Dunning/Schorsch village, elmwood park, portage park... (Chicago, Forest View: hoa, showing)

[DGDurmie]

Looking for opinions....my fiance and I both grew up on the NW side, he in Schorsch village, myself in portage park. All of our family and friends are still in these areas, so we'd like to stay around here. We are considering Schorsch village, Elmwood Park, Portage Park, and Jefferson Park, (we can't afford Edison Park or Norwood Park), but here's my question: It seems to me that these neighborhoods have been showing significant changes in the last few years, and I'm not sure if it would be wise to invest in property in these areas. I'm afraid that if we buy here and in ten years the neighborhood isn't as great, that we will lose money. But, I don't know how to make predictions on Chicago neighborhoods! Any insight from those familiar with these areas would be much appreciated.

[lfw1031]

Hey DG - I'm interested in the same: city girl all my life, trying to buy bungalow in Portage, Jeff Park. I've been watching the prices skyrocket in Portage & Jeff P (as well as Schorsch). Cities are always in flux. I think the new mobility (work from home, wifi, people's crazy acceptance of the 2 hour commute) has made even once-stable neighborhoods more susceptible to the whims of "in" neighborhood vs. "out" neighborhood.

My opinion would be that if you keep your search on the low end (I've found some at $310k) and put in some work, you'll recoup and make some $. These neighborhoods are close to transport of all kinds and gas won't get any cheaper. I'm choaking on these listings for bungalows in the $400s! Crazy. Those folks might have to sit on their stock for awhile.

[MaureenSchorsch]

I was so pleased to see your note about where to move to in the Chicago area.

I am honored to tell you that my father, Bruce Schorsch and his father, Martin, built up Schorsch Village - Lawrence and Cumberland. I really miss it.

The entire Schorsch's extended families lived in this neigherbood and we had great family time together.

In the 1960's, dad built our own home at 4565 N. Potawatomie Avenue In Schorsch Village. At the time, it was the only two-story home in the entire neighborhood....now there are many additions to the existing homes being put in. Our home was great....solid, sturdy, and very cozy.

You mentioned about the possibility of being unsure financing such a high-priced home. I don't blame you. When dad built our home, the price tag in the 60's was....ready for this? $35,000.00. All oak trim, full finished basement, cement driveway, walkways to the front door, patios off the back door. These homes are just spectacular. I am not sure how what type of value would be placed on our home now, probably about $550.000.

That just amazes me. The neigborhood has a Catholic church and many different denomonations surrounding the vacinity. I remember when our homes were just being built, all one could see is prairies, farms, and a lonely little bowling alley across Cumberland Avenue.

You won't regret moving into this neighborhood. If I could afford it, I would too...in a heart beat!!!! It's a great neighborhood to live and, if so, raise your family.

Feel free to write me if you like. I'd love to hear from you.

Maureen Schorsch

[Avengerfire]

Stick with Jefferson Park. The farther North the better.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by MaureenSchorsch

I was so pleased to see your note about where to move to in the Chicago area.

I am honored to tell you that my father, Bruce Schorsch and his father, Martin, built up Schorsch Village - Lawrence and Cumberland. I really miss it.

...You won't regret moving into this neighborhood. If I could afford it, I would too...in a heart beat!!!! It's a great neighborhood to live and, if so, raise your family...

Maureen Schorsch

It must be mentioned the area Ms.Schorsch is talking about is called (now at least) Schorsch Forest View which is quite a ways from Schorsch Village.
I do agree however that Schorsch Forest View is a great area, however Schorsch Village is on the decline and I would not look to live there for long term purposes.

For the record my grandmother was born in the early 1900's on her family's farm west of Cumberland in what is now the Cook County Forest Preserve Schiller Woods.

http://egov.cityofchicago.org/webpor...oods_11x17.pdf

[oakparkV]

I love that area :-) The houses in Schorsch Village are so neat! Elmwood Park is great too. I'd definitely recommend it.