30-something single -- what suburb? (Chicago, Naperville: sales, buy, new construction)

[HockeyFan]

FB, good to hear! That was my impression of the area as well -- seemed pretty comfortable and friendly. Are there a decent amount of singles in the area?

[JerichoHW]

Originally Posted by HockeyFan

FB, good to hear! That was my impression of the area as well -- seemed pretty comfortable and friendly. Are there a decent amount of singles in the area?

Ran some quick numbers for you it appears 22% of people in streamwood are single while the state norm for singles is 32.4%. So streamwood has a rather smaller % of singles compared to Illinois average. Schaumburg is much better with 39% singles , above state average.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by HockeyFan

The only thing I've heard about a lot of areas on the North Side is they're either

a) trendy/yuppie or
b) not so nice

Are there "real people" areas on the North Side? I'm not into clubs or anything trendy, or that concerned about image. What would be some good North Side neighborhoods for someone like me?

Wrigleyville (i.e. the portion of Lake View near Wrigley Field) is basically all sports bars. It doesn't get much more "regular guy" than that, unless you're looking for working class digs. And the working class certainly still exists in Chicago in large numbers on the North and South sides--just a bit further from the action.

There are trendy spots all over the North Side, but they don't really dominate any particular area. I'd say fake Irish bars and sports bars are still the most common type of night spot.

Schaumburg does indeed have a large concentration of commerce and entertainment, but I still think Naperville would be more fun as a single guy.

[FB1977]

Yes, I would say Schaumburg has a LOT of singles. I'm not all that familiar with Naperville myself, so I can't fairly compare, but my vote is for the 'Burg. :-) Feel free to ask more questions or DM me!

I know the Sears Centre is a newer venue in the area (Hoff Estates to be exact) that holds a lot of different sporting events. You're also not too far from Allstate Arena, and the Hawks play at United Center in the city.

[JerichoHW]

Originally Posted by FB1977

Yes, I would say Schaumburg has a LOT of singles. I'm not all that familiar with Naperville myself, so I can't fairly compare, but my vote is for the 'Burg. :-) Feel free to ask more questions or DM me!

I know the Sears Centre is a newer venue in the area (Hoff Estates to be exact) that holds a lot of different sporting events. You're also not too far from Allstate Arena, and the Hawks play at United Center in the city.

ya single wise Schaumburg is really good!!

[HockeyFan]

What appeals to me about Schaumburg is it seems somewhat more "regular guy" and less trendy than many areas with a lot of singles, but that's based on limited visits. Are my observations somewhat correct? I'm more of a sports bar, watch a game, grab a burger type of person than a trendy, nightclub type.. Schaumburg seems to be more suited for someone such as myself, at a glance anyway.

[Drover]

I actually see Schaumburg getting kind of snooty. Everything is getting more expensive and upscale -- though in a chainified, corporate-sanitary sort of way.

[FB1977]

I'm more of a nightclub girl myself, but I can honestly say most guys I meet are more regular guy, less "trendy" and DEF way more into sports. There are a ton of places to watch a game in Schaumburg. Plus, the newly opened John Barleycorn is a great place to get it all, sports, bar, live concerts, etc.

So I would say your observations are correct, Hockeyfan. I can see Schaumburg maybe getting a bit more snooty, but I think overall it would suit you just fine.

[HockeyFan]

A lot of Chicago's appeal to me has always been the real person image -- the sports fan, casual bars and restaurants, mixed with a little blues music and a thriving downtown. From what I'm seeing, I would have no problem finding this in several areas. On the other hand, what areas would be considered trendy and/or pretentious? I know the two don't always go together... but out here at least, they do much of the time it seems!

[Nysee53]

I think you really need to take a look at communities like Evanston, Oak Park, Wilmette, Skokie, Glenview, and Glencoe. Evanston, Oak Park, and Skokie have always been places with high populations of people between 21 and 35. Typically in Evanston what you see after age 35 many move to communities like Winnetka. Evanston and Oak Park are very trendy, and have high amounts of highly educated residents. Skokie is a solid investment, with the village investing heavily in public transportation and their commercial districts it is a sure bet. Another good thing about Evanston and Skokie is that you are able to grow in the communities. You can raise your family there and have a variety of educational options as well as cultural options. Recently there are a lot of singles moving into apartments and condominiums in Wilmette, Winnetka, and Glencoe because they have found thatt there are nice dining, shopping, and more affordable housing options for singles in those communities than Evanston and Oak Park. Good Luck!