Skokie info (Chicago, Evanston, Niles: real estate market, apartments, condo)

[mike3512]

is skokie a nice place to live? and does it still have a large jewish population?

I recentrly read about the nazi march there. does anybody know the reason why holocaust survivors settled there? it fascinates me.

Also, is it overpriced, or moderate? thanks

[NYrules]

Skokie is primarily still Jewish yes, and yes it is still a VERY nice and prestigous place to live. Homes are a bit on the high side for what you get, but overall not terrible.

[crepella4]

We live in Skokie and love the library and the nature center. It's a great place for kids with a very organized park district and good schools. Taxes seem high, our bldg avg is $3,500-$4,000/condo and is 35+ yrs old, but it's a lot cheaper than Evanston. There's a lot of new construction and it's getting more crowded. Parking is still "okay" but nothing like it used to be. It feels a lot safer than the city where we grew up too (Albany Park). I've heard the Jewish population stuff is no longer true and Skokie is now one of the most diversified cities in the midwest. Lots of Phillipino, Asians....

[NUman]

I actually run a company that builds new construction homes in Skokie, Lincolnwood, Niles, and Skokie/Evanston. I can say that the real estate market is great in Skokie and Skokie/Evanston. New Construction is selling very well. We currently have four new construction projects underway and prices range from $1,199,000 to $1,450,000. The higher end homes are going to be found in Skokie/Evanston, because of the Evanston postal address and schools. The homes are 4500 to around 6000 Square Feet. You do get plenty for your money in Skokie. A steo up from Skokie would be Lincolnwood but new construction there starts in the $1.3 range. Taxes in Skokie are not high at all compared to the surrounding communities. You also get odd services with your taxes, like free sidewalk and street snow removal. Skokie is the most diverse community in Chicagoland. It is not segregated like many of the other 'diverse' towns. It is getting to be a busy town and it has a strong self-sustained economy and it is only 15 to 20 minutes from the loop.

[Costa Rica Chica]

We are probbaly moving to Evanston in July, but Skokie may be an option because from what I have understood, it's much more affordable. There are lots of 50's style bungalows and plain looking brown brick rectangular apartment buildings. I don't think it's as aesthetically pleasing as Evanston. They do have a great community pool with water slides and everything.

[mike3512]

ive been looking at prices in those 2 areas. im not sure what you're looking for, but it's not that bad.

If your looking for a typical 3-4 bed, 2-3 bath, it can be somewhere between 250,000 and 300,000.

apartments are usually lower than that.

Prices in the western and southern suburbs are much cheaper than this, however, but then again, all these prices are cheap to me being from the most expensive place in the nation, literally: long island, NY!

[LadyPleiades]

I live next door, in Evanston. Skokie has a hugely growing population of other ethnicities. I think someone said, one of the most diverse suburbs. There are lots of Eastern Europeans, Russians, Ukrainians in addition to all different Asians, Middle-Eastern, etc.

The schools are much better now than they were 20 years ago.

[mike3512]

Originally Posted by LadyPleiades

I live next door, in Evanston. Skokie has a hugely growing population of other ethnicities. I think someone said, one of the most diverse suburbs. There are lots of Eastern Europeans, Russians, Ukrainians in addition to all different Asians, Middle-Eastern, etc.

The schools are much better now than they were 20 years ago.

does evanston have god schools???

[Nysee53]

Evanston does have good and very reputable public schools. Willard Elementary and Haven Middle School, were named some of the best in the Chicago area. There are also tons of options from private and public. There are some schools to avoid like Dawes Elementary and Oakton Elementary. They are both in areas that are of a lower income than most of Evanston.

[NYrules]

Originally Posted by mike3512

does evanston have god schools???

God schools? Are those like Satan schools? So thats what God has been up to these days... Playing super intendent. LOL! J/K Too much Leno's Headlines for me last night.