How is living near downtown Arlington Hts, Illinois? (Chicago, Elgin: apartment, for rent)

[bodolo]

I am thinking of buying a condo on Miner St. one block from downtown Arlington Hts (Vail St. to be exact). Any feedback as to how the area is for a 25 year old single female? The condo in question is a walk-up but as I stated earlier, very close to downtown Arl Hts. Is there anyone who can tell me what it's like to have an apartment or condo on the 400 block of Miner St., esp. in terms of safety, meeting people, etc.?

[mendelman]

Well, you can't find a better location. Personally, I think Arlington Heights has the best downtown in the Northwest suburbs. Large(ish), diverse range of service and entertainment businesses, easily access to the downtown Metra station.

For a 25 single woman, you will probably like the nightlife at the handful of pubs/restaurants. Plus, with a condo on Miner, you can easily walk home after a night of revelry.

As safety, you should not have any concern walking around the neighborhood at night. Perfectly safe.

[cubssoxfan]

Bodolo,
Downtown Arlington Heights is very walkable and has stores, restaurants, movie theater and live theater. It has enough to offer so you don't always have to rely on your car to eat or shop. However, it is not like Wrigleyville or Lincoln Park neighborhoods of Chicago. If you are looking for a mix of a lively Chi neighborhood mixed in with suburbia, then you have the perfect mix. It is safe, clean and you are close to parks, pools and library. Only question I would have is how soundproof is the building. how much train and street noise will you have.

[chet everett]

And how good an investment/fit this is for a 25 year old?

Whether you are a guy or girl, I question the value in owning a condo at 25 in this market. Do you honestly fore see making a profit or at least breaking even on this place? How long is likely that you will live there?

AH is nothing like Lakeview/Lincolnpark. Odds that some other kids would be dying to buy a place from you on the next 5-8 years are very low. Families in the burbs don't want condos...

Now if you were a VERY settled kind of person (40's?) I would feel much better about you moving into a place that might suit your needs for a much longer period of time...

[Schnooks]

I live walking distance to AH.. it is a very nice town.. mostly family oriented. Unless you are getting a steal of a deal on this condo, I would rent for now. Absolutely don't offer them list price if you do decide to buy. For instance, there were some condos in downtown Palatine that were auctioned off recently.. some going for $150K in a high end building. I think if you wait a little while you could get a really good deal.

[middle-aged mom]

I suggest you rent first in AH and decide if it is to your liking.

Most 25 year olds have no idea where they will be in 5 years. Why get locked into a condo at this stage of your life in an area you are uncertain about? There are plenty of units for rent by people who cannot sell.

[Humboldt1]

Middle-aged Mom,

I have a whole new respect for you based on your last post. I respected you before but for a realtor to advise a potential buyer to rent for awhile to figure things out is very commendable.

I have an office in downtown Arlington Heights and it is definitely an older crowd (40-65ish). Most 25 year olds are in areas like Lakeview. I would recommend Arlington Heights for empty nesters (downtown condos) or people looking to settle down (single family houses).

The downtown does have alot of amenities, especially for the suburbs and is very safe. Fuego is a great restaurant and Arlington Pancake House has some of the best breakfast food I have had (I prefer it to Egg Harbor down the street).

I rented for 1 year when I first moved to Arlington Heights before buying my first place in Itasca. Itasca is not a place for a 25 year old either, but like Arlington Heights is a great place to settle down and raise a family. My neighbors were 85 and 65 years old.

[bodolo]

Thanks to everyone. The reason I wanted the NW suburbs, esp. Arlington Hts or Des Plaines is the close proximity to work (starting a new job in Des Plaines). I currently live in the Elgin area, but I do want to be close to the train should I ever get a job downtown. But I may rethink and decide to rent first and then dive in. It's just that it's a buyer's market now. Choices...choices. I have to think about this. But thanks again to everyone.

[chet everett]

There is no reason to believe that rates are going to zoom up anytime soon or prices spike. The term "buyers market" is really relatively meaningless to someone that does not NEED to buy...

[middle-aged mom]

Originally Posted by Humboldt1

Middle-aged Mom,

I have a whole new respect for you based on your last post. I respected you before but for a realtor to advise a potential buyer to rent for awhile to figure things out is very commendable.

Thank you Humbolt.