Relocating to University Park, what is life like? Is this area Forest Park? (Chicago: apartment complex)

[goins1119]

Hello everyone, I am a single mother with four children 15,8,7, and 2. I am currently living in Riverdale, Georgia. It's about thirty minuites outside of Atlanta. I am planning to relocate to University Park, Illinois. Can anyone tell me about this area? Is it a good or bad place to live? Is it actually Forest Park? How are the schools and crime? How close is University Park to downtown Chicago? Are there alot of things for families to do I Universty Park? I know the weather in Chicago is horrible in the winter and that will be a real adjustment for me and my children. However, I am originally from the Midwest, so I know I can handle it. Has anyone ever lived in the apartment complex called Arbors at Hickory Creek? I guess thats about all the questions I have. I appreciate anyone who can give me some answers or advice.

Peace&Love,

Goins1119

[oakparkdude]

University Park and Forest Park are probably about 30 miles apart. UP is a far south suburb, and FP is a near west suburb.

[goins1119]

Thank you for responding. Have you ever lived in University Park? Have you heard anything good or bad about the area?

goins1119

[goins1119]

Chicago natives! I know that someone out there knows somthing about University Park. Please share your knowledge with a single mother.

[Scarletjazz]

I have a grrlfriend who lives out there, she said its nice but being in Will county the taxes and the water have took their toll on her. She's been out there for about 5 yrs and has no complaints except those mentioned above. She does not have kids though. Were you referring to Park Forest? We have a Park Forest and Forest Park here in IL. Hope someone can give a little more info...

Scar

[prairiestate]

Park Forest is next to University Park. Forest Park is in west Cook County, many, many miles away. I don't know too much about UP, but it seems fairly pleasant. A bit of a poor community though. No real business district, except for a few strip malls, and those have a lot of empty store fronts. I doubt the village offers much in the way of services or amenities for it's residents. It's quite small, with barely 6,000 residents. It's a little over an hour from Chicago by train, and at least as long, and often much longer, if you drive. I can't imagine how you picked UP, but I would highly reccomend looking at Park Forest instead. It has much more of a community feel, is considerbly larger, and has more to offer it's residents.

[chicago rd]

UP is kind of far from everything and if you go any more south you hit farm country, I think it is more African American then white but i could be wrong, not a bad area but kind of dated, Crete Monee is the nearest highschool and will be brand new next year,