which neighborhoods/burbs have a younger crowd? (Chicago, Naperville: apartment complexes, home)

[b0nb0n]

Hi, I currently live in the city and got a pretty good job in Addison about 1 1/2-2 months ago. To say the least the drive has been pretty horrible, especially when going back home between 4 30 and 5pm. Took me over two hours the other day

I REALLY don't want to move out of the city but looks like I'll have no choice since its not a smart idea to spend 3-4 hrs a day in my car driving back home.

Any suggestions on suburbs/communities within about 30 mins from Addison that have a younger population? I'm 23 and single, the reason I like Chicago is because theres always something to do, and in the area I'm in currently there are a ton of people my age.

If I were to move to the west burbs I wanna meet some people my age and not feel like theres absolutely nothing to do...so I'm taking any suggestions.

So far I was thinking Oak Park (because of the Universities close by and the proximity to the city and green line). However, I'm not too familiar with the area and it may be a little expensive for a "suburb", I don't want to end up paying for an apt. in the burbs the same amount I do in downtown Chicago, but at the same time I want the area to match my age req's and safety

[chitown85]

Oak Park is a great deal. The parking for an apartment is cheaper. It is more suburban, but at the same time urban. It is an easy 20 minute ride on the El into the Loop and Near North Side.

Elmwood Park doesn't have a lot of young people, but isn't terrible due to the proximity to the city.

Naperville has a lot of young people, but your commute wouldn't be any less.

[chitown85]

Woodfield does not have a lot of young people nearby. There are certain apartment complexes that tend to have younger people, and there are some bars, but not many. The Alumni Club across from Harper College is a big hangout.

Oak Park is now filled with young adult professionals.

[b0nb0n]

I've though of the Woodfield area but i don't really know any young people out there, except people who still live at home with their parents and my friends who are in their 20s but started families already...

What about the four lakes area in Lisle? I've heard some good things about that place..any opinions?

[chitown85]

Not sure about that particular complex in Lisle, but it is close to downtown Naperville which is apparently hopping now.

[cdc3217]

In the 90's there was a good amount of young people in Lombard. Don' know if that's held up.

[chitown85]

There's a younger crowd moving to other parts of the city like Bridgeport.