Border between west and nw sides? (Chicago, Naperville: low income, transplants, rent)

[MillennialUrbanist]

Originally Posted by EddieOlSkool

Now Mexicans are the dominant Hispanic group on the South Side. Whether you're in Garfield Ridge or Hegewisch or West Lawn or Bridgeport (not so sure about that last one though).

Garfield Ridge, along with Clearing, is a traditionally Polish neighborhood, although the Mexican population might have grown in recent times. I went there some years ago. I saw businesses like European bakeries, the Bobak's sausage factory, and small shops with Polish-sounding names. Also a large number of industrial areas, taking advantage of Midway Airport just east of them. While the vibe was overwhelmingly working-class, the areas looked quite safe.

[NealIRC]

Originally Posted by EddieOlSkool

Yes I meant far NW side.

Well Puerto Ricans aren't on the far NW side either.

Originally Posted by EddieOlSkool

Now Mexicans are the dominant Hispanic group on the South Side. Whether you're in Garfield Ridge or Hegewisch or West Lawn or Bridgeport (not so sure about that last one though).

What do you mean by now? They've always been the dominant Hispanic group on the South side. Puerto Ricans never had a big presence in the South side. Neither did Cubans, etc.

[EddieOlSkool]

Originally Posted by MillennialUrbanist

Garfield Ridge, along with Clearing, is a traditionally Polish neighborhood, although the Mexican population might have grown in recent times. I went there some years ago. I saw businesses like European bakeries, the Bobak's sausage factory, and small shops with Polish-sounding names. Also a large number of industrial areas, taking advantage of Midway Airport just east of them. While the vibe was overwhelmingly working-class, the areas looked quite safe.

Notice I said dominant HISPANIC group not dominant ethnic group.

[EddieOlSkool]

Originally Posted by NealIRC

Well Puerto Ricans aren't on the far NW side either.


What do you mean by now? They've always been the dominant Hispanic group on the South side. Puerto Ricans never had a big presence in the South side. Neither did Cubans, etc.

Well if this is the case then we are in agreement. I don't see what was so inaccurate about me saying that Mexicans dominate South Side Hispanic areas and Puerto Ricans do the same for the North Side. These aren't alternative facts lol

[MillennialUrbanist]

Originally Posted by EddieOlSkool

Notice I said dominant HISPANIC group not dominant ethnic group.

I stand corrected, then.

[EddieOlSkool]

Originally Posted by MillennialUrbanist

I stand corrected, then.

Yup. Do love me some Bobaks though. I wish the city was more ethnically Polish like it used to be. Mexican stuff is everywhere but Polish stores have been leaving. Unless you're on Belmont west of Cicero. That is still very much heavily Polish in culture as is Milwaukee between Belmont and Diversey

[MillennialUrbanist]

Originally Posted by EddieOlSkool

Yup. Do love me some Bobaks though. I wish the city was more ethnically Polish like it used to be. Mexican stuff is everywhere but Polish stores have been leaving. Unless you're on Belmont west of Cicero. That is still very much heavily Polish in culture as is Milwaukee between Belmont and Diversey

Some Polish businesses, especially food-related ones, like grocery stores, bakeries, and restaurants, relocated north and west of their long-time strongholds. If you look at suburbs like Niles, Mount Prospect, Burbank, or Westchester, you'll find a large number of Polish businesses there. Although, the city area you mentioned still has its original vibe. I think the churches play a big role in that.

Side note: Try the Red Apple restaurant (a.k.a. Czerwone Jabluczko). The Polish buffet is amazing. Skip meals before you go, if you can, because the food is very rich and filling. Desserts are somewhat underwhelming, though.

[TheTimidBlueBars]

Grand isn't a bad border. Or what about the Metra tracks on the line out to Elgin, actually?

[EddieOlSkool]

Wherever the significant drop in crime rate happens, that is where Northwest begins.

[Haaamburger]

The Kennedy divides the north from West . Wicker Park likes yo call it self north side it is not.