what are the bad south suburbs of chicago (Oak Park, Maywood: high school, taxes)

[Evie7463]

I observed at a middle school there and, although the houses are beautiful, they recruit for gangs there (from Crestwood btw). :0

[Evie7463]

I knew a young couple who bought a house in Evergreen Park. Believe it or not, even housing in Oak Lawn (which is very nice) is getting expensive and I think Evergreen Park would be next down the line, in terms of affordability (it's also not that far from the city as some of those far south suburbs (i.e., Chicago Heights!)

[Evie7463]

Melrose Park? Huh? Lyons? Uh, uh. Those two suburbs are fine, in my opinion. The other ones are kinda scary, tho.

[Evie7463]

The north/northwest suburbs are expensive....

[trinity7774]

Originally Posted by bobsmith319

Dolton
Chicago Heights
Ford Heights
Cicero (More of a Western subarb)
Summit
Any town near Indiana is bad.
Most near Midway airport are not the greatest.
Oak Lawn, Chicago Ridge, Alsip, Burbank, Oak Forest, Orland Park are good places to check out.

Not ANY town near Indiana.. Beecher is EXCELLENT town. however, a little south. But really booming out there!

Anyhow, Chicago Ridge, Alsip, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Oak Forest are great towns... Oak Lawn.. I BEG to differ now! I bought a house in Oak Lawn 6 months ago. ALREADY had 2 break ins! I think it's just a BIT too close to Midway if you ask me I honestly prefer NW burbs. WAYYYYY less traffic! and nicer overall.

Someone mentioned Melrose Park is bad... depends where you go. I would rather live there than here at this point! Franklin Park, River Grove. TOTALLY booming out there! Before you could buy out there so cheap. Can't get anything cheap now. Looked at some shabby duplex for $240,000.. that is sad.

But overall WORST south suburb... Ford Heights!! I lived in Saint John, IN (on the border) for 4 years. I had to drive thru that town. I did about 70 down the road. I didnt' care if cop pulled me over at that point. IT WAS BAD! Look it up on city index. TERRIBLE crime rate for it's size. Anyhow, if possible. Move to NW Indiana. EXCELLENT!!!! Just stay away from Lynwood/Lansing area. Area is finally changing now.

[nanannie]

Originally Posted by Evie7463

Melrose Park? Huh? Lyons? Uh, uh. Those two suburbs are fine, in my opinion. The other ones are kinda scary, tho.

I think many many people do NOT find Melrose Park "just fine"

[chicagocarol]

I moved from Chicago to the south burbs in 1971... owned a home in Crestwood, Oak Forest, and now Palos area. Crestwood: This community started to really soar due to a 'rebate' that is given back to the homeowners each year. Check their website, might have more details about that) This is possible because of the revenue the city gets from Rivercrest (shopping area) as well as 'off track betting' place. Has alot of condos and tri-level homes. Oak Forest: Lived there too, nice community for families. good mix of homes. Tinley Park & Orland Park are very nice... (more expensive tho, higher taxes))
Up and coming alot now, is Frankfort (further south) A number of new home developements going in, while 'old Frankfort has older homes. been building up since the 70's.
Palos, Palos Hills, Palos Park, Palos Heights: mix of all sorts of homes, some VERY expensive ( million+) in the new communities, taxes are high.
I agree with those that posted areas to avoid.

[sonicreducer]

So, what's wrong with Melrose Park? Has it gone downhill? I'm just curious. I'm not very savvy on the Chicago 'burbs, but I did spend the night there once back in 1997 at a friend's house, and it seemed fine--pretty quiet and blue collar.

[mdz]

Major problem with Melrose Park now is just that Maywood, its next door neighbor, has become a horrific place. Gangs, violence, drugs, the works. Really a shame because there are some beautiful old houses there. There's still decent blue collar areas of Melrose Park, there's a few areas now (esp closest to Maywood) that I wouldn't want to be alone in.

[nanannie]

I have known some long time Italian Americans, three generations,that have had to leave Melrose park because of crime/gang issues and yes,they believed it stemmed from Maywood.They speak of the wonderful Italian festival that was a must attend.Is the "Come Back Inn" gone?