Possibly accepting a job offer in Highland Park, help please! (Chicago: apartments, crime rates) - Chicago Suburbs - Illinois (IL) - City-Data Forum

itsanthony · 07-05-2010, 08:28 AM

I recently was offered a position in Highland Park. So I've been spending countless hours researching the Chicago area to gain some insight.

I've come to a couple conclusions:

1. Living in downtown Chicago would be nice but the commute up north can be a pain especially during rush hour and less than desirable weather patterns in the winter.

2. Try to avoid north Chicago due to higher crime rates?

I have been on Craigslist looking for apartments and found some nice places with pretty good rates. Fort Sheridan luxury apartments was one of them and Forest Pointe as well. Does anyone have any input for these places?

I'm looking at no more than a 30 minute commute and I'll have a car at least. Any more suggestions for places to stay or check out would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all.

lakecountylifer · 07-05-2010, 10:24 AM

Instead of spending countless hours of researching, you should spend some hours actually in Highland Park and the surrounding area actually seeing with your own eyes where you want to live. Make the drive to Chicago in rush hour and see if you like it...drive up to North Chicago to see if you want to avoid it. Actually visit apartments buildings vs. craigs list. If your in a position of possibly accepting an offer, now is the time to actually get up from your key board.

reppin_the_847 · 07-05-2010, 10:26 AM

Your choice of residence would greatly depend on how old you are and how much of a social life that you desire. If you're in your 20's & 30's for example and looking for a some nightlife I'd definitely take a northern Chicago neighborhood or Evanston. If you are looking for a quiet area, and perhaps settling down with a family, I'd look at the nearby areas to Highland Park. The Fort Sheridan area would be a great choice if this was what you were looking for (as are many of the surrounding areas). Is the Forest Pointe complex you're referring to in the Knollwood section of Lake Bluff?

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsanthony

I recently was offered a position in Highland Park. So I've been spending countless hours researching the Chicago area to gain some insight.

I've come to a couple conclusions:

1. Living in downtown Chicago would be nice but the commute up north can be a pain especially during rush hour and less than desirable weather patterns in the winter.

2. Try to avoid north Chicago due to higher crime rates?

I have been on Craigslist looking for apartments and found some nice places with pretty good rates. Fort Sheridan luxury apartments was one of them and Forest Pointe as well. Does anyone have any input for these places?

I'm looking at no more than a 30 minute commute and I'll have a car at least. Any more suggestions for places to stay or check out would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all.

bulldawg1594 · 07-05-2010, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsanthony

I recently was offered a position in Highland Park. So I've been spending countless hours researching the Chicago area to gain some insight.

I've come to a couple conclusions:

1. Living in downtown Chicago would be nice but the commute up north can be a pain especially during rush hour and less than desirable weather patterns in the winter.

2. Try to avoid north Chicago due to higher crime rates?

I have been on Craigslist looking for apartments and found some nice places with pretty good rates. Fort Sheridan luxury apartments was one of them and Forest Pointe as well. Does anyone have any input for these places?

I'm looking at no more than a 30 minute commute and I'll have a car at least. Any more suggestions for places to stay or check out would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all.

you say north Chicago without capitalizing the n like you mean the northern part of chicago. The city of North Chicago is kind of dangerous but the northside of Chicago is fine.

itsanthony · 07-05-2010, 12:39 PM

lakecountylifer: I was in town the other week for my interview and was able to drive around a little bit to check the area out. I live in PA so I can't just walk out my front door and check out Chicago. I figured I could come here and get some firsthand experience. Believe me, I'd much rather be out there then sitting here and will go out again in the coming weeks.

reppin_the_847: I'm a mid 20's guy looking for a somewhat quiet place. I like the social life but it doesn't have to be nearby. I'm willing to head downtown over the weekend for some fun. The Forest Pointe complex I was looking at is in Lake Bluff, yep.

bulldawg1594: Yeah, sorry that was what I meant. The city of North Chicago. Thanks for clarifying for me!

lakecountylifer · 07-05-2010, 01:38 PM

Here is the deal---don't be offended because there are a lot of trolls on these message boards asking reptitive questions.

The reason I told you to spend time looking around yourself vs. asking us if North Chicago is safe and about the weather patterns ....is because:

1. You don't seem to have a basic understanding of the area and thats a little scary of your contemplating a move.

2. If you find that the PRICEY Ft. Sheridan luxury apartments and Forest Pointe offer "pretty good rates"----you certainly can afford to work with a relocation specialist or would have access to a relocation specialist with your new company. You should also take advantage of your "predecision" trip too.

itsanthony · 07-05-2010, 01:49 PM

No offense was taken. I'm on a lot of forums and I know about trolls and telling people to use the "search" function.

I'm trying to get a basic understanding of the area which is why I'm here. I'm still in school which is why I can't spend weeks at a time in Chicago exploring. Thanks for your input though and will definitely take advantage of my next visit to the area soon.

pvande55 · 07-05-2010, 02:14 PM

Living in downtown Chicago is a long hike, but that's where a lot of the action is. I would also try to stay along the UP-north rail line. Even if you love driving, you may want to try it during bad weather.

itsanthony · 07-05-2010, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pvande55

Living in downtown Chicago is a long hike, but that's where a lot of the action is. I would also try to stay along the UP-north rail line. Even if you love driving, you may want to try it during bad weather.

The night life and social events isn't at the top of my necessities. I'd probably just go downtown over the weekend if I wanted. Thanks for the tip about the rail line, I'm definitely going to check out the public transportation system.

sunrise2 · 07-06-2010, 06:01 AM

Have you looked into Glencoe? It has a nice downtown area. I've walked around on during the day and early evening and people are just sitting outside to socialize. Not what I would call a "nightlife", but social. Nearby is "The Glen". Even more social with restaurants and bars, yet on the quiet side. Both are not far from Highland Park and near the train.