Where do tree hugging, vegetarian liberals belong in north Chicago? (Evanston: transfer, buyer)

[jaynetarzana]

Originally Posted by Anthera

any city where you feel uncomfortable about the HS and safety is not the right place to raise your family.

Well said.

[jaynetarzana]

Originally Posted by Anthera

Libertyville is a very nice town, with a cute downtown and lots of nice subdivisions. I get the impression that Jay isn't the subdivision type.

You've got that right. Cookie cutter tract housing is my worst nightmare (architectural nightmare of course).

[Calidreemer]

Anthera I'm with you - I know you weren't trying to push her back to Evanston. I don't get that Jay is the subdivision type either so that's why I gave her the Cali reference.

You and I are pretty much on the same page about Evanston in general as well as letting people make their own decisions without forcing our own agenda on them.

Ok - i've gotta get home - the dog has to be crossing her legs by now. I'm sure I'll be back later. Take it easy!

P.S. Check your email Jay

[jaynetarzana]

Originally Posted by Calidreemer

I don't think you would be satisfied with Libertyville - I could be wrong, but it's kind of like the difference between Sacramento (El Dorado Hills, Folsom and Granite Bay excluded) and San Fran if you get my drift.

Calidreemer - I'm only familiar with SF so I'm afraid the comparison is lost on me. I think I am going to focus my research on LB, LF and HP. It feels good to be narrowing it down. I'm feeling less overwhelmed by the day. I really want to love LB because the house we found would be perfect for us, but I am afraid it could be boring, isolated and too conservative. Our realtor thinks not, but then again, she doesn't seem to have the grasp on that subject which is why I am relying on all of you to help me! lol!

[Anthera]

Jay,

Today is Tuesday.

Tomorrow take your girls and go shopping and have lunch in HP. Walk to the beach. Stop in the library. Have dinner at the Lincolnshire Gourmet in HP.

Thursday, go to LF for LF days(I think thats what its called - I'll be there too with my youngest). Let the kids go on some of the carnival rides, walk around, go to dinner at Southgate Cafe(try to get outdoor seating).

I'm sure LB has a whole schedule of activities for the 4th. Ask your realtor. Otherwise, go back to LF Days. Watch the fireworks.

Report back.

[jaynetarzana]

Anthera,

Sounds like a good schedule, but I'm flying solo since DH decided not to take any time off work for something as insignificant as a relocation across the country with his family! (can you tell I'm more than a little sore about it?) I have two girls; 3 yrs and 1 yr so I am severly limited on what I can do especially since my 1 year old HATES the car and nurses every few hours. I try not to do too much shopping; we're minimalists and have a commitment to buy only what we truly need (you know, the tree hugger way!). I'll check into LF days, Southgate Cafe and Lincolnshire Gourmet. Thanks for the suggestions!

[Paige65]

I don't know if it's been suggested, but Deerfield might also be a good option for you.

I hope you find something!

[Anthera]

Jay,

i was thinking that your girls were older. Yikes! Doing this alone would be hard, but with two babies!!!! You're really a trooper!

[cohdane]

Another two cents from someone in a similar search:

I liked Libertyville (downtown) till I saw what it was surrounded by. MASSIVE amounts of generic McMansion new construction. Malls. Four lane roads that ALWAYS have traffic. It scared and depressed me (strong language, but the general idea.)

Focused on HP and Wilmette now. Mostly HP. Look at a map. Look at the number of beaches in HP. There are lots of secret paths through the woods to get to them. And so far-- incredibly-- if I didn't hike down, I've always been able to get a parking space. Full disclosure: not all of them are "official" swimming beaches.
Now add in botanic garden. Bike path. Non-grid lots. Ravinia music festival. A decent downtown. Lots of community activities. It starts to stack up very well for us.


Full disclosure: There are a lot of big diamond rings, personal trainers and top name cars in Highland Park. Also, I notice the people are a little more aggressive than I'm used to in grocery stores, traffic (and I'm from BOSTON) and any other situation involving turn taking. That said, they seem pretty nice once you get past that surface level.

Good luck and happy hunting. If you want specific info, PM me. I'll let you know as much as I can. Been living here since January now. (In an apartment with inflatable mattress!!)

[Nysee53]

Cohdane, Wilmette is much nicer than Highland Park. It is also wealthier than Highland Park. It is also more convenient than Highland Park. It has a nicer beach than any of Highland Park's beaches. Have you actually looked at the two. I love the architecture in Wilmette. Highland Park has way more of the suburban-subdivision, McMansion type housing. Wilmette is five stars, Highland Park is four stars. Just my opinion.