Single in the Suburbs? (Chicago, Naperville: condo, townhouse, to buy)

[Katerri]

I was wondering if you guys could give me some advice. I am planning a move back to the Chicagoland area to be closer to my family (Libertyville, Gurnee, Woodstock).

My question: Where does a single person live in the North suburbs where there's a) room for big dogs and b) access to starting up a brand new social life? Most of the suburbs seem perfect for "married, raising kids" not "single, looking for social groups / to meet people".

I'll be working out of my house, so I have the ability to plunk myself down just about anywhere that's not so far away. I'm single, mid-40s, no kids. Grew up in Libertyville, but don't know anyone there anymore (except family). I have two big dogs that are used to spending their days in a large, fenced yard, so condo life is out. I can afford housing up to the mid-300's.

Thanks for any advice you care to share!

[Chinolala]

I have to be honest with you. I too am in my 40's and any single friends that I have that live and work in the suburbs are really struggling with meeting people like themselves. There are obviously single people in the suburbs but they're scattered amongst families and there doesn't seem to be concentrations of them in most areas. I do know that there is a huge townhouse development in Lisle that is loaded with singles and they have a community clubhouse, pool, regular parties, etc. There are places like that in Naperville too. I dont' know of any in the Libertyville area. I'm concerned that with you working out of your home, that you will find yourself to be very isolated. I have a friend that lives in a condo and worked out of her home for 6 months and got so lonely, she wound up taking a job in an office just to be around people and grow her social circle. There is something to be said for "going to work". I know that you probably love your dogs, but is there any way that your family would take them? Your budget isn't too high and for what you can spend, you'll most likely have to buy a condo or townhouse. I typically recommend that single people live in the city, but it's expensive and the dogs could be a problem. $300K in some suburbs is a good amount, but the northwest suburbs like Libertyville are rather expensive, partially because they have good school districts. If anything, you'll have to join some groups (softball leagues, church, bowling leagues, night classes, etc) to meet people. Try the Meet Up website. It's a great place to meet people with similar interests and I've heard great feedback on it.

[sbd78]

Schaumburg is more Northwest than North, but has decent nightlife as far as suburbs go. As another poster suggested, the city is the best place to be single but $350K will only buy you a condo and definately will not get you a yard for your dogs in the city.