Questions about Palatine/AH/BG area! (Arlington Heights, Evanston: section 8, 2009, apartments)

[prettydrake]

So hey guys, this is my first post here, and I have a few questions that hopefully someone can answer for me!

My boyfriend works at a store at Rand/Dundee in Palatine, and I work in Highland Park. We're currently living in his family's house in Evanston, so commuting to our workplaces is a bit of a hassle. We're looking to move out closer to his job, and this would be the first apartment for either of us.

Our budget is $850-$875 for an apartment (looking for a 1br/1ba) and it needs to allow at least small caged pets, as we have 4 birds (3 small, 1 medium). We've been looking in the Palatine/Arlington Heights/Buffalo Grove area and have a few questions on complexes.

How's Brook Run in Arlington Heights? That's the first one we've inquired about. We're also looking at a townhouse in Mission Creek in Palatine. We were interested in One Renaissance Place as we have friends who live there, but we inquired about a unit and the landlord told us the association there doesn't allow birds...we have yet to confirm that, however. Other places we find interesting are Pine Hill Apartments in Wheeling, Arrowhead in Palatine, and whatever apartments are right by Buffalo Grove High School on Dundee (don't know the name, I think it's Bison Creek or Buffalo Ridge or something like that).

Can anyone tell me a bit more or give me insight to the neighborhoods around these places? I'm originally from Highland Park and I'll admit I'm a little naive when it comes to judging an area unless it's reeeeally ghetto.

Also, are there any good -avian- vets in the area? Our current vet is Terry Animal Hospital in Wilmette, and when we relocate this will be too far a drive to take our birds.

THank you so much for reading ^_^

[edsg25]

don't know about the birds (although I do know that it tends to be "full service"), but Care Animal Hospital in AH is outstanding. You'll be impressed by the facility just by walking through the door.

[saucyjack]

I would look for an apartment in downtown arlington hts. Stay away from Palatine and any Arlington Hts apt that is even close to Palatine. Both towns border each other on the north end and its a crime infested dump out there. I would recommend Mallard Lake, which is Wheeling/Arlington Hts border. Brook Run is right across the street, but they might cost a bit more. Mallard has central AC in all units which is nice for the summer months instead of a wall unit. Plus they always run move in specials. The only knock of the place is that there is a large Indian/Pakistan group of people living there so the smell of curry is pretty strong. All in all they are peaceful people though and not a bunch a slimey gang banging criminals like you have all over Palatine.

[saucyjack]

talk to the police dept in each town and they will concur everthing I just said. Police depts are very happy to diclose information on safety in living areas unlike scumbag realtors and apartment finders.

[nanannie]

With the exception of some sec 8 housing in certain limited pockets, Palatine is a lovely burb with many upscale areas/housing/schools and a nice downtown very active village. It is NOT filled with "slimey gang banging criminals"

[rockinrolla]

Originally Posted by nanannie

With the exception of some sec 8 housing in certain limited pockets, Palatine is a lovely burb with many upscale areas/housing/schools and a nice downtown very active village. It is NOT filled with "slimey gang banging criminals"

Hey, what you trying to do, ruin our ghetto reputation? Yo yo, slummin in the Pale! West siiiiiiiiide....of the 5-3, yo!















Don't roll up here 'less you wants some, chump!

[saucyjack]

listen to him and regret it or talk to a police officer and find out for yourself

[rockinrolla]

Prettydrake, don't listen to Saucyjack. He's just mad that gay midget wrestling shows in downtown Palatine turned out to be a false rumor. It was a major letdown for the poor guy.

Other than that, Palatine is a fine town, and has about as much riff raff, section 8 or otherwise, as any other northwest burb, including Arlington Heights.

[nanannie]

I cant comment on the midget wrestling
But other then that, I concur

[cubssoxfan]

nanannie, I agree Palatine is generally good. However, I strongly recommend avoiding the strip along Rand Rd north of Rte 53 and I would be leery of apartments along Dundee from rte 53 to Hicks Rd. Although there may be some nice rentals in there, there are just TOO many rentals situated in one small area and my "street smarts" radar gets bad readings in that area.
OP Brook Run seems nice. You are surrounded primarily by solid single family neighborhoods. Not sure how Tahoe Village to the north and northeast is and not too sure of the VIP apartments farther east on Hintz Rd. Those would require some research, but on the surface seem primarily OK.