Best suburb for a 20-something year old?

[BRU67]

Originally Posted by Tex?Il?

Absolutely agree

But then again, I've only lived in Oak Park since March, and really have only starting exploring there in 2007. So, its possible there was a time when the restaurants options weren't that great that I just don't know about.

Biz development really took off in the mid-00's, I agree. When I lived there from '98 - '03, you basically had Poor Phil's, Avenue Ale House, Marion Street Grill, Philander's, Cocina Paridiso, and I think Papaspiro's. Most of those places Kindra mentions came long after I left.

Not sure Oak Park's a 20-something mecca, yet, but when you factor in stuff in Forest Park, Berwyn, Concordia and Dominican Universities (not to mention the many UIC and Rush students who live in the area, I think it's a viable area for a 20-something, especially given the proximity to the Loop. I think that will become more the case as time goes on, particularly if the Roosevelt Rd corridor shapes up like many think it will.

[Tex?Il?]

Originally Posted by BRU67

Biz development really took off in the mid-00's, I agree. When I lived there from '98 - '03, you basically had Poor Phil's, Avenue Ale House, Marion Street Grill, Philander's, Cocina Paridiso, and I think Papaspiro's. Most of those places Kindra mentions came long after I left.

Not sure Oak Park's a 20-something mecca, yet, but when you factor in stuff in Forest Park, Berwyn, Concordia and Dominican Universities (not to mention the many UIC and Rush students who live in the area, I think it's a viable area for a 20-something, especially given the proximity to the Loop. I think that will become more the case as time goes on, particularly if the Roosevelt Rd corridor shapes up like many think it will.

Agreed

Forest Park is almost more of a true nightlife stop in many ways more than Oak Park, because they can have bars.

I think Fitzgeralds/Wishbone can be an anchor for Roosevelt Rd. Corridor. Thats a fun time for sure there. I do like Berwyn. It seems like it is the kind of place that can strike a balance between what it can offer recent immigrants, 20-somethings, and long time residents.

And you are correct about there being UIC, Rush, etc. students in this area.

[Savoir Faire]

Originally Posted by Tex?Il?

Agreed

Forest Park is almost more of a true nightlife stop in many ways more than Oak Park, because they can have bars.

I think Fitzgeralds/Wishbone can be an anchor for Roosevelt Rd. Corridor. Thats a fun time for sure there. I do like Berwyn. It seems like it is the kind of place that can strike a balance between what it can offer recent immigrants, 20-somethings, and long time residents.

And you are correct about there being UIC, Rush, etc. students in this area.

Mot of the nightlife in Forest Park is geared towards the fratboy/jock big ten sports bar crowd. It's ok if that's your scene, but if you want a diversity in nightlife, you'll be hard pressed to find it on Madison st.

[maestrajj]

Ok...you all seem to really know what you're talking about...so CACello's case seems to be clear cut. But what what would you suggest for someone like me (37, single, progressive) who works way out in Aurora? I'm dying to live in the city...but the threads I've read have definitely said that that is not the way to go.

[cmoscinski]

Brookfield & La Grange Park, IL because easy access to I-55, I-290 I-294, shopping, near the zoo and lots to do for young families. La Grange also has great restaurants and boutiques. Closer commute to Loop 20 minutes, easy access. Affordable homes great area for fun family lifestyle.