Homewood-BOSTON-Chicagoland but where (Evanston, Oak Lawn, Berwyn: fit in, oceanfront, homes)

[OneLifeToLive]

When I left Homewood 20+ years ago I felt so isolated: as a former realtor I had "moved in" the first black family to a new subdivision and the old-timers silently boycotted me. Further back in time, I recall watching television in a public place when Jimmy Carter lost his bid for re-election, crying, and subsequently being taunted. To put it bluntly I just never fit in, so I moved to Boston.

I adore where I live now, directly abutting Harvard University's Arnold Arboretum but a 12-minute commuter rail trip to downtown. My heart has become so very attached to the diversity of cultures and the different world perspectives they offer. Each night during the summer there are free concerts of every identifiable form of music, Shakespeare in the Park performances, movies shown in public venues, and often fireworks along the oceanfront.

Wouldn't you know, I connected up with a man whom I've not seen in 35 years and we are falling for each other. He must stay in the Chicagoland area because of his two children and I both appreciate and respect that decision. However, the country boy and the city girl have a very real predicament on how to perhaps live together without one of us feeling s/he or both are being stifled.

He loves the small town ambience and tranquility; she is energized by the mass of humanity in urban areas and in fact organizes public celebrations as her avocation.

Monee is the current home to the gent but I would find this level of "normalcy" to be unfaithful to my core values. Is there an alternative community suitable for him and his cultural maven/hippie companion? This could be the decisive issue to break us or continue upward.

Appreciatively,


Conflicted

[scotty40]

Hi- I think you would be pleasantly suprised if you were to visit Homewood/Flossmoor present day... Very tolerant, diverse and has many of the amenities you don't want to give up (excluding the ocean view, of course...). Seems to be many open minded young families moving in. Most of suburban cook county (and especially the inner ring suburbs) is not the ultra conservative place it was 20-30 years ago. Other really nice places with great homes- Oak Park, River Forest, LaGrange,Berwyn, Brookfield, Riverside, Oak Lawn. You may even like some of the near western suburbs of Dupage (again, slightly more liberal than it once was) including Downers Grove.

[cdc3217]

Maybe one of the far-flung neighborhoods within the city limits - Beverly, Mt. Greenwood, Sauganash?

All are relatively low-density, high in greenspace, and still have the benefits of city living.

Also, sections of Palos Heights/Hills are very vernal and the surrounding communities have a decent mix of cultural activities, you're near Moraine VAlley Comm. College - so there's some goings-on there.

Also - Prarie Crossing in LAke County is a planned community that eco-friendly and has a nice mix of rural/cultural action. Also near the local community college, so that adds flavor.

And how about Evanston - very liberal/cultural, lots of greenspace - lots going on...

[OneLifeToLive]

Originally Posted by cdc3217

Maybe one of the far-flung neighborhoods within the city limits - Beverly, Mt. Greenwood, Sauganash?

All are relatively low-density, high in greenspace, and still have the benefits of city living.

Also, sections of Palos Heights/Hills are very vernal and the surrounding communities have a decent mix of cultural activities, you're near Moraine VAlley Comm. College - so there's some goings-on there.

Also - Prarie Crossing in LAke County is a planned community that eco-friendly and has a nice mix of rural/cultural action. Also near the local community college, so that adds flavor.

And how about Evanston - very liberal/cultural, lots of greenspace - lots going on...

I recall revisiting Beverly within the last year and enjoyed it immemsely. However if it is on par with Evanston in housing prices it would be prohibitive. Thank you SO much for the reminders about the lesser-known but historic areas of Chicagoland.

[cdc3217]

Originally Posted by OneLifeToLive

I recall revisiting Beverly within the last year and enjoyed it immemsely. However if it is on par with Evanston in housing prices it would be prohibitive. Thank you SO much for the reminders about the lesser-known but historic areas of Chicagoland.

Well, its more affordable than up north, but its all relative. You can search on zips 60643 (Beverly/Morgan Park east of Western) and 60655 (West Beverly/Mt. Greenwood) on realtor.com if you want to get some price ranges.

You could look at Blue Island if you want really affordable, diverse, and near the city. But while there are nice historic areas and tree-lined streets, it's fairly high-density for a suburb. Although, it does have a weird small town vibe because so many families have stayed here for multiple generations.

[prairiestate]

Homewood would be ideal. First, blacks are now the majority in the South Suburbs, so you certainly won't be out of place today. Homes are very affordable, and the local business community is thriving. It's near lots of forest preserves and open land, and feels like a quaint small town. It's also close to Monee. There are cultural performances at nearby Governors State University (which gets some big national acts), there is a community symphony and theater company in Park Forest, and Country Club Hills has a new outdoor concert venue. Finally, there is the Metra Electric, which provides frequent service to downtown and Hyde Park, so you can easily enjoy the university and the lake front.