Art Towns in the burbs? (Chicago, Evanston: apartments, condos, home)

[injerz]

I may move back to the Chicago area, are there suburbs that have a strong fine art scene/community? Talking painting. Not a city person, so looking at the burbs.

[mdz]

I've been to art shows/gallery openings in Oak Park and Evanston. Oak Park seemed like the stronger scene.

[j33]

Definately Oak Park, Evanston running a close second.

[injerz]

I take it there are few burbs with art, hence the lack of replies. Thanks for the input. BTW, is Evanston a place to live where it is impossible to park?

[Flatlander]

I think you're right; the Chicago suburbs aren't really known for being artsy, though the previous poster was correct, the best ones being Oak Park and Evanston.

Yes, you can find street parking in Evanston residential neighborhoods without a problem. The only neighborhood where parking is tight is on the south end close to the lake (south of Main St. and east of Chicago Ave.), here you have a more dense neighborhood with a lot of vintage condo buildings (these old buildings just don't offer any or enough parking for all of the owners which is why there are so many cars on the street).

In any case, parking in Evanston is nothing like parking in the city of Chicago.

[outsider1]

Yeah, can't think of anything outside of the city.

In Evanston there's Northwestern university, but it doesn't do much for a local art scene. A big(at least, the most affordable) part of Evanston is more like an extention of the city. If you choose Evanston, look for a place that's North of Davis and East of Ridge Ave. If you can find something North of Church St and East of Maple that would be even better. If you have to park on the street, the parking will be miserable in most of the places, especially in the winter.

In the city you might be interested in some spots in Wicker Park, Andersonville and maybe around Lincoln Park. I think that these places would have a better atmoshpere for you than Evanston or Oak Park ever will actually.

[HollyhockGarden]

Hello! Elmhurst is a beautiful suburb, home of Elmhurst College. It is on the METRA line for easy downtown commutes, and is also convenient to the airports. The downtown is very vibrant with an old-fashioned movie theatre still going strong, and many restaurants. The sidewalks are packed on Saturday nights, which is a sign of a very healthy downtown. The library, YMCA, Prairie Path bike/walking trail, and a great hospital are all close to downtown, as well as a Jewel (grocery store) and Walgreens.There are some newer condos and apartments buildings, as well as several classic 1920's style walk-up buildings within walking distance of the train station. Oak Park, as mentioned previously, is a beautiful city. Lots of free entertainment just walking around looking at all the fabulous architectural gems!

[prairiestate]

There is an art museum in Elmhurst as well.

[j33]

I didn't fine Evanston too difficult to park in unless you are trying to park without paying by Northwestern, but sometimes you have to drive a round a bit looking for it. However, I live in Chicago where once I missed a movie trying to find parking, the garages were full and there was nothing on the street, after about 45 minutes of trying, we gave up on th movie and went out for a drink in a different part of town.

Evanston isn't that bad

[dumpstermcnuggets]

Originally Posted by outsider1

Yeah, can't think of anything outside of the city.

In Evanston there's Northwestern university, but it doesn't do much for a local art scene. A big(at least, the most affordable) part of Evanston is more like an extention of the city. If you choose Evanston, look for a place that's North of Davis and East of Ridge Ave. If you can find something North of Church St and East of Maple that would be even better. If you have to park on the street, the parking will be miserable in most of the places, especially in the winter.

I'd say the area around Central St. and Green Bay Rd. is also another area in Evanston to look at. It's very close to a Metra stop, and it isn't too further east to get to the 'L, if you need access to it. only bad thing about there is that it's near Ryan Field(and their basketball arena, feeling stupid I can't remember the name of it), which can get quite congested during football games each fall. I think there are a few art studios along Central, though it may not be as many as you're hoping for. actually, I think Wilmette(suburb to the north of Evanston), and/or possibly Winnetka or Glencoe might have a few in their downtown areas, too. sorry I can't help you more on that question.

check out Prairie Joe's if you're ever in the area, very nice restaurant, and owned by a friend of mine