Best Bang in the Burbs (Chicago, Homewood: best neighborhoods, apartment, condos)

[atlantis7]

I am a Chicago fan. I lived in the city in 91 with my two large dogs in one of only two high rises in the city that allowed them.

If my wife and I move to Chicago this time, it will be for much less money than I was making in the early nineties so i doubt I'd find in an apartment or condo downtown what I have been used to living in since that time.

I need 2500 sq feet or a min. of 2100 sq ft, parking for two cars, and I need somebody who will allow big dogs.

So, I am looking to the burbs and wondering where the best neighborhoods are for the best money. I like old settled neighborhoods better than new subdivisions but at am looking at all possibilities..townhouses, condos, single family homes...and in the case of the single family home, prefer a good sized yard and a small town or country feel.

My price range is 200-265. No kids here soI don't care about schools but I like parks, nature and safe. Someplace accessible to the train would be good too as my wife will be working in the city.

THANKS!

[NYrules]

If you like lots of tree lined streets and older homes that are still well kept and the area is well patrolled by the police, then look around Homewood and Floosmoor. There are even a couple of areas in East Hazelcrest that are pretty nice. With your price range you can get yourself a really nice house that may need a little work, but nothing too major, unlike in the northern burbs where $265K will get you a condo and maybe at best some nasty ass 70's townhome with avacado bathtubs and toilets oh and lets not leave out the brown or gold little tile with the weird shapes and designs on it. What were people thinking back then?! BARRRFFF!

Here's some listings.

http://www.homes.com/Content/Listing...EWOOD&State=IL

http://www.homes.com/Content/Listing...MS=&MINPRICE=1

http://www.homes.com/Content/Listing...&ZipCode=60429

[Avengerfire]

The Best Bang in the burbs can be found in a small house off of Lake St. in DuPage County.

They leave the light on for ya.