Opinions on Lyons, Il area.

[Lookout Kid]

If I were the OP, I'd consider a house or condo in Forest Park within walking distance of the Madison Street strip, since schools aren't a concern to him. I think there is decent appreciation potential there, and it's much cheaper than Oak Park or La Grange--and offers plenty of action for a young single guy.

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

If I were the OP, I'd consider a house or condo in Forest Park within walking distance of the Madison Street strip, since schools aren't a concern to him. I think there is decent appreciation potential there, and it's much cheaper than Oak Park or La Grange--and offers plenty of action for a young single guy.

Not sure that FP is any more affordable than Lyons, and long term I am not sure either is going to be a great investment. That said, the bars in FP do seem to attract a nicer clientele than those in Lyons. Maybe the proximatity to Oak Park helps get younger hipper people in to places?

Lyons bars are the kind of place that Jimmy Stewart goes into AFTER he wishes he was never born...

[Lookout Kid]

There is at least an attitude in Forest Park that gentrification is happening, and that Madison Street strip has become a destination nightlife spot for the near western suburbs. I'm not sure gentrification in Forest Park will ever extend too far away from Madison Street and the train stations because of the lousy schools, but it is happening in those two zones. Lyons has no hip/cool factor whatsoever.

Night life can eventually bring crime too, however. It offers better opportunities for muggers, etc.