Bridgeview, Illinois (Chicago, Orland Park, Oak Forest: apartment, motels, house prices)

[mesa boy]

Is this a good place to have a family and is there anything to do, because me and my family have been interested in the area but have never been anywhere near chicago. Also tell me about what the weather and traffic is like.

[zannian]

I've been living in Bridgeview for the past year and a half in an apartment. Also, I've visited Bridgeview many times while I was growing up since I have family here. Bridgeview is a great place to live. A soccer stadium was just built there which lowered residents property taxes. The shopping is great. There are a lot of restaurants. The location is great: not too close to downtown Chicago, but not too far. We have good number of middle easterners here. But they are no problem and peaceful people. For pizza, drive down 79th street to Little Frank's pizzeria (not in Bridgeview but Burbank). Papa T's restaurant is good for pizza, chicken, etc. House prices are a little high. I'm looking for one. I find better value in Oak Forest, Illinois. I'm looking in the under $230K price range. Traffic and weather are average.

[prairiestate]

Overall, it's a nice town. Traffic on Harlem is horrible, though, it's nearly gridlocked much of the time. And 79th and 87th Streets can back up for 1/2 mile or more going into Harlem at certain times. Also, Harlem isn't the most attractive street. Especially on the north end of town, it's mostly liquor stores, used car lots, cheap motels and vacant lots. Still, the residential neighborhoods are attractive, and the goverment is actively trying to attract new business and investment. The library just doubled it's size in a renovation and expansion program. It's close to a wide range of shopping, and it's not too far from the Stevenson or the Orange Line, though traffic can be brutal trying to get there.

[SoCalHal]

Don't get me wrong... but i have to giggle just a little bit. When i think of moving to the chicagoland area.. Bridgeview just doesn't make the list as being one of those places. How did you chose Bridgeview as a possible place. Orland Park, Tinley... heck even Oak lawn comes up once and a while... but Bridgeview ??? Anyways.... Bridgeview is ok.. not on my list but ok. Not much new housing development there. Harlem ave is horrendous. Lived there as a child ages 7-14 in the 70's and even then it felt congested. Homes are old and town looks dreary. Schools were ok...when iwas there it was Robina Lyle or Bridgeview School for k-5 and Wilkins for 6-8th. If I was you look a bit further south and you will have more breathing space.