Blue Island? (Cicero, Vermont: fit in, section 8, renter)

[farrk007]

I recently went out to Blue Island to check out a property on W.collins which was right off Vincennes. while the property itself was right along my alley in terms of price the drive there especially once i got off the highway and through Vincennes was concerning...i dont mind the Industrial look but Vincennes looked dicey to say the least and i'd hate to find out later that it gets worse at night/after dark. It also seemed to be a heavily black surburb though Wiki described it as being pretty diverse ( i have nothing against blacks..I AM ONE!) just incase some readers get flamed.
I point to the whole colour thing 'cos diversity is huge for me and since the property im looking at is an income property i dont want a tough sell for my potential tennants that might not feel they "fit in".
I also operate a home business and my clientele* are mostly middle/upper class caucasians that quite frankly i'd hate to lose due to my relocation.
I have spent hours online researching from Wiki to this board and while the reviews on the city are mixed i'd just like to get another dialogue going on the city...the taxes seem great!! the homes are not bad, but i'd hate to have to look over my shoulders when i walk my dogs(even though they are pretty large dogs) late at night.

[cdc3217]

Vincennes is one of the least appealing corridors of Blue Island. I would suggest going west of Western, or south of 127th to look for rental properties.

For upper/middle class clientele I would look at the Western Avenue corridor between 127th & Vermont, near the train stations and historic district.

The town is not predominantly black, but I would guess your typical renter mix leans more that way than the city as a whole.

[Oobie119]

I would never live there, has too many low class areas for me. There are some selective nice areas but no thanks..

[skyeINIL]

Same here. I visit Blue Island very frequently and could not see myself living there.

[At1WithNature]

me 3, im just too good for Blue Island!

[cdc3217]

ALl right, if someone would like to add some CONSTRUCTIVE commentary I think this is enough piling on!!!

[skyeINIL]

OK. The presence of beautiful old homes and nice parks is not enough to overcome (for me, personally) the presence of thugs, crackheads, and undesirable Section 8 renters heavily sprinkled throughout the town.

I might add that I am used to be on the receiving end of these threads where I have to defend my own town. So if I am incorrect in my assessment or unfair in my criticism, I am willing and ready to be straightened out and admit to being wrong.

[cdc3217]

Skye I have no quarrel with your comments, generally and in particular.
Just felt the post previous to mine post didn't really add any helpful info.
Perhaps I'm a bit defensive of my hometown as well.

While the city has issues for sure, It's a place with a lot of potential, unique and advantageous characteristics, and history and I wish more people would see that and help "right the ship". Blue Island is SO close to the city, with great public transit, close to I-57, right on the Cal Sag, along which neighboring towns are creating a multi-use trail, the historic housing stock, and schools that in spite of significant renter popluations and bilingual constituency, are giving solid test performances.

[sweeti1980]

the blue island "projects" are along vincennes. im black, and wouldnt want to live over there

[farrk007]

so what do i do now? go for a triplex in Cicero or take the triplex in Blue Island? i'll only be living there for a year/2 at the most. but while im there i'd love some peace of mind.
Cicero is closer to the city but soooooo crowded, and again i'd like to be able to ask people over without having to convince them its safe to do so...and my budget is soo limited..
Whats am i to do i had that same "would not want to live there" attitude when i first visited last Sunday especially since the address is right off Vincennes...and Vincennes looked pitiful!!