Where Should I Buy? (Chicago, Oak Park: apartment, condo, safe neighborhood)

[CpSpalding]

I'm a CPS teacher and that means I have to live in Chicago. However, as a teacher a lot of neighborhoods are out reach. I'm 40 years old and I'm looking to buy my first home. I'd like something under $250,000 in a safe neighborhood. Good public transportation and good places to eat or get a brew are a plus. I'm a Southsider and I'd like to live somewhere between Beverly and Oak Park. Most of my city worker friends tend to head to Mount Greenwood (Yuck), Beverly (where I am living now, but pricey), and Garfield Ridge, but I'd love to hear some other option.

[Avengerfire]

Well what neighborhood do you work in?

[CpSpalding]

I currently work in Chicago Lawn. I definitely would not want to live and work in the same neighborhood. When I was a child, my mom taught at the local Catholic school. Torture was when she'd take us grocery shopping with her. It'd take 3 hours to get through the Jewel with all the parents who'd want to talk to her.

[Avengerfire]

Why is Mount Greenwood "yuck? "

[Drover]

The way I see it, a lot of your options are pretty similar to Mt. Greenwood, especially if you don't want a PITA commute. I'd also suggest Clearing, but it's indistinguishable from Garfield Ridge. Also, perhaps Ashburn, but it's probably the most redneckish part of the Southwest side. So I don't know what else to tell ya.

Would you consider a condo or are you looking strictly for a SFH?

[CpSpalding]

Mount Greenwood is yuck to me simply from growing up there. I lived there for a long time and its time for change. Even Beverly feels a little different. One thing I like about Beverly is the little shops and restaurants. Mount Greenwood doesn't really have that. I have a lot of Mount Greenwood friends, but I'd like some place a bit more interesting. I'm definitely thinking SFH.

[coldwine]

There are so many good deals right now in Chicago.

To be frank, if you're a 40 year old public school teacher, you need to start thinking about other things. Access to healthcare and public trans come to mind. You're never going to have this kind of cash to throw around again, so you might as well plan ahead.

First of all, find either a tight urban neighborhood or just move into an apartment building. Buying there comes with many advantages: access to local vendors and stores you can walk to, etc.

Frankly I'd recommend one of those hideous but otherwise new buildings in the Near South or West. Yes, the architects should be murdered, but they are conveniently located and at leaat for you, plugged in as you are, easy to get to.

Depending on how tight your commute is, of course.

[Tenzo]

Originally Posted by coldwine

There are so many good deals right now in Chicago.

To be frank, if you're a 40 year old ...., you need to start thinking about other things. Access to healthcare and public trans come to mind. .

Damn rude punk, and "Get off my lawn, ya damn kids!"

[cdc3217]

Is "West Beverly" (west of Western but east of Kedzie) less pricey than Beverly proper? How about over in the Morgan Park-y areas a little further south/east? Seems like you like Beverly if you can catch a bargain.

[Tenzo]

I remember when Clyborn was bad. Forget about going west of it.

Maybe I am old