skokie? (Chicago, Des Plaines, Glenview: real estate, apartments, rental)

[nikandanna]

Husband is interviewing for a job in Lincolnshire, north of Chicago, and we are looking into nearby areas to live. One priority is an Asian presence, since my daughter was adopted from China. Our budget can afford something in the 400's, which looks possible in Skokie, judging from the real estate listings I've pulled up. It's very diverse, not too far from husband's work, the schools sound good from what I've found on the net. Only downside I've seen so far is that the houses are not exactly anything to get excited about, typical post-war brick ranches with small-looking lots, very close together. Oh, well.

Any opinions, positive or negative, on Skokie? Any other places nearby you can recommend?

Thanks in advance! We decided not to take a job in Pittsburgh because we want an area with more Asian population to raise our daughter.

[domergurl]

Try looking in Morton Grove as well. I had a friend whose family were Philipino and lived there.

[nikandanna]

Thanks for the tip. I'll do that.

[karabiner]

I can't help with the asian aspect, but if you're determined to live in that general area, I would recommend Morton Grove, Niles, or Glenview over Skokie. Due to Skokie's higher quantity of rental apartments, I've seen several neighborhood fluctuations over the years, whereas the others have been more stable/ consistant in neighborhood quality. Also, don't be discouraged by the brick bungalows. Although they are small, they are very well built. Also, check for sewage/ basement seepage issues/history; common in the older homes in that area.

[nikandanna]

Thanks so much for the tip. I'll look into Morton Grove, since it also appears to have a good-sized Asian population, and also has a Metra stop that would take my husband almost directly to his work, whereas the Skokie line apparently would not.

[christinam]

I grew up in Skokie and lived in one of those split level brick boxes you mention. My folks built it for less than $20K in 1953 and sold it for $50K in 1974. My head spins when I think of those homes selling in the $300-400K range! I agree that Morton Grove, Niles or Glenview are nicer places. The schools were all very good when I was growing up, but I don'tknow how they are now.

As for the Asian population in Skokie, I've visted my stomping grounds lately and found it to be mainly Korean, but on the whole, Skokie is just very very diverse now. I also think it looks quite tired and haggard these days.

Christina

[SonySegaTendo617]

i'll also recommend Des Plaines. an older, but diverse suburb that has a sizable amount of Asians(not to mention it has a Bollywood(Indian movies) theater in the downtown). Prospect Heights i believe also has a sizable amount of Asians too(though less than Des Plaines). don't know much about how good schools are in Des Plaines or Prospect Heights.

and as a matter of fact, its actually a somewhat more direct way to Lincolnshire(via the Prairie View stop) than the Metra line going through Morton Grove(by boarding at the Prospect Heights stop, plus there's a bus route(#221) that runs north from downtown Des Plaines and serves the Prospect Heights station). though i do agree with the other poster that Morton Grove is also a decent suburb to look at(though i'm guessing since it developed around the same time Skokie did, some of the older homes there might also have sewage and seepage problems). not to mention Morton Grove is surrounded by some very nice forest preserves(and so is Des Plaines, not to mention that one of the forest preserves near DP has a small lake).

[nikandanna]

Thanks for the tip about Des Plaines, Dumpster. I'll check it out. And Brigid, if you see this, I replied to your private message.

You are all wonderfully helpful, and I truly appreciate it.