How's the neighborhood down Baldwin Rd? (Chicago, Arlington Heights: section 8, for sale, rent)

[MigsHiggins]

I'm a young guy looking to buy my first condo possibly in Palatine and right now my budget is leading me to a bunch of places down Baldwin Rd off of Dundee where they run along 53. I have heard from a few friends around the area that that particular stretch of neighborhood is rough. Can anymore provide any more input on that area? Will I have to constantly be watching my back so I don't get jumped or my place or car broken into? I really don't want to spend thousands of dollars to move into a place where I will worried for my safety. I would appreciate any and all comments. I just want to know if the concerns I have are legit. Thanks.

[nanannie]

Its not THAT bad. It does have areas of section 8 housing.There is a large hispanic population around 53 and Dundee. There is not a lot of crime beyond retail theft. Parts of Palatine are very nice, this area is just 'ok'.

[MigsHiggins]

Originally Posted by nanannie

Its not THAT bad. It does have areas of section 8 housing.There is a large hispanic population around 53 and Dundee. There is not a lot of crime beyond retail theft. Parts of Palatine are very nice, this area is just 'ok'.

Thanks for the response. I've seen one place out there and am going to see a few more tomorrow and from what I saw it did look pretty hispanic. I just don't want to have to worry about gangs or anything like that. I'm already planning on getting a dog to just as an added measure. I don't mean to sound over dramatic or anything, I just want to be more excited about where I'm moving to as opposed to concerned.

[nanannie]

Makes sense to be cautious of where you invest. Maybe you could rent for awhile and see how the area fits you, and see if its worthy of your investment. Good luck to you.

[cubssoxfan]

Why not look elsewhere? There are MANY condos and townhomes a short distance away that get you out of that neighborhood. Personally, I would absolutely not buy a place there. My investment dollars could find better investments away from that area. I would look elsewhere in Palatine, in Arlington Heights and in Buffalo Grove.

[MigsHiggins]

Originally Posted by cubssoxfan

Why not look elsewhere? There are MANY condos and townhomes a short distance away that get you out of that neighborhood. Personally, I would absolutely not buy a place there. My investment dollars could find better investments away from that area. I would look elsewhere in Palatine, in Arlington Heights and in Buffalo Grove.

It's more or less an issue of what I can afford which is seemingly steering me towards lower income areas. I'm not thrilled about it but I know it's not the end of the world either. I put a bid in on a place in that area but I don't really expect to get it. I won't be bothered if that's the case because honestly, it wouldn't hurt for me to have some more time to save and more than anything I believe that it would mean there is something better for me waiting out there. There is a lot of space there though which I really enjoyed the prospect of and don't know if I'll be able to find anything quite like that in the future.

[cubssoxfan]

What's your price point and how big of a place you hoping for? Condo OK or does it need to be townhome? What geographic area you looking to stay in?

[middle-aged mom]

Originally Posted by nanannie

Its not THAT bad. It does have areas of section 8 housing.There is a large hispanic population around 53 and Dundee. There is not a lot of crime beyond retail theft. Parts of Palatine are very nice, this area is just 'ok'.

Originally Posted by nanannie

Makes sense to be cautious of where you invest. Maybe you could rent for awhile and see how the area fits you, and see if its worthy of your investment. Good luck to you.

I agree with nanannie. The majority of crime in Palatine is retail theft.

Having said this, there is an abundnace of condos for sale all over the NW suburbs. I would insist upon additional disclosures beyond what is routinely required:

Board meeting minutes from the last 2 years.

How many units are current with their assessments and/or bank-owned.

Proof that all routine HOA bills are current.

Disclosure of past and current " special assessments".

HOA reserves, budgets and cash flows.

And lastly, there is nothing wrong with renting in a complex that you are considering.

[cubssoxfan]

It goes beyond retail theft. Burglary and more assaults as well. Gang activity too. Too many areas that are better within close proximity. Especially with buying, don't purchase in a sketchy neighborhood. Now it is not like some of the really bad hoods in Chicago, but from a suburban standpoint- stay away.

[Julska7]

Hey MigsHiggins did you ever end up getting the place off of Baldwin? I want to buy in that area as well and was wondering if you already live out there. I heard ok and bad things that can scare anyone off. Any input?