City-like suburb along 294 (Chicago, Schaumburg, Oak Lawn: apartments, city hall, rental)

[daedicar]

Hi,

I'm a 23 year old single guy looking to move out of my parents' house. I work in Markham and I'd like a relatively quick commute to work (25 minutes at the longest). I also know a bunch of people on the north/west side that I visit pretty regularly, so I've decided that somewhere along 294 would be my best bet.

I'm looking for places with an urban feel, a good neighborhood, and a decent night life (all I really need is a bar or two in walking distance, nothing special). A place like lincoln park in the south-southwest area would be great, but I don't know if a place like this exists. I'm not too price sensitive, but I'd like it to be reasonable. Any ideas?

[NYrules]

You want a city like feel with the tons of shopping, restaurants, and yes traffic, then look at Oak Lawn and Evergreen Park. Those are as urban of burbs on the south side as they get I think and they are right on 294 @95th Street. I can't say enough about the towns other than they are safe, clean, and have come along way from being once very prestigous, to run down a bit, now they both are cleaning themselves back up and putting themselves back into the spot light.

Oak Lawn's little downtown along 95th Street @ SW Highway is very quaint (50's style) with the stores lining both sides of 95th Street and in many cases there are apartments and condos above them. Housing in the town is well versed, from raised ranches like you would see in the city, to sprawling houses like you would see in Orland Park ranging in price from $250K-$850K. Since much of the town is older, many of the streets now are tree lined (being planted back in the 40's and 50's) and much of the town's city stuff (city hall, library, police station) have all been redone in recent years and are new.

Nearby Evergreen Park is pretty much a carbon copy of the east side of Oak Lawn and is also a hustling and bustiling community with tons of traffic! (so I guess thats good for the town's economy)

In either case, both towns offer good schools, great parks, are safe with a great police force, and have plenty to do. Check them out. Oh ya, and are both within a 30 min drive to Markham and Orland Park!

[chet everett]

I was thinking that may be the best bet too, but I don't think "quaint" when I think Oak Lawn/EP...

When I think quaint I think more like Geneva and there is nothing like that close to 294.

In fact when I think "Lincoln Park" I just do not know another area in Illinois with the same mix of actual college students and post-college singles, high income city dwelling couples and families with kids, dense local based and national retailers, and unique dining/entertainment options. There are several other places that have some similar features but even looking at Boston, NY, San Fran each also has some differences...

[cdc3217]

Do you mean nort/northwest 'burbs, or N/NW city?
An off-294 option that fits your commute and lifestyle would be the neighborhood of Beverly in Chicago. You can shoot down I-57 to markham quickly and enjoy a pretty good bar/culture scene along Western Ave.

[daedicar]

I meant N/NW Suburbs... Schaumburg, Addison area.

Also, what are some good places to look for apartments? I've searched online and looked through the daily herald/sun times. Any other places I should look?

Thanks all!

[Bart0415]

What about the "Glen Town Center" in Glenview (2 miles from I-294)? The area around the mall / movie theater where the "Aloft" rental apartment buildings are located has a very city-like feel, pedestrian friendly with bars and restaurants. I went there first time a month ago to watch a movie in the new theater and I was positively impressed.

Aloftâ„¢ Apartments~ North Shore Rental Apartments ~ Luxury Living at The Glen Town Center

I understand it sprouted up recently on the grounds of the old Naval Air station. Looks like an experiment in "new urbanism".

[chet everett]

Way expensive and WAY WAY WAY far from Markham... Geared toward a whole different segment than a 23 yr old single guy, might be good for "cougar hunting"...