loft)

[DawnCWUK]

Hi all,

I'm living in the UK and have been for the past 15 years. I am coming back to IL in the next 3 months and looking around Chicago for places to live. My parents are based near Wisconsin but I don't want to commute more than about 30 minutes to work so living up there is not really an option unless they've really improved the metra in the last 15 years. (yeah right)

I was wondering if the forum could recommend decent neighbourhoods in and around chicago for the following:

1. 30 minute commute (train as work is right by Union Station or EL to Centre of the loop)
2. Safe enough to let my cats outside (won't get shot, hit by cars or eaten!!) - Cat Friendly
3. Quiet area with some nature nearby - woods etc
4. Easy access to the city for museums, art, theatre, music and the occasional night of dancing on the tiles.
5. Reasonable rents or reasonable mortgages ($1000-$2000 per month)

I don't need a lot of space a it's just my 3 cats and I. I come from a country with very little personal space so a 10,000 sq ft loft doesn't really suit but a nice row house with a garden would be perfect.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Cheers,

Dawn

[5Lakes]

I think you should look in Ravenswood around the Metra stop. It will take you close to Union Station and you will also be close to the EL for when you need it. It is more relaxed there but still close enough to the action and your work.

[knitgirl]

You might want to also post in the suburbs forum. Sometimes getting from the Northside to Union Station area can take longer than some suburbs. Another possibility would be along the brown line in Ravenswood or Lincoln Square.

[aragx6]

I would second Lincoln Square and Ravenswood. Check out Craigslist and you'll find some very nice options in your price range. Example:
Marvelous 2 Bed / 1 Bath - Updated Kitchen, Enclosed Porch, Hardwood (http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/apa/2026770009.html - broken link)

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by DawnCWUK

...Safe enough to let my cats outside (won't get shot, hit by cars or eaten!!) - Cat Friendly...

I would no recommend letting your cats out at all unless they know how to stay in the yard and it has a really high fence that is hard to climb.

Many people have dogs that are outside in back yards often. Most dogs are hostile to cats...

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by DawnCWUK

...Quiet area with some nature nearby - woods etc...

You may be able to find something in Sauganash, Wildwood, Edgebrook, or Forest Glen. All are near a couple of fairly large forest preserves. All are fairly quiet as well.

Also look into Morton Grove (a suburb) a couple miles north of these areas, but is on the same Metra Line.

As long as you can find a place in these areas within walking distance or a short bus ride to the Metra, you should be fine.

[chirack]

I think the burbs might be a better fit because you want to be near woods. While there are forest preserves in the city, they city itself isn't very outdoorsy.

I also second the notion do not let your cat outside in the US. In the UK it is more acceptable. Here your cat can get FIV and other diseases from the local alley cats. There is much too much traffic in both the city and the burbs not to mention dogs, wolfs(in the far burbs), and other threats. In general house kept cats live much longer than cats left outdoor.

[chicagojlo]

When you say row house with a garden for $1-2K per month I assume you mean apartment in a row house with a garden? Not an actual entire house?

[DawnCWUK]

Originally Posted by chicagojlo

When you say row house with a garden for $1-2K per month I assume you mean apartment in a row house with a garden? Not an actual entire house?

I'm looking ideally for a single family home so yes an entire house.

Thanks

Dawn

[DawnCWUK]

Originally Posted by chirack

I also second the notion do not let your cat outside in the US. In the UK it is more acceptable. Here your cat can get FIV and other diseases from the local alley cats. There is much too much traffic in both the city and the burbs not to mention dogs, wolfs(in the far burbs), and other threats. In general house kept cats live much longer than cats left outdoor.

Thanks for the warning I appreciate it. It's fascinating the cultural difference between the UK and US regarding outdoor cats(well animals in general but cats especially). I would never leave my girls inside. We have similar traffic, dogs (I live near a guy with guard dogs), foxes, badgers, wild cats etc. My girls are incrediblly savvy and here in the UK our cats live between 15-20 years. They are neutered and vaccinated against FIV,rabies, fleas,ticks,worms etc.

Kind Regards,

Dawn