Where do tree hugging, vegetarian liberals belong in north Chicago? (Evanston: environment, property taxes)

[jaynetarzana]

DH and I are liberal, tree hugging, vegetarian, urban hip parents of two little girls in our early 30's considering a move to Chicago. We grew up in Detroit, but we've lived in California for 13 years. We're looking for an area with like-minded people, great schools, safe neighborhoods and a real sense of community with a hip (and safe) downtown area. Best case scenario, would have us in a mid century modern or new modern home in the $600-$725K range. I'd love some input from locals as to where we could meet the most of our needs. I keep doing research and it seems Highland Park might be our best bet. Any other suggestions?

Also, I'd love to hear more about Highland Park. We are set to visit mid-December and we have limited time so I really need to narrow down our search. Thanks in advance.

[trailerguy]

Evanston, hands down. I am originally from Berkeley, CA, and Evanston feels just like home. Lovely old Arts & Crafts bungalows, big trees, a very hip large university (Northwestern), and the granola flows like water. You can get a very nice house well within your price range.

[nanannie]

I would second Evanston.

[BRU67]

I think Oak Park and Evanston somehow have a patent on tree hugging, vegetarian liberals with a lot of money to spend on a house. There are of course other choices, but in your price range, and with your chosen identity, one of those two will be the best fit. This is an easy one.

[jaynetarzana]

Thanks so much for the replies. I really appreciate it. So, everyone thinks that Highland Park is not the place for us? It is closer to where my husband will be working in Mettawa, but being near like minded people is more important to us. We lived in a conservative area in San Diego for 10 years and it was exhausting. We always felt like we were the only ones who cared about the environment, animal rights, human rights etc.... Now we live in northern California in a town that is almost a little too hippie/granola for us. We are the armpit shaving, deodorant and make-up wearing, well dressed hippie types. Neither of us own a pair of Birkenstocks and we don't listen to the Grateful Dead or drive a VW bus. But our core values are definitely in line with the stereotypical hippie stuff.

I just looked at the map again and Oak Park seems like it would be too far from Mettawa. What would that commute be like? Also, it that a safe neighborhood?

[Windy City John]

Why not downtown Elmhurst?

[Windy City John]

less urban, but certainly environmentally touched, and green would be Campton Township, just west of St. Charles --Between Wasco & Lily lake

[trailerguy]

Highland Park is very nice, but I thought from your description of yourself, you might find it a bit to staid. HP has a large upper-class Jewish population, so it has above-average cultural sophistication and fairly progressive politics. They recycle. The Ravinia Festival is a summer delight, but that is easy to get to from Evanston (take the train right to the gate). It also has one of the best summer street arts and crafts fairs in the area. It is a lovely community. It is certainly worth looking into. But I am thinking Evanston might be more your cup of tea.

[emmi605]

Your question reminded me of an article I had read in the Chicago Tribune a while ago. I looked up the development that is based on ecological principles of conservation. I'm not sure about the cost of the homes and condos, but here is the website for further investigation. Grayslake is up in the northern suburbs where you would be working and would be a far better commute than Oak Park. Although Oak Park is wonderful, the drive would be horrible.

Best of Luck!

Prairie Crossing -- a conservation community

[jaynetarzana]

Thank you everyone. I've heard from a lot of people about Prairie Crossing. I guess it is a pseudo eco friendly development which is really not all that wonderful and doesn't have trees.

I've gotten so many suggestions for Evanston that we are going to definitely check that out.

With regards to Oak Park, I understand there is absolutely zero modern architecture there not to mention very high property taxes and that there are areas that are not very safe. That is at the top of my list. Anyone care to weigh in?

Is there any place with a great downtown within walking distance of the houses? We're looking for a real sense of community. I dream about living in a place where everyone knows the neighborhood kids and helps look after each other. Is that Highland Park?