Moving far south rural suburbs, which town is best? (Chicago: fit in, apartments)

[j_moss89]

Sometime around summer next year I plan on moving to the Chicago area from Sacramento California. I am in the planning stages (saving up extra money, finding a job and a place to live) as I want to plan ahead way ahead of time.

Regarding where to live I have had interest in the far southern suburban area, as I have extended family in Peotone. I would like a nice rural suburban town like Peotone but don't want to live there as it just seems too close. So my question is where are some of the nicer areas near I-57 and I-80 for a 21 year old white male that can afford 600-1000 in rent? A single bedroom apartment/condo will do and even a 2 bedroom house is fine as long as it fits the price range. I don't care about the quality of schools nor the well being of children, so crime doesn't have to be perfect, but safe enough where you can walk around at night without being worried.

Some towns of interest are Frankfort, Monee, Crete, Beecher, Steger, Park Forest, Richton Park etc. So what areas are nicer but affordable and which ones do I want to stick clear of?

[chet everett]

In terms of shear amount and quality of development Frankfort is hard to beat,but honestly 21 year old guy,by himself, BORING area...

[j_moss89]

I don't really don't care how boring it is, I would rather drive more into the city to stuff to do. Living too far into a city makes me a feel a bit claustrophobic.

[chet everett]

I can understand that, just wanted to give you a heads up that the development is really mostly oriented to families with kids...

[j_moss89]

which is good because thats an indication you are looking at a safe area. Very similar to where I live now, a suburban town on a rural boarder, and has no actual downtown. Its out back where things aren't too cramped up or crowded, and crime is a lot better, so something as similar to what I am used to and comfortable with.

[JerichoHW]

As a south suburbanite myself, I recommend avoiding most communities between I-57 and IL 394 with the exception of Homewood/Flossmoor (which is still not the best; I would know I live here) because the area is getting increasingly dangerous. Honestly I think you should consider Bradley/Bourbonnais which is closer to Peotone and surprisingly has some younger hangouts. If your looking to be closer to the city then I concur with chet that Frankfort probably isn't the best place to meet young people, or have much of a social life. You would be better off looking in Tinley Park, Orland Park or Orland Hills towns that at least have a decent youth culture.

[j_moss89]

In terms of crime I really don't care as long as bystanders aren't being shot or mugged for just walking down the street. I am confused though, Frankfort is within 10 miles of Tinley Park, Orland Park and Orland Hills and my extended family actually goes to Frankfort for parties and whatnot so I would be right there. Frankfort, Tinley Park, Orland Park and Orland Hills are all the places of highest interest, so anything around there is fine as long as its affordable.

[JerichoHW]

Originally Posted by j_moss89

In terms of crime I really don't care as long as bystanders aren't being shot or mugged for just walking down the street. I am confused though, Frankfort is within 10 miles of Tinley Park, Orland Park and Orland Hills and my extended family actually goes to Frankfort for parties and whatnot so I would be right there. Frankfort, Tinley Park, Orland Park and Orland Hills are all the places of highest interest, so anything around there is fine as long as its affordable.

As a local I can break down the towns for you:

Frankfort is definitely nearby, but the average household in the town consists of mainly middle aged parents trying to raise kids. I don't know many single people who choose to live in Frankfort, don't get me wrong it is a nice town but there isn't much culture going on there. Tinley Park is a mix of old and new construction there are plenty of apartments, it actually seems there is a surplus in some areas. Tinley also has a younger crowd and the historic downtown features many bars and restaurants popular with younger people. The two Orlands are polar opposites, Orland Park is a shopping mecca but has established itself as a safe community with plenty of young singles there as well. Orland Hills is more residential, nice walking trails and is much more peaceful but you have to go to Orland Park for shopping and most food.

[j_moss89]

I was trying to wrap my head around the fact that I was hearing Frankfort was more the middle aged raising families which consisted of teens and younger (graduating high school) adults and where a number of parties/bonfires were taking place for the people I know as that is where there peers they went to school with are, which are now graduated, and I merely graduated high school two years ago so as far as I am concerned basically my age group.

But I get the idea of what you mean. The area I currently am in is a middle aged family residential area, and most of the people I went to school have long moved away and there aren't very many my age around, which means you have to move over the the neighboring towns to meet anyone. Since it all basically the same area relative to whole Chicagoland area I am going to go with the town that I fit in with more.

Now it comes down to finding an apartment or house, the only problem is that Chicago listings don't go that far south (mostly the south loop and Humbolt further west is as far as it goes). Considering the internet is my only real way to find out what is available, where should I start looking so that I can get an idea of what apartments are available and typical prices so I know where to start looking when it gets close to moving time?

[Chicagoland60426]

Does Joliet count as a south/sw burb? Its a city of 150,000 and has two casinos if you need something to do at your age.