Moving to Chicago-working in Tri Taylor (Berwyn, Oak Park: apartment, rentals, crime)

[lizziemommy]

New to this site. Moving to Chicago in late March for a job in Tri Taylor at VA Medical Center. I am looking at Oak Park and Forest Park as possible locations for apartment rental but am open to other suggestions. As a single female, my biggest concern is safety. Trying to understand the difference between METRA and CTA trains and which would be better for my commute each day. I know this is probably a very simple question, but was looking for local advice as far as what people know or can share about those communities and perspective on what the commute situation is like. 40 something professional, no kids. Looking to be in a very "walkable" community with easy access to grocery, restaurants and library. Price point for rent is around $2k max. Any insight is very appreciated. Thank you for your time.

[chet everett]

Metra is excellent to get the Loop and a handful of other spots, not really great for the west side VA...

You could take the Blue Line to get to the Med Center and then a bus down Damen (or walk in good weather) from either Forest Park or Oak Park. You could also consider someplace in Berwyn that is close to a Pink Line station and then take a bus (or walk)west on Polk. Safety might be marginally less good on Blue Line but service is probably better than Pink Line...

With your budget you have LOTS of options. Could probably live in the Med Center area and walk / rely on bus all the time. Safety is mostly good with LOTS of cops around the hospital all the time.

[lizziemommy]

Thanks for that advice. I was avoiding relocation to Med Center area because crime stats seemed to indicate not very safe area and I had read other posts that indicated there is also not much shopping or other amenities in that general area. Again, thanks so much.

[kindrakindra]

There is a really nice high rise building above Trader Joe's in Downtown Oak Park. Great hood, restaurants, bars, etc. You could take the green line el to the Ashland stop and walk or take a bus to the Tri Taylor area.

ETA:

OP, another possible area to look would be the West Loop. Safe, tons of great restaurants, easy access to everywhere.

[lizziemommy]

Thanks to all for the great feedback/ideas. I'm broadening my scope to consider West Loop. Had heard there was not much shopping/restaurants in that area? Maybe I'm getting in confused with Tri Taylor area? I have a separate post re: Wicker Park on the Chicago page. Open to any input anyone has to offer. Very excited to move to your fine city.

[kindrakindra]

The West Loop has a Target, Walmart, Mariano's grocery store all in walking distance. Whole Foods and Trader Joe's would be a fairly quick drive. Tons of restaurants, etc.

Although I love Wicker Park, I am not sure that is the neighborhood you would want to be in.

Do you see yourself in a high rise, full amenity building with a gym, doorman, etc? IF yes, River North would also work for you. The West Loop probably has a good number of rentals like that as well.

[lizziemommy]

Thank you all. I ended up in Forest Park.