Irving Park and Portage Park (Chicago, Park Ridge: crime, high school, taxes)

[pianogal34]

Originally Posted by ChiRNMom

Have you looked into Roscoe Village? I used to live there and really loved it. It's pricier than the previously mentioned neighborhoods, but much closer to the heart of the city than the "outskirts" neighborhoods. There area also lots of young couples and families in the area. It's a nice neighborhood, and much closer to the things you are looking for.

A 10 minute drive west on Addison will get you to I-90.

I like Roscoe but it's too far from access to the Metra line we need. Ideally we want to be right by one of the stops or at least near a blue line, which can take us to the metra stop. That's why we are looking further west.
but thanks

[ChiRNMom]

Originally Posted by pianogal34

I like Roscoe but it's too far from access to the Metra line we need. Ideally we want to be right by one of the stops or at least near a blue line, which can take us to the metra stop. That's why we are looking further west.
but thanks

Ahhhhh ok, that makes sense. In that case, I'd go with Edison Park. It is definitely on the outskirts, but I think it would still be worth it. I personally love the neighborhood. We are seriously considering buying there.

[IllNoize]

In the news today:

Chicago police have issued a community alert about a man who grabbed and fondled a teenage girl on the street in the Portage Park neighborhood on the Northwest Side.

Two 16-year-old girls were in the 5000 block of West Irving Park Road on March 17 when the man grabbed one of them in a bear hug and fondled her, then threw her to the ground and ran away, according to the alert.

The man is described as white, between 18 and 23, between 5-foot-8 and 5-foot-10 tall and weighing between 150 and 180 pounds. He was described as having "very white" skin and was last seen wearing a brown hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

Anyone with information should call Grand Central Area detectives at (312) 746-8282.

[nidex]

Originally Posted by chet everett

I don't think these are good options if the OP needs to get to Arlington Heights.

Also not so sure the attractiveness of barmaids is going to be important to most COUPLES trying to decide if there is some magically hidden neighborhood that offers good commute options to the burbs and rocking' nightlife... {pretty sure the market / developers / night club owners have not yet deemed childless 40 something couples that work in Arlington Heights a big enough niche to target their tastes yet}

From the post on the first page, the OP had said that she wasn't sure where work would take her a year from now, therefore I got the impression that she wouldn't be commuting to Arlington Heights. As far as the attractive Polish bar girls, I wasn't using that as a justification for the place being good/saying that the OP and her significant other would be looking to pick up girls, just an observation of the types of people that frequent the bar.

[pianogal34]

Originally Posted by IllNoize

In the news today:

Chicago police have issued a community alert about a man who grabbed and fondled a teenage girl on the street in the Portage Park neighborhood on the Northwest Side.

Two 16-year-old girls were in the 5000 block of West Irving Park Road on March 17 when the man grabbed one of them in a bear hug and fondled her, then threw her to the ground and ran away, according to the alert.

The man is described as white, between 18 and 23, between 5-foot-8 and 5-foot-10 tall and weighing between 150 and 180 pounds. He was described as having "very white" skin and was last seen wearing a brown hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

Anyone with information should call Grand Central Area detectives at (312) 746-8282.

UGH! fortunately, i was barely considering PP anyway. was just curious about it. thx!

[pianogal34]

Originally Posted by ChiRNMom

Ahhhhh ok, that makes sense. In that case, I'd go with Edison Park. It is definitely on the outskirts, but I think it would still be worth it. I personally love the neighborhood. We are seriously considering buying there.

I have friends who live there that love it. If you dont mind me asking, what area are you in now?

[tonythetuna]

Originally Posted by IllNoize

In the news today:

Chicago police have issued a community alert about a man who grabbed and fondled a teenage girl on the street in the Portage Park neighborhood on the Northwest Side.

Two 16-year-old girls were in the 5000 block of West Irving Park Road on March 17 when the man grabbed one of them in a bear hug and fondled her, then threw her to the ground and ran away, according to the alert.

The man is described as white, between 18 and 23, between 5-foot-8 and 5-foot-10 tall and weighing between 150 and 180 pounds. He was described as having "very white" skin and was last seen wearing a brown hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

Anyone with information should call Grand Central Area detectives at (312) 746-8282.

Link?

[ChiRNMom]

Originally Posted by pianogal34

I have friends who live there that love it. If you dont mind me asking, what area are you in now?

I live in Schorsch Village now (Harlem and Addison/Belmont area). I don't want to stay here. The public school really isn't what I'm looking for, and I've seen a lot of changes in the last few years in the neighborhood. I grew up in the Portage Park neighborhood. Honestly, I wouldn't want to live there either, for the same reasons. My parents still live there and can't believe how much the neighborhood has changed.

To me, because I have kids that will be going to school in a few years, the schools are my main priority. That's why we are looking at the Oriole Park neighborhood, Edison Park, and some parts of Norwood Park.

Edison Park is definitely my favorite area, with the most restaurants, bars, shops, etc. I get a really good feeling from the neighborhood in general, if that makes sense. I like the parks in the neighborhood as well. People seem to care about the neighborhood and at least from what I've seen, there's a sense of community. Lots of Irish, lots of city workers.
None of these neighborhoods compare to Lakeview and Lincoln Park as far as the "city" feel, but I'd say Edison Park is the closest? Either way, for me, it's more of a school issue.

[tonythetuna]

Originally Posted by ChiRNMom

I live in Schorsch Village now (Harlem and Addison/Belmont area). I don't want to stay here. The public school really isn't what I'm looking for, and I've seen a lot of changes in the last few years in the neighborhood. I grew up in the Portage Park neighborhood. Honestly, I wouldn't want to live there either, for the same reasons.

It is a shame what is happening to Portage Park. It really is.

[tomcho]

Originally Posted by ChiRNMom

None of these neighborhoods compare to Lakeview and Lincoln Park as far as the "city" feel, but I'd say Edison Park is the closest? Either way, for me, it's more of a school issue.

West of California I'd say you are correct. If we stay in the city when we move, Edison Park is on the short list unless we find a screaming deal in Roscoe Village or Lincoln Square.