Will we feel too young for the NW neighborhoods?

[jdiddy]

In this case, I think Chet is reasonable. Old Irving is beautiful, but pricey, and it can be difficult finding homes under 350. And if you're committed to looking in the far NW side already, Park Ridge is one of the inner burbs worth searching.

That said, his initial comment about having to go to Park Ridge to find park district/library facilities actually used show how once again how his anti-606 bias trumps anyones pro-606 biases here. One just needs to walk through Oriole Park on a weekend, or any weekday evening spring through fall, to see how ridiculous that is.

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by jdiddy

In this case, I think Chet is reasonable. Old Irving is beautiful, but pricey, and it can be difficult finding homes under 350. And if you're committed to looking in the far NW side already, Park Ridge is one of the inner burbs worth searching.

I never said OIP isn't 100% cheap. I just mean that he seems to pick the frumpiest looking interiors ever for them. I can't tell if it's on purpose or if he just has that bad of taste.

[chet everett]

Nicely updated homes in places like Old Irving are very likely more costly than a starter home that is move in ready in a convenient inner ring town with excellent schools and other young couples attracted by the excellent schools, parks / recreation, and community oriented amenities...

One need not hunt out particulalrly "frumpy" looking homes -- at the OP's price point the fact is selection in Old Irving is quite thin. In contrast desirable inner ring towns do have some nice starter homes, some complete with desirable features like updated kitchens / baths and outdoor living space on lots that generally are a bit larger than those in Old Irving. There is a downside in the higher property taxes, but at the price point the OP is considering the actual cash outlay is not enormous (likely about $2k or so per year) so it makes sense to cross shop. Especially given their concerns about being too young for NW side neighorhoods they really ought not rule out areas that are in their price range and very likely will given them both everything they want from day one as well as having a history of excellent price stability due to superior schools and other features that are appealing to young families.

[Magpie1127]

Huh. I'd assumed both Park Ridge and Irving were out of our price range. I'll look into it. I'm assuming Park Ridge has an even older crowd than the NW city neighborhoods, though?

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by Magpie1127

Huh. I'd assumed both Park Ridge and Irving were out of our price range. I'll look into it. I'm assuming Park Ridge has an even older crowd than the NW city neighborhoods, though?

What I have noticed over the years is that a fairly sizeable number of buyers that work in places where good access to the Loop as well as O'Hare or the tollways is important have found the "starter" homes in Park Ridge to offer a great combination of location AND top notch "bones" for putting in some updates. If their family grows / they have the income to afford a more impressive home Park Ridge has a nice selection of those and the solid schools make living in town the best option for not just elementary school but all through high school.

The range of resturants in Park Ridge itself is pretty good, and combined with the excellent access to all the interesting spots in the NW suburbs as well as Chicago itself. That said the ancient history of Park Ridge not exactly being a place that fostered liquor bars ( food has to be the main income for all establishments...) means those that like a nice pub might have to cross into Niles. Rosemont, DesPlaines or Chicago


There is also none of the insular "we lived in the 41st / 38th ward since back when O'Hare was a peach orchard" nonsense as Park Ridge welcomes a fair number of transferees.

[MassVt]

Although Park Ridge does have some "ordinary" housing ( mostly in the form a limited number of small bungalows), it does feel as though one goes up a notch or two when going from Jefferson Park to Park Ridge. Any walking tour of both neighborhoods will certainly impress this upon a casual observer..
Not to say anything bad about Chicago's NW side, as homes there are fine--they just aren't as expansive as Park Ridge homes, and they tend to be small ( but tidy) bungalows..
Disclaimer--I'm talking as a tourist, and I may have missed a few corners of each...

[nana053]

Originally Posted by Magpie1127

Huh. I'd assumed both Park Ridge and Irving were out of our price range. I'll look into it. I'm assuming Park Ridge has an even older crowd than the NW city neighborhoods, though?

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Population by Age
6 Years Old or Under 2,368 (5%)
7 to 18 Years Old 2,617 (5%)
19 to 24 Years Old 5,914 (12%)
25 to 39 Years Old 23,130 (46%)
40 to 64 Years Old 12,010 (24%)
65 Years Old or Over 4,569 (9%)