Chicago, Chicago, living advice! (Oak Park, Glen Ellyn: apartment, neighborhoods, safety)

[lululynn]

I just got a teaching job in Riverside, IL and my roommate in Chicago so we want to move. We currently live in Glen Ellyn, but I'd rather live in Chicago or a closer suburb to Riverside. I really don't know the Chicago neighborhoods and don't want to end up in an awful area. I will have to drive into Riverside for work, so it seems that the north side might be kind of far. I don't know- I need help. Other information- my roommate and I are both 29 and single and want to be in a fun area. We have jobs so it doesn't have to be super cheap, but still affordable. Any suggestions, advice, or a perfect 2 bedroom apartment for us?

[Drover]

Oak Park. Technically not a "city neighborhood" but it might as well be. Its downtown has the density and feel more akin to an urban neighborhood than a suburban business district, plus you have access to city destinations via the Green Line and Blue Line CTA lines. And above it all, it's only two towns away from Riverside -- a straight shot down Harlem Avenue. Just make sure you're at least a couple blocks west of Austin Boulevard.

[Avengerfire]

Try Norwood Park or the O'Hare area. They are preferable safety wise. However there are not many apartment buildings and it will be a longer drive then Oak Park and they are not party/nightlife areas...You can take Harlem or Cumberland/1st avenue down to Riverside.