Living in Ravenswood vs. Wicker Park???

[Lookout Kid]

I have to say that if you want Metra access, Ravenswood is a much better option. The Metra really isn't as close to the action in Wicker Park as it appears. And the walk is kind of desolate, except for cars getting on the Kennedy at Armitage.

Ravenswood does have some very vibrant commercial areas. I'd specifically look just east of the Lincoln Square strip (Lincoln Aveune) between Montrose and Lawrence. That will give you the best combination of proximity to the Metra and proximity to urban vibrancy.

My last address before moving to Uptown was in the heart of Wicker Park, and I will concur with Avengerfire that there is more crime over there than in Ravenswood. It's a generally safe area, but it still has way too many muggings and random attacks for the price of real estate. That said, both Wicker Park and Bucktown are great areas, and I wouldn't hesitate to move back. They are two of the most fun neighborhoods in the city.

[JCarter]

Thanks for all the help!

[NavyGal00]

In case you are still looking, I actually lived in North Center for a year, and I use Metra from Ravenswood to get to work. I picked North Center, because it was affordable, but EASY to to get to Lakeview/Wrigley etc....In the summer, I rode my bike or walked the eight blocks to get to the station (took about 8 minutes) or in the winter, hopped on the Danen bus and then walked the two or so blocks...either way, it worked out well..