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Old 02-09-2011, 01:42 PM
 
1,002 posts, read 1,774,183 times
Reputation: 498

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Hi Oak Parker's,

My family and I are looking at Oak Park as a possible place to live because of the schools, and it looks like a nice place. There are many things I like about OP from the things I have read and the very few times I've visited. I've read a bunch of threads on here discussing the issues with crime in the village, and how it's mostly due to the spill-over from Austin. In general the opinions were that the further west of Austin Blvd you are the less crime you may encounter (with the exception of some streets). I've also looked at the Oak Park police crime blotter, and the other threads have been useful so far, but I wanted to ask more specifically what people thought of the NE section of Oak Park, between Chicago and North, Ridgeland Ave and Austin Ave. Going by the, "the more west of Austin the safer", rule of thumb, is there a difference in safety going say 2 or 3 blocks west of Austin vs going 5 or 6 blocks west of Austin?

I hope this does not come off as offensive to anyone, I'm just trying to get a feel for the area through you all who are in the know.

Thanks in advance.

Last edited by chitownperson; 02-09-2011 at 01:57 PM..
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Old 02-09-2011, 02:08 PM
 
374 posts, read 1,031,031 times
Reputation: 131
I have friends in that area and they love it. Neither family has been a victim of crime and each has been there for 5 years or so. They love Hatch School too. Personally, I would feel more comfortable on Harvey or Cuyler than I would on Taylor, for example, but most people who know the area would disagree with me. I have friends who live right on Austin and they couldn't be happier!
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Old 02-09-2011, 07:04 PM
 
1,002 posts, read 1,774,183 times
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Thanks for your response, Kindra.
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Old 02-11-2011, 11:50 AM
 
Location: Oak Park
214 posts, read 542,941 times
Reputation: 118
Other than living right on Austin, I don't think it really matters. Bad guys typically come in cars. A few blocks doesn't matter. Keep your garage locked. Keep an outside light on. Be city-smart. It's like city living. It all depends what your tolerance and background is. I know several people who live in that area who love it and have never had a problem.
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Old 02-11-2011, 05:25 PM
 
Location: Humboldt Park, Chicago
2,686 posts, read 7,839,271 times
Reputation: 1196
Default Closer to Ridgeland is better

But more expensive. You do not want to be within a block or two of Austin. Also, the housing stock is not nearly as nice as when you approach Ridgeland. It gets even nicer west of Ridgeland but it really comes down to your budget.

For example, the Subway, at north and Austin (north of north avenue, and west of Austin blvd) has bulletproof glass for the servers. Do you really want to live within a block of this?

Ridgeland is the line for those with a bigger budget. For those with a smaller budget, maybe Lombard. East of Lombard and especially humphrey you can definitely see the spillover from Austin.
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Old 02-11-2011, 11:29 PM
 
1,002 posts, read 1,774,183 times
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Thank you both for your honest replies.
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Old 02-12-2011, 05:22 AM
 
Location: Chicago
4,085 posts, read 4,300,345 times
Reputation: 688
Quote:
Originally Posted by Humboldt1 View Post
For example, the Subway, at north and Austin (north of north avenue, and west of Austin blvd) has bulletproof glass for the servers. Do you really want to live within a block of this?
One might as well just live in North Austin, it is a hell of a lot cheaper!
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Old 02-14-2011, 12:29 PM
 
1,002 posts, read 1,774,183 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tonythetuna View Post
One might as well just live in North Austin, it is a hell of a lot cheaper!
I suppose that would be fine if Oak Park schools weren't a consideration.
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Old 02-14-2011, 01:22 PM
 
Location: Oak Park, IL
5,523 posts, read 13,884,332 times
Reputation: 3906
Quote:
Originally Posted by chitownperson View Post
I suppose that would be fine if Oak Park schools weren't a consideration.
Also better police response and better libraries, to name just a few. Of course our property taxes are considerably higher as well.
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Old 02-14-2011, 03:37 PM
 
Location: Humboldt Park, Chicago
2,686 posts, read 7,839,271 times
Reputation: 1196
Schools may be better in Oak Park but Chicago did a much better job clearing the roads last week. While driving north on Oak Park Ave it went from snow-covered to clear as I crossed north ave.
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