The perfect location... (Schaumburg, Irving, Norwood: middle-class, rentals, homes)

[flarpco]

I'm thinking about relocating from the far NW suburbs to someplace a little closer to (or in) the "big" city.

I work out in Schaumburg (at least for a while) and have some family out there, so easy access to the Kennedy is a requirement. Another would be more of a "suburban" feel -- some open spaces, parks, plentiful parking, etc. Access to public transportation would also be nice.

See, I need a hybrid between city and suburban living!

My main reason for relocating is that I'm finding I'm spending a lot of my weekends in the city going to concerts and I just think the opportunities for recreation are better in the city. Cultural activities are few and far between out in the 'burbs. Plus, in my industry, jobs are more easily found in the city. I'd likely be commuting downtown from the suburbs anyways at some point.

What do you think? Does this mythical place exist? I'm looking to rent, and my budget is $1300+ for a 2 bedroom.

[MannheimMadman]

Edison Park, Oriole Park, Norwood Park.

[jdiddy]

Originally Posted by MannheimMadman

Edison Park, Oriole Park, Norwood Park.

Two more parks - Jefferson and Irving.

I wouldn't go any further into the city than Old Irving Park, mainly because of the commute, but also because neighborhoods start to get more dense and urban as opposed to the Pre-WWII suburban feel of the above neighborhoods.

They also both have blue line and metra access - and you can definitely get a nice 2 br for 1300-1400.

[flarpco]

Originally Posted by MannheimMadman

Edison Park, Oriole Park, Norwood Park.

Originally Posted by jdiddy

Two more parks - Jefferson and Irving.

I wouldn't go any further into the city than Old Irving Park, mainly because of the commute, but also because neighborhoods start to get more dense and urban as opposed to the Pre-WWII suburban feel of the above neighborhoods.

They also both have blue line and metra access - and you can definitely get a nice 2 br for 1300-1400.

Thanks to both of you. I had a feeling that area would be my best bet. I really know nothing of those neighborhoods, except riding through on the metra. I'll take a closer look.

If anyone else wants to weigh in, I'll take more suggestions, or even some more information about these neighborhoods!

[tomcho]

I'll echo Jeff Park and Irving, definitely very suburban feel to them. Also Edison Park which has a nice stretch of bars/restaurants on NW highway.

If you decide on Jeff Park I have a 3BR/2Bath Georgian I'm putting on the market soon

[MannheimMadman]

I've regularly seen for rent signs as I drive southbound on Harlem fro Touhy to Bryn Mawr. The buildings are your typical post-war 1950's style. What's nice to me is that those particular neighborhoods have easy access to either the Cumberland or Harlem blue line, like jdiddy said.

[flarpco]

Well, I've started with some reading about Jefferson Park, Norwood Park, and the rest. Pretty interesting stuff.

Per the wiki article:

Norwood Park is known especially for its abundance of green: lawns, parks, churchyards, and trees are its visual hallmarks

Very promising. I guess it's time to take a drive!

This area does seem to be perfect: Middle-class, hard-working people, on the edge of the city, easy access to metra, CTA and major highways.

Any thoughts on the rental situations? Are these mostly low-unit buildings, or 2-3 flats? Homes converted into rentals?

[Drover]

Obviously you'll want to stay along the Blue Line/Kennedy Expressway corridor. The closer you are to the Jefferson Park transportation center, the better, as that will maximize your available transportation options to city and nightlife destinations while minimizing your pain for the outbound commute to Schaumburg. Once you get east of Harlem, the suckitude of the commute grows exponentially the further east/southeast of Harlem you get.

Unfortunately this convenience of living near the Jefferson Park transportation center is priced into rental rates in the area, but you should still be able to find a relatively spacious and updated 2-bedroom within your price range.

[tomcho]

Originally Posted by flarpco

Well, I've started with some reading about Jefferson Park, Norwood Park, and the rest. Pretty interesting stuff.

Per the wiki article:

Very promising. I guess it's time to take a drive!

This area does seem to be perfect: Middle-class, hard-working people, on the edge of the city, easy access to metra, CTA and major highways.

Any thoughts on the rental situations? Are these mostly low-unit buildings, or 2-3 flats? Homes converted into rentals?

Norwood, Jefferson, and Edison Park have basically identical Metra Schedules, the blue line is a different story as far as convenience. In Jefferson Park the Metra, Blue Line, and bus terminal are all in the same spot.

I usually take the Metra to work, but if I miss a train or someone decides to jump in front of the train and it's delayed, walking down the stairs to the blue line is very convenient.

As you move NW blue line access becomes harder. Norwood Park is closest to the Harlem stop, but could be a hike depending how far North you are. Edision Park is between the Harlem and Cumberland stop but an even further walk.

Rental wise I believe all 3 areas or similar with a mix of 2/3 flats, and low rise multi unit buildings.

[flarpco]

Originally Posted by Drover

Once you get east of Harlem, the suckitude of the commute grows exponentially the further east/southeast of Harlem you get.

Originally Posted by tomcho

Rental wise I believe all 3 areas or similar with a mix of 2/3 flats, and low rise multi unit buildings.

Thanks to both of you for the info. I've done some rental searches and it seems like there is a lot of good stuff in my price-range in the area. Surprisingly, I've found a lot of places with cheap garage parking as well.