Former Chicagoan (Joliet, Elgin, Waukegan: houses, neighborhood, luxury)

[emathias]

Originally Posted by msmanak

...
I also considered hyde park, west loop, noble sq (but it's not accessible to train) ill make a snap shot of a map soon circling of areas. We have started researching areas and will be coming back for advices
...

I'd also recommend considering the Taylor Street/UIC area, especially the area NE of the Roosevelt/Ashland intersection - nice area, not cheap but not outrageous, good bus access and decent train access to the Pink and/or Blue lines depending on exactly which blocks you look at.

A little further from downtown, but still pretty great is Lincoln Square, and the area west of there close to the Brown Line is more diverse and still pretty safe (as safe as Noble Square, I'd say). Or there are some decent deals in Andersonville, too. Plenty of expensive stuff, but I've seen some listings that looks much more affordable than I would have expected 5 years ago. Further from downtown, but still great transit and great local shops and businesses plus decent access to the Lake.

[gomexico]

You're going to need a lot of money to buy the building, maintain it, etc. and I don't know if your budget/lifestyle will permit that in the areas you're mentioning.

[j_cat]

Originally Posted by msmanak

Btw I have absolutely no desire to be a yuppie who lives on Lincoln park, I am white but I want my children to love all kinds of people regardless of Their race.

I'm sure there's a humbler way to say what you're saying. At least one person in Lincoln Park (raises hand) attempts to love all people.

Anyway, I respect you wanting to go the extra mile in terms of diversity, and I do consider the South Loop sometimes, partly for that reason.

[gomexico]

Lincoln Park is a ethnically-diverse community. Not as diverse, say, as Rogers Park, but not comprised of all of one type/kind/ethnicity of person. It's a bit higher-cost than some other neighborhoods, granted. The "love all kinds" is a bit over the top, IMO. ;-)

[brewcrew1000]

If you are looking at other locations, I would consider St Louis, there a lot of great diverse Urban Hoods with great access to the Light Rail line and bus lines, the costs might also be way cheaper.

[chet everett]

Why not consider places like Waukegan, Joliet and Elgin too?

[j_cat]

This is getting off track, and I may have contributed to that. My bad.

[aragx6]

Originally Posted by brewcrew1000

If you are looking at other locations, I would consider St Louis, there a lot of great diverse Urban Hoods with great access to the Light Rail line and bus lines, the costs might also be way cheaper.

Seconded. We're looking to buy a 4-flat in some of St. Louis' best neighborhoods for between 150k and 250k with rents in the $500 to $800 range for each unit. We can live in one unit and still cash flow.

[Visvaldis]

Originally Posted by msmanak

Hi,
We are looking to come back December 2012-January 2013, after I finish grad school.

I lived in Chicago over 30 years and miss it. It's a great city.
I just wanted to add that anyone who wants to return to Chicago in December or January (instead of May) has to be a real Chicagoan. I wish you the best of luck!

[chet everett]

I wonder if OP would like to share their secret plan for a job that after easy to pay for grad school affords both great flexibity and a path to owning their own business that will afford them enough time to also amassing a real estate empire. Sounds better than the real estate guru from late night TV...