Newer, more urban/less sprawling suburbs? (Chicago, Naperville: fit in, hotel, cheap home)

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by DNaomi

Because they, out of all the other burbs, have the closest feel to the north side Chicago areas people are usually interested in in terms of housing, retail, atmosphere, etc.

Not everyone wants the "north side feel" though. What is the "north side feel" anyway? There are many different neighborhoods on the north side of Chicago.

In terms of entertainment,restaurants,etc.;Oak Park and Evanston actually are not very similar to most parts of the north side. Most of those town's establishments are centered around their downtown areas. Both of those towns actually have some pretty crappy neighborhoods as well. It is not like you can move to any part of Evanston and Oak Park and you are going to be living in an area that is like the (the good or decent parts) of north side of Chicago. You can move to parts of Oak Park or Evanston and almost think you are on the west side of Chicago.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by HockeyFan

...After more than 2 weeks looking in the area, I am leaning towards the city proper, as I favor high energy and busy environments. However, I would like to find at least one suburban option for comparison, but it appears what I am looking for does not exist...

Look into Lincolnwood,Skokie,Park Ridge,and Morton Grove for comparison.

[oakparkdude]

Quite a few suburbs with downtown Metra stations have new construction condos and townhomes. The better ones have a bit of retail/dining within a walkable area. Most of these are in the west and northwest burbs. I've heard Palatine is quite lively (never been personally), and Elmhurst, Oak Park, Glen Ellyn, and Wheaton look pretty nice too. Of course these walkable areas are small islands in a sea of traditional suburbia.

[jlawrence01]

Originally Posted by sukwoo

Quite a few suburbs with downtown Metra stations have new construction condos and townhomes. The better ones have a bit of retail/dining within a walkable area. Most of these are in the west and northwest burbs. I've heard Palatine is quite lively (never been personally), and Elmhurst, Oak Park, Glen Ellyn, and Wheaton look pretty nice too. Of course these walkable areas are small islands in a sea of traditional suburbia.

Add Arlington Heights, Mt. Prospect to the list. Palatine is getting there, but is a little lean in the retail close to the train station. As is Crystal Lake, though you'll need a car for grocery trips.

[JanuaryGirl]

Originally Posted by sukwoo

Quite a few suburbs with downtown Metra stations have new construction condos and townhomes. The better ones have a bit of retail/dining within a walkable area. Most of these are in the west and northwest burbs. I've heard Palatine is quite lively (never been personally), and Elmhurst, Oak Park, Glen Ellyn, and Wheaton look pretty nice too. Of course these walkable areas are small islands in a sea of traditional suburbia.

I would add Downer's Grove to that list.

[JanuaryGirl]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

Not everyone wants the "north side feel" though. What is the "north side feel" anyway? There are many different neighborhoods on the north side of Chicago.

In terms of entertainment,restaurants,etc.;Oak Park and Evanston actually are not very similar to most parts of the north side. Most of those town's establishments are centered around their downtown areas. Both of those towns actually have some pretty crappy neighborhoods as well. It is not like you can move to any part of Evanston and Oak Park and you are going to be living in an area that is like the (the good or decent parts) of north side of Chicago. You can move to parts of Oak Park or Evanston and almost think you are on the west side of Chicago.

Why do you insist on getting into this debate? I was merely mentioning Oak Park and Evanston because MOST people looking to live on the north side are interested in the Lakeview/Lincoln Park areas because that is all they are aware of. MOST areas of Evanston and Oak Park have a similar atmosphere meaning there are trendy restaurants, similar dwellings, nightlife, etc. Since the OP said they were looking for an urban-type area, I would presume they are looking for someplace with public transport (El tracks, not just Metra), diversity in people/neighborhoods, cultural events/attractions and a good walkable area with plenty of things to do.

Why don't you just give your opinion without having to start a debate over someone else's? Usually when people post here they are looking for a variety of opinions so there's no need to debate whos is the best. I never said ALL parts of those towns were good, nor did I say they were the ONLY towns to check out. If the OP would be more specific then maybe there are other suburbs I would recommend. Since their requirements are lack of vegetation, easy parking, and high energy without mentioning anything else they are looking for, it's not too easy. Most of the other suburbs mentioned here, while nice, aren't exactly high-energy (which is what the OP said he preferred).

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by DNaomi

... If you are in Evanston you have access to great beaches that are far less crowded than most of the city beaches on the north side.

Just my thoughts, hope that helps!

You have to pay to go to 5 out of the 6 beaches in Evanston even if you are a Evanston resident. No offense, but I wish people that bring up Evanston in this forum would mention that. Skokie residents get the Evanston resident price that Evanston residents get.

http://www.cityofevanston.org/depart...h_season.shtml

http://www.cityofevanston.org/depart...ch_daily.shtml

I am not trying to start an argument with you; I am just trying to point out facts and other options other than the status quo answers.

[HockeyFan]

Thanks for the suggestions and lively discussion! DNaomi is right, while many of the suburbs are nice enough, most lack the energy or density I'm looking for. Living situation is complicated -- my parents are moving out here as well, initially, it may be three of us in one place,
especially since we ar all unconvinced housing is a good investment right now. Needless to say, we will be living different lives, so two cars is key. Long term, some kind of roommate situation is likely required for cost reasons.

I have looked in all areas on the North Side. Lower price is of course better, but over $700k is getting high. Foe Townhomes, that eliminates much of Lakeview and Lincoln Park, but not all. Other North Side areas seem well within that range.

[kindrakindra]

Try Lincoln Square, Roscoe Village, Andersonville, North Center, Ravenswood, Independence Park and Old Irving in the Chicago city limits. I love North Center, Ravenswood and Lincoln Square.

[Lookout Kid]

I really don't think you'll find many two-car garages in the city unless you buy a free-standing house. That type of ammenity is VERY hard to come by, and will cost you a lot. If you move to the city, ditch your suburban lifestyle and embrace the city. Otherwise, forget about it.