recent grad moving to chicago (Oak Park, Westchester: living, price, housing)

[dare280]

I am 23, starting a job in Westchester and wondering best place to live? I think the commute from the city might be too long so am currently looking in Oak Park. Wondering if that's a good area for me or if there are other suggestions?

[rca215]

Will you have a car? Oak Park is an option. Parts of the West Loop / West Town / Ukrainian Village might work too (I don't know much about the Ike commute), which would put you near more 23 year olds.

[OakBrookMom]

From what you've seen of Oak Park, what is making you look elsewhere? Is it...
A) price
If so then moving further west into the burbs is the answer but you may have to go west past Westchester to get a significant price difference and that limits access to the city
B) not enough night life
If so then the extra commute into the city may be necessary, the UIC/little Italy area off the Eisenhower, River West/North or Wicker Park would be where I would recommend for both commute and access to night life.
C) too urban or too vintage
City living isn't for everyone and Oak Park is still very urban plus the housing stock there is older and the newer buildings are quite pricey and still don't offer the slew of amenities and space that some of the larger newer complexes out in the burbs do with pools, workout rooms, free parking, and larger updated or newer units. For example, in unit laundry which is hit or miss in the older buildings in Oak Park is quite common in the newer suburban complexes.
D) ?????
Tell us