Libertyville or surrounding areas for new college grad? (Waukegan, Gurnee: apartment complex, rent)

[jj333357]

Hello

I am a new grad and about to start work in the Libertyville area near US 45 and IL 176. I am looking into apartments and places to live in the area. I know that Libertyville is nice, but expensive so I'm not sure if I want to live there. I want to live in an area that is both quite affordable and yet nice. I would also like for it to be a 15-minute or less commute, but I'd be willing to extend that a little longer if i find something really nice. Anybody have any suggestions?

Also, what's a good way to find apartments? Seems like all the places I search online give the same sites with barely any information...

THanks!

[trailerguy]

Try western Waukegan/eastern Gurnee near US 41. There are some modern apartment complexes very nice and reasonably priced. There are a couple of large complexes in Park City that are quite inexpensive, but of course not as nice. If you are planning to stay put for a while, consider buying a mobile home in Park City. Used ones in fair condition are going very cheap (about $5,000), space rent runs about $550-600/month. Downside is they're hard to sell when you want to move. Park City is nothing glamorous, but it's clean and safe.

[trailerguy]

Consider Park City, there are a couple of large apartment complexes right off US 41 very reasonable. If you are considering staying put for a while, consider buying a mobile home. Used ones in fair condition can be had for as little as $5,000; space rent will run $550-600/mo. Park City is nothing glamorous but it's clean, safe and convenient to everything. The town has its own police department; they are excellent.

[Prootwaddle]

I would suggest Grayslake, which is the next town north of the area you are going to be working in. I have lived there since 1990, and would recommend it. Why live in an apartment if you don't have to? You could possibly get an older smaller house for not too much money, and be putting your rent money toward paying off the mortgage. This is what I did; lived in a small bachelor pad for about 10 years until I got married and needed more room. The bachelor pad was paid off in a few years as a matter of fact. After getting married, we moved a couple of blocks north to a larger house. Just don't spend too much time at the Last Chance Saloon and you will be saving lots of money. Most important is to remember not to live too far from work or you will spend all your time commuting.

[gussie]

Don't move to Park City. It is really crappy. The trailors are crammed in there like sardines in a can. Alot of problems with illegal aliens and multiple families living in one home. Not a good idea to go there. Gurnee is okay, as well as grayslake and Vernon Hills. Steer clear of Park City and Waukegan!!!!!!!

[FB1977]

I work right near that area too, but I plan on finding a new job. However, if I were to continue to work in that area, I would try to find something in Vernon Hills. That is a nice area, probably about 10 or 15 min away. When I was searching for apartments, I checked craigslist everyday. If you have more questions about a certain area, please feel free to DM me! :-)

[jj333357]

Thanks for the responses guys,

So it seems like Vernon Hills is a potential choice; this was something I was looking into too. How is the place in terms of safety/affluence, and cost of living? I am single and will be bringing in pre-tax around $60,000, will this limit me from living in Vernon Hills or any of the surrounding areas? I just want to live comfortably (apartment, car payment for $20-25k, not planning to often go to chicago for partying/clubbing etc). Anybody from the area or knows the area have any input on this?

Thanks again!

[FB1977]

JJ I think as a single person you can live just fine on that salary in that area. Vernon Hills has a major shopping center with many other stores that appeal to everyone. Lincolnshire is nearby and has some nice bars and restaurants where you can hang out and meet people. It's a pretty safe town too.

[trailerguy]

Libertyville has a nice mix of new condos and stately old homes. You could live quite well there on your income. There are a lot of nice fun nightspots on Milwaukee Road.

[Frank the Tank]

Originally Posted by jj333357

Thanks for the responses guys,

So it seems like Vernon Hills is a potential choice; this was something I was looking into too. How is the place in terms of safety/affluence, and cost of living? I am single and will be bringing in pre-tax around $60,000, will this limit me from living in Vernon Hills or any of the surrounding areas? I just want to live comfortably (apartment, car payment for $20-25k, not planning to often go to chicago for partying/clubbing etc). Anybody from the area or knows the area have any input on this?

Thanks again!

I'm not sure what your budget is, but I lived in an apartment complex on Ellis Avenue (right off of Milwaukee Avenue) in Libertyville a few years ago and I thought it was a great bargain for it was - a relatively spacious 2 BR/2 BA for about $900 per month in good location. I couldn't tell you how much it would cost now, but I don't believe rents have gone up that much since then. It's on the northern edge of downtown Libertyville, so you can walk to the Metra train station, restaurants, bars, and the library. You'd probably get to your job in less than 10 minutes from there. The population in that complex definitely skewed to the old-to-older category, though, as long as that's not a problem.