Noble Square - good place to buy? (Chicago, Ashland: real estate, condos)

[daysiee]

My husband and I are looking at condos in west town, printers row/south loop and even up north a bit. e currently live in Printers Row and love the area but can't afford to buy here. West Town seems like the best deal within our range because we really want space and some type of outdoor space as well. West Town is alright on the commute front: I use public transportation to get to streeterville area and he bikes to downtown.

We are looking seriously at a condo off of Ashland and Thomas in Noble Square. Does anyone have experience with the area? We plan to drive/walk around this week and also get a feel for the commute. I'm a little nervous leaving our neighborhood that I've become so comfortable with.

Do people think this area might be up and coming (buying here is smart?), and should I worry about crime? The last bit of info about noble square that I can find in the forums is from 2011.

Thank you in advance for any insights or thoughts.

[wickedripeplum]

Well you'd be between three high schools so I can't image that there's no property crime, but overall it's safe. And yes it's up and coming, though mostly it already up and came. For the record I did stay by Chicago and Ashland for 6 years, and still spend a fair amount of time around there, though I moved a couple years ago.

[jonnynonos]

There's probably a little lingering gang activity in West Town, but not too bad. I agree that the area has likely seen its most dramatic jumps in real estate prices, but don't see why it wouldn't continue to imorove. Chicago Ave around there for instance has gotten a lot more cool new businesses etc. over the last 10 years. Most of it used to be west toward Ukranian Village.

It's interesting that West Town, though, by and large seems to avoided the complete gentrification of some areas of Wicker Park or Bucktown.

I think it's likely to remain desirable if not super-trendy neighborhood, although I guess you could say the same thing about Printer's Row.

[chet everett]

Aren't there some 60s era CHA senior housing in that area?

It is not unsafe, but that tends to limit the upside - development tends very much lately to be geared toward folks that have a youthful disregard for spending and having senior housing puts a damper on that ...

[wickedripeplum]

There is senior housing on Chestnut and Noble, across from the park, but I think your concern is misplaced. There's been plenty of development a lot closer to the senior housing than daysiee is proposing to buy. Hell there's a club closer to the senior housing than daysiee proposing to buy.

[daysiee]

Thanks to all! I'm moderating Every Block and the Tribune's crime stat webpage and it does seem like mostly theft, although gun hold ups aren't that uncommon (yikes...). I'd be walking a lot (no car) so I just hope it's a vibrant active area in the evening. I'd prefer to be located with young(ish) professionals / young married folks like myself, but welcome diversity. My biggest concern is not feeling safe. I appreciate your feedback!

[daysiee]

(second biggest concern: buying in a neighborhood and having it depreciate)

[jdiddy]

No, I wouldn't be concerned much about safety or depreciation.

[Vlajos]

Safe RE purchase.

[long101]

I live a few blocks from ashland and Thomas, overall it is very safe. We bought a home 3ish years ago and the worst think we've experienced is some graffiti.

IMO if you are concened about depreciation maybe you shouldn't be buying?