City vs. Inner burbs for Young Family (Chicago, Cicero: real estate, apartment)

[LSQ1123]

Hello, I am a 20 year old college student looking to move to the Chicago area with my husband and 2 year old son when we're finished with school. I have searched the forums extensively and found some good information but am having troubles with actual comparisons of the neighborhoods I am considering.

We currently live in a small town in central IL, but most of my family and many friends are from Chicagoland so I know many areas pretty well and we visit frequently. My favorite neighborhoods in the city are Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wicker Park/Bucktown, and North Center. And according to some things I've heard, I might also consider looking at Irving Park, Jefferson Park, and O'hare neighborhoods.

If we couldn't live in the city, I also really love Oak Park and have always felt pretty safe there. Berwyn is another town I'm comfortable in (visited a lot growing up, still go there occasionally) and I like it's location and lower cost of living. There are many outer burbs that I like as well but we prefer an urban feel.

My questions are which of these areas would be the best fit for a young family in terms of safety, schools, cost of living, and culture? Any other neighborhoods or inner suburbs that we should look at? I can't give an exact amount that we'll be able to spend, but my husband will be working in computer programming and I will be doing web & graphic design (most likely from home) if that helps. We don't mind living in a smaller or older apartment/condo/house as long as it's in a safe neighborhood with a good variety of things to do. Thanks!

[oakparkdude]

Of the areas you mention, Oak Park has the best school systems. It also has the highest property taxes (if you're interested in buying a place). Forest Park should also be a consideration as it has a similar vibe to Oak Park but a lot cheaper. Since your chlid won't be in school for a few more years, you could probably get away with living somewhere without decent schools and then moving in a couple of years to OP (or elsewhere) if you want to get the "real" urban Chicago experience.

From what I've seen, Evanston is a lot like Oak Park but with a lake and a major university. Housing prices will probably be higher than OP.

[Chicago60614]

I've heard decent things about Evanston, Skokie, Park Ridge, Lincolnwood. Those are pretty close-to-the-city areas. Also just check out the far northwest side of the city, maybe near the blue line.

[NYrules]

I would also look at Oak Lawn right along 95th Street if you like all the city type stuff (traffic, busses, shoppes, restaurants, walkability, etc.) There is a nice little area being completely rehabbed right near Cicero and 95th Street. Look at the area right near the Oak Lawn Metra station. Metra / Oak Lawn Station Information Many new little stores have been put in as well as some 5 story condominium complexes. There are also tons of homes right off 95th Street which go for about $250K-$350K have typically 3 bedrooms... Maybe 4, 2-3 baths, a garage, basement, nice sized yard, and the taxes are average ($2.5K-$4K a year)Real Estate at Homes.Com for OAK LAWN, IL. * Oak Lawn, Illinois | Www.seo-success-guide.com | Wiki

[nanannie]

Agree with Evanston, Oak Park and Park Ridge.

[Chiguy1957]

"My favorite neighborhoods in the city are Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wicker Park/Bucktown, and North Center."

Hmmm...you and every other 20something from 5 states around along with many natives who already live here!

You don't mention whether you intend to rent or buy, or your budget, but in any case, your wallet will need to be pretty fat to afford a place suitable for a family in the aforementioned areas.

You talk about being open to the inner-ring 'burbs, so I'll pitch the SW 'burb where I grew up: Oak Lawn.

It's mostly single-family, owner-occupied homes although there is some rental sprinkled throughout. There are also plenty of condos from which to choose. Small starter houses can be found for the low $200s; starter condos for even less. If you can afford to be spendy, there are plenty of opportunities for that as well. Even in this awful RE market, tear-downs and new developments are moving forward.

Check out the condos in the center of town next to the train station. I believe Morningside is the developer. There is also a Children's Museum going in somewhere in that location. There's plenty of shopping, restaurants are mostly of the chain variety, but improving, and there are a couple fun bars along 95th Street. The Oak Lawn Park District and Public Library are second to none, and the schools are pretty good. Oak Lawn High School admittedly doesn't have the reputation it once did, but they are working hard to improve their overall scores. That said, opportunities abound for g&t students. There are also tons of private schools in the area if you really feel the need.

Oak Lawn's a car oriented suburb, but it's still definitely walkable and has good transportation to the Loop. Norfolk Metra will get you downtown in about 30 minutes. There is also the Rock Island Metra in Beverly a few miles east.

It's oft overlooked because it's not a flashy place, but it's solidly middle and upper-middle class with down-to-earth people. It was a fantastic place to grow up, and more importantly, is still a great place to live. Lots of White Sox fans too!

[LSQ1123]

Thanks everyone, I will be sure to check out Oak Lawn and some of the other places you mentioned next time I'm up there.

We plan on renting a place at first, and when we finally decide to buy, we are not against living in a condo as opposed to a SFH, depending on what we can afford. I am guessing that with our salaries after college, assuming we find good jobs (something we plan to do before moving), that we'll be able to afford around $1400-1600 for a 2br. Is that doable in any of those places? Again, we don't mind living in a small place as long as the neighborhood is safe. Any other suggestions would be great.

[NYrules]

Originally Posted by Chiguy1957

"My favorite neighborhoods in the city are Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wicker Park/Bucktown, and North Center."

Hmmm...you and every other 20something from 5 states around along with many natives who already live here!

You don't mention whether you intend to rent or buy, or your budget, but in any case, your wallet will need to be pretty fat to afford a place suitable for a family in the aforementioned areas.

You talk about being open to the inner-ring 'burbs, so I'll pitch the SW 'burb where I grew up: Oak Lawn.

It's mostly single-family, owner-occupied homes although there is some rental sprinkled throughout. There are also plenty of condos from which to choose. Small starter houses can be found for the low $200s; starter condos for even less. If you can afford to be spendy, there are plenty of opportunities for that as well. Even in this awful RE market, tear-downs and new developments are moving forward.

Check out the condos in the center of town next to the train station. I believe Morningside is the developer. There is also a Children's Museum going in somewhere in that location. There's plenty of shopping, restaurants are mostly of the chain variety, but improving, and there are a couple fun bars along 95th Street. The Oak Lawn Park District and Public Library are second to none, and the schools are pretty good. Oak Lawn High School admittedly doesn't have the reputation it once did, but they are working hard to improve their overall scores. That said, opportunities abound for g&t students. There are also tons of private schools in the area if you really feel the need.

Oak Lawn's a car oriented suburb, but it's still definitely walkable and has good transportation to the Loop. Norfolk Metra will get you downtown in about 30 minutes. There is also the Rock Island Metra in Beverly a few miles east.

It's oft overlooked because it's not a flashy place, but it's solidly middle and upper-middle class with down-to-earth people. It was a fantastic place to grow up, and more importantly, is still a great place to live. Lots of White Sox fans too!

In the voice of the homeless man in Big Daddy in the courtroom scene, "Hell YA!" GO SOX! hehe

[NYrules]

Originally Posted by mostlymel

Thanks everyone, I will be sure to check out Oak Lawn and some of the other places you mentioned next time I'm up there.

We plan on renting a place at first, and when we finally decide to buy, we are not against living in a condo as opposed to a SFH, depending on what we can afford. I am guessing that with our salaries after college, assuming we find good jobs (something we plan to do before moving), that we'll be able to afford around $1400-1600 for a 2br. Is that doable in any of those places? Again, we don't mind living in a small place as long as the neighborhood is safe. Any other suggestions would be great.

For $1400- $1600 a mo. you should buy. Seriously! You then can write off all your mortgage intrest as well as property taxes so you can actually get a really nice return back in April! Consider it, its the way to go and you can do it in Oak Lawn.

[BRU67]

Originally Posted by mostlymel

Hello, I am a 20 year old college student looking to move to the Chicago area with my husband and 2 year old son when we're finished with school. I have searched the forums extensively and found some good information but am having troubles with actual comparisons of the neighborhoods I am considering.

We currently live in a small town in central IL, but most of my family and many friends are from Chicagoland so I know many areas pretty well and we visit frequently. My favorite neighborhoods in the city are Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wicker Park/Bucktown, and North Center. And according to some things I've heard, I might also consider looking at Irving Park, Jefferson Park, and O'hare neighborhoods.

If we couldn't live in the city, I also really love Oak Park and have always felt pretty safe there. Berwyn is another town I'm comfortable in (visited a lot growing up, still go there occasionally) and I like it's location and lower cost of living. There are many outer burbs that I like as well but we prefer an urban feel.

My questions are which of these areas would be the best fit for a young family in terms of safety, schools, cost of living, and culture? Any other neighborhoods or inner suburbs that we should look at? I can't give an exact amount that we'll be able to spend, but my husband will be working in computer programming and I will be doing web & graphic design (most likely from home) if that helps. We don't mind living in a smaller or older apartment/condo/house as long as it's in a safe neighborhood with a good variety of things to do. Thanks!

Berwyn and Oak Park would be good. Oak Park has the monopoly on the school rep but Berwyn's Emerson Elementary outscored 5 of the 8 Oak Park elementary schools on the '07 ISAT. So you need to look at the particular school serving the residence you're looking at, as a blanket generalization may not necessarily apply. As you point out, Berwyn will be more affordable than OP. The choice depends on budget too.