need to live in a cute neighborhood in city, but work in Palatine (Chicago: crime, neighborhoods)

[molly1280]

boyfriend may be taking a job in Palatine. We currently live in Portland, OR. Looking for a neighborhood with Bucktown/wicker park feel or ravenswood (at least those sound like me, from what it says online). How would that commute be using public transport? any suggestions of neighborhoods with easy access to something that could take him to Palatine? I pretty much hate suburbs and dont want to live anywhere near them. Can you help?

I like: trees, coffee shops, riding my bike, live music, parks, art, cooking, farmers markets...

[Chinolala]

Look at Edison Park. It's the 60631 zip code. It's Chicago proper. Far Northwest side of the city and not too bad of a commute to Palatine. The main street is Northwest Highway and it has a vibrant "downtown" with bars, eateries, stores. Has access to Metra and is not far from I-90, the expressway you'll most likely take to work.

[Drover]

Where in Palatine will he be working? Where public transit is concerned, there are huge coverage gaps in the suburbs, and even those parts served by the PACE bus system may get sporadic service at best. If the workplace isn't right next to a train station or on a bus line, public transportation may not be an option. Even if it is an option, it may not be practical. And at any rate, a commute from Bucktown/Wicker Park and especially Ravenswood is going to really, really suck.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by Drover

Where in Palatine will he be working? Where public transit is concerned, there are huge coverage gaps in the suburbs, and even those parts served by the PACE bus system may get sporadic service at best. If the workplace isn't right next to a train station or on a bus line, public transportation may not be an option. Even if it is an option, it may not be practical. And at any rate, a commute from Bucktown/Wicker Park and especially Ravenswood is going to really, really suck.

And living on the far Northwest Side will also suck, considering that you really want to be in Ravenswood or Bucktown. There's nothing out there that approaches either one of these neighborhoods. Bucktown is close to the Kennedy Expressway, but the commute would be horrid.

[Avengerfire]

Edison Park is not that bad at all. It is the best one can find in terms of concentration of things to do in a small area (Northwest Highway) on the Northwest Side. Crime is almost non-existent there.

It is only a short Metra train away from Bucktown and a short train ride away from Palatine. It would be the perfect location.

[Mister Mappy]

Still, Edison Park really doesn't have that "Bucktown/Wicker Park" feel. There are a few bars right off the Metra station there, but not a lot, and the neighborhood feels much more like the suburbs of Niles & Park Ridge, which it borders. Great for families with kids, but not so much for excitement.

Actually, the Metra UP-NW which stops in Palatine has a stop at the eastern end of Bucktown called Clybourn (Ashland & Cortland), so unless there is no bus from the train station, it shouldn't be too bad.

[Irishtom29]

From the City of Big Shoulders to "cute", eh?

[jdiddy]

Originally Posted by Irishtom29

From the City of Big Shoulders to "cute", eh?

That's what happens when "doggy boutiques" open up in the City of Big Shoulders.

[oakparkV]

I'd say Ravenswood, all the way! It's an ADORABLE community, and feels more "neighborhoody" than many parts of the city.

There's easy access to the L, Metra and buses, and it's next to Lincoln Square, which has awesome shopping and nightlife.

Best of luck with your move!

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by oakparkV

There's easy access to the L, Metra and buses...

And none of these will get you to Palatine!