Unfamiliar with the burbs of Chi, relocating! (Chicago, Arlington Heights: homes, transfer)

[DoneWithDallas]

Originally Posted by knitgirl

I totally understand about the big dogs, little dogs are yappy nuisances. Unfortunately most landlords are fearful that big dogs will cause more damage.

I can certainly understand why, and I know all dogs aren't the same. I suppose I got lucky with my two who never destroyed a thing. But when my dane pee's, he pee's a lake. I can understand that if someone were to let that happen in my house, I'd be livid. Accidents happen but as you mentioned Chet, if someone did take their dog out because it was cold then that person doesn't need to have a pet.

As for trade offs, schools I'm not worried about schools since I don't plan on having kids for at least 6-8 years. Although I would prefer a safe area. I'll definately check around those areas mentioned! Oak Park seems good!

[linicx]

I have big dogs, too, but I have never had a problem with a landlord. I suggest a pet deposit, and higher rent to reflect the dogs. I agree to clean the carpets before I move in and after I vacate. I also provide references and health records for the dogs from the DVM, and from others who attest to the dogs disposition and manageability. Most adult large breeds can easily wait 12-hours before going out unless they are sick which is not often with a proper diet. It is one of the reasons I feed a good brand dry kibble and not canned food. With 2 large dogs it's much nicer to have a large fenced yard. Dane's are apartment dwellers and couch potatoes; they don't mind at all. I think they are wonderful pets.

There is nothing particularly wrong with Oak Park as long as you stay well east of Austin. It is seedy and sketchy at the very least. Most apartments only allow ankle biters. Oak Park offers many of the same kind of amenities the City does, including trains and bus to the Loop, taxi, limo and cars you can rent by the hour. There is 22 parks plus a dog park. Here are links where you can call for more information.

Oak Park Dog Park and Dog Park Plus (at Ridgeland Commons) | Dog Goes
Oak Park Regional Housing Center

Welcome!

[supportyourschools]

Originally Posted by linicx

There is nothing particularly wrong with Oak Park as long as you stay well east of Austin.

I think you may have meant west of Austin. East of Austin Blvd. is the Austin neighborhood in Chicago, and yes, it's not very nice.

[linicx]

OOPS! Yer right; thanks!

[knitgirl]

Originally Posted by DoneWithDallas

I can certainly understand why, and I know all dogs aren't the same. I suppose I got lucky with my two who never destroyed a thing. But when my dane pee's, he pee's a lake. I can understand that if someone were to let that happen in my house, I'd be livid. Accidents happen but as you mentioned Chet, if someone did take their dog out because it was cold then that person doesn't need to have a pet.

We had a mastiff, so I know all about the volumes of waste a large dog creates. The one nice thing is it's a lot easier to notice the big piles (and not step in them) in the backyard than the little tootsie roll droppings of tiny dogs.

[DoneWithDallas]

Originally Posted by knitgirl

We had a mastiff, so I know all about the volumes of waste a large dog creates. The one nice thing is it's a lot easier to notice the big piles (and not step in them) in the backyard than the little tootsie roll droppings of tiny dogs.

This is true. Except my lab for some reason trots as he does his business so theres a trail. Odd?

[danstedak]

I used to live in Villa Park and Lombard and my mom grew up in Brookfield, those are all good areas. I like the Oak Brook area as well.

[sunnyandcloudydays]

Your best bet is to really visit the areas.

Lombard ....good.
Elmhurst .. good

Lagrange ...good


Main thing is you do need to be on a line

You may run into a few spots that mya have probls with big dogs

but I do know for a fact there are plenty available who take the gentle giants.

[DoneWithDallas]

My boyfriend found some places in western springs and hinsdale. Love it or leave it?

[chet everett]

Costs? Those areas tend to be pretty pricey and family oriented due to very highly rated school systems. The handful of smaller apartments may be older and sort of isolated. (not physically but more in the "not part of the community" sense...)
The towns do have exceptionally speedy Metra service on the BNSF, crime rates so low as to be almost laughable, and nice parks. There is a dog park run by DuPage Co in nearby Oak Brook, about a 5 minute drivve. You can also walk through the various Forest Preserves but dogs must be leashed. Very quiet. Not a whole lot of places for younger folks to hang out...