moving to chicago (Steger: apartments, homes, neighborhoods)

[anthonyjk]

Soon my job will be in Steger, IL. I am looking for any info on a cool place to live in the city. By "cool" I mean: not a commute that is much more than 30-45 minutes, safe, cultured (i want a city experiece) and accessable to the trains, so that I can visit my friends north of the loop and get to really experience Chicago on nights and weekends. I have been told that Hyde park isn't too bad and maybe Beverly? I could use some advice. I figure that I will take 94 to and from work. With more than 70 neighborhoods, it is quite a daunting experience to shop online so don't be shy with your opinions.

[spuda25]

you may want to find a new advisor, becuase beverly and hyde park aren't in the same boat.

[eljaykay]

Hi -
You've prob. been told that there are white people in H.Park and Beverly ;-)

Which is true, but that doesn't always mean they're the best bets!
I'd drive around and examine as much as you can because to me, the s-side is strickly a 'block-by-block' kind of thing - and a lot of the main streets are ugly, so it's hard to tell what's there until you get off the beaten path a bit.

Eastside is close to where you'll be working - right next to IN., mainly hispanic but Polish, etc. as well. [South of 106th is nice...] I liked living in South Shore - but it's def. split betw. the 'haves & have-nots' as is Hyde Park. If you're looking to buy, H.Pk. is so high...consider other areas, also.

Good luck,
El

[cdc3217]

If you're still thinking Beverly, here's some thoughts. I just did driving directions and Beverly to Steger is 35 minutes, so anything further north (Hyde Park) is obviously going to be an even longer drive.

Good things -- you're hooked into public transit, neighborhood bars and restaurants are many, there are other goings-on at places like the Beverly Arts Center that has live performances and arthouse movies, and classes.
Also, 95th has built up so there is a lot more nearby big-box shopping than there used to be. Also, Beverly is home to the South Side Irish Parade which will definitely bring your friends down.

Possible downsides:
Agressive "Irish Pride"
There are apartments, but its more single family homes.
Might be a little too family-friendly (vs. hip & single)

[anthonyjk]

Thanks for the information. I will be spending the second week of August in the city looking. I will definately try to be as comprehensive in my search as possible, and at the urging of my female friends, I will definately walk the neighborhoods after dark to get a realistic feel for the environment. I guess my main problem is that I have only bunked with friends in the northern neighborhoods and it seems that some northsiders don't consider any parts of the south worth even the slightest look.... That just can't be right.

eljaykay - i hadn't considered south shore, but I will check it out. thanks!