reloacting to work at University Park, IL - Where to Live (Chicago: apartment complexes, rentals)

[firsttimemover1978]

Hi Friends

I have got a job offer in University Park, IL and am planning to move in August. After reading a few forums, I feel that the south side - chicago heights, richton park, university park and other surrounding areas are not that nice and safe. I may be wrong, but looks like most of these areas are ghettos and drug dealing and crime going on there.

I am looking for a decent apartment and am looking for some first hand recommendations and experiences for where to live. Safety is first concern, then quality of apartments and then rent.

Here are a few apartments that I looked online, Please provide your feedback/inputs about apartments, close suburbs to University Park which are safe.

Edenbridge Apartments
Tinley Park
IL 60477

The New Colonies
STEGER
IL 60475

Cedar Ridge
Richton Park
IL 60471

Arbors at Hickory Creek
University Park
IL 60466

Carriage Creek Apartments
Richton Park
IL 60471

Thanks so much

[MTUCache]

Couple of questions that are pretty critical while you're looking for a place anywhere around Chicago:
1.) How will you be getting to work?
2.) How long are you willing to commute?
3.) Do your habits or family situation dictate living in a certain type of environment (urban, suburban, etc)?

To me, given my personal answers to these questions, I'd be driving to work and willing to live in a lot wider range of places than your list... I'd likely end up commuting from a suburban/rural place out in NW Indiana (like Cedar Lake) or down near Bourbonnais. Sure, you're 30+ miles away from work, but if you're commuting by car that's a lot different than commuting by train. Then again, I'm a family guy who would love to be able to find an affordable place with a nice big lawn for my son to play on. I'm not into nightlife, city living, or any of the urban environment if I can help it.

Working in the city I don't have that choice.

[Take this with a grain of salt, I'm just going by reputation on most of these places, as pretty much all of my experiences around Chicago are either in the city or the western suburbs... I've only heard that Bourbonnais is a great place to live.]

[firsttimemover1978]

Hi MTUCache

Thanks for your response. Here is some more info and thanks for helping me out.

1.) How will you be getting to work?
By Car
2.) How long are you willing to commute?
15 Minutes ~ 10-15 Miles
3.) Do your habits or family situation dictate living in a certain type of environment (urban, suburban, etc)?
I dont have any kids, but my wife does not work. She will be probably join a college, but dont know yet. Looking for a sub-urban area which has malls or some major stores, but the highest priority is safety.

[Opkl]

Originally Posted by firsttimemover1978

Hi MTUCache

Thanks for your response. Here is some more info and thanks for helping me out.

1.) How will you be getting to work?
By Car
2.) How long are you willing to commute?
15 Minutes ~ 10-15 Miles
3.) Do your habits or family situation dictate living in a certain type of environment (urban, suburban, etc)?
I dont have any kids, but my wife does not work. She will be probably join a college, but dont know yet. Looking for a sub-urban area which has malls or some major stores, but the highest priority is safety.

Lynwood. Were between Sauk Village and Lansing. To get to UP, just use I-394 south from Glenwood Dyer Rd and turn right at Exchange. Go through Crete and your there. Shopping (big box) is in NW Indiana just 10mins from Lynwood. For malls, there is River Oaks in Calumet City just 15mins from town. There are newer town homes and single family homes for a reasonable price in Lynwood. In addition, we also have a bowling alley and skating rink when you want to get out of the house...Wish you well

[firsttimemover1978]

Thanks for the responses, I am looking to rent as I will be in University Park for a 6-9 months contract job.

Need inputs on Apartment Complexes and/or 1 BR houses for rent (Not Too many 1BR houses I guess)

My Budget is to stay under 800 and live in a safe place.