Old Irving Park - How is the Neighborhood? (Columbia: condo, buying)

[joe_joe]

I've seen some older threads on this topic, but I'm hoping for an update. I am considering buying a condo on the 3600 block of N. Kedvale. 30 year old male, currently live in bucktown, like it but I can't afford to buy there. I am not expecting Old Irving to be anything like bucktown in terms of restaurants, bars, etc. A quiet neighborhood is fine with me, but I live with my girlfriend and I need to make sure the area is safe. She goes running alone, we work late, and I can't move somewhere that she would be uncomfortable walking around in at night. We've been there during the day and it seemed fine, but any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Lorielicious]

We'll be neighbors!

The area is clean and safe, so you and your lady shouldn't have a problem. I see people running/jogging at night quite a bit. It won't be like Bucktown in terms of nightlife, no, but it's not entirely dead and at least you'll still be on the Blue Line in case you ever want to head back down for old times' sake.

[Irishtom29]

I'm up in that neighborhood a couple of nights a week and it looks safe enough to me; I like the area though the amount of litter strewn about is somewhat surprising seeing how otherwise nice things generally look.

There are several restaurants at Irving and Elston; a diner, Chilean, Columbian, Chinese, Mexican and Italian right there. MacDonalds too.

[Drover]

Old Irving may not be Bucktown, but from that part of Old Irving it's a pretty easy shot down Milwaukee to get there. And there are a handful of top-notch restaurants near the immediate area too: Smoque, La Oaxaquena, La Humita, Thai Aree, to name a few. In terms of safety, I can't imagine it's any less safe than Bucktown. Just stay away from the high school when kids are coming and going. Shurz is a pit of vipers.

[joe_joe]

Thanks everyone. Are the Shurz kids really that bad? If so, that's a shame, as Shurz is one of the most amazing architectural accomplishments I've ever seen. Additional opinions on the area are welcome. Thanks.

[sahhen1]

How are people able to bike in the cold of winter? Not to mention the snow and wet conditions.

[ERS-One]

Originally Posted by sahhen1

How are people able to bike in the cold of winter? Not to mention the snow and wet conditions.

Fortitude and determination.

[knitgirl]

Originally Posted by sahhen1

How are people able to bike in the cold of winter? Not to mention the snow and wet conditions.

Did you move here from a warm climate? Seriously, I am curious.

[MannheimMadman]

Originally Posted by ERS-One

Fortitude and determination.

What he said, plus Merino wool and layers.

Seriously sahhen - have you never been skiing or snowboarding? I used to vacation in Colorado for two weeks every winter to go snowboarding. I can assure you that it's just as cold, or even colder flying down a mountain at 11,400 ft of altitude.

And besides, look at Velominati rule #9:

"If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period."

Velominati

[Irishtom29]

Originally Posted by sahhen1

How are people able to bike in the cold of winter? Not to mention the snow and wet conditions.

Christ, there are people who work out in the cold weather; 8, 10, 12 hours a day. And they have to be out not choose to be. Riding a bike is a big deal?