Bosnian Community in Chicago (Lincoln, Paris: 2009, apartment, job market)

[lea78]

Hi - I'm new to the forum, and have spent the last couple of weeks perusing all of the threads on Chicago. What a wealth of information! My fiance and I are planning a move from So-Cal to Chicago in early 2009, and almost all of my questions (which were the redundant "what neighborhood should I live in?" "what area is safe" "how's the commute" "should I keep a car" "how's the job market" - ALL of which no one wants to be asked again!) were answered. Thank you for such a well organized and informative resource!

One bit of info I was unable to find is about the Bosnian community in Chicago. One of the many reasons we have chosen to relocate to Chicago is to tap into the Bosnian community (my fiance is a 10- year US citizen originally from Tuzla). I know there are thousands of Bosnians in Chicago, and many seem to be centered around Lincoln Square (is this correct?). We visited last summer and enjoyed some of the Bosnian cafes and met some people. In my online research I've found the Bosnian Film Festival, and the Turkish World Festival - any other events in Chicago we should know about? Any Bosnians on this forum that might provide some good info on neighborhoods, businesses, social groups? Any info would be so appreciated!

Thanks!

[aragx6]

Sorry I don't know all that much about the Bosnian community in Chicago. Have you been to St. Louis? Apparently it has the largest population of Bosnians in North America.

I used to love to go down to the Bevo Mill neighborhood -- very cool.

[lea78]

Hi - thanks for the reply. I have heard that St. Louis has the largest Bosnian pop. in the US, but we've got our hearts set on Chicago!

[aragx6]

And I don't blame you! I adore St. Louis, but I moved to Chicago for a reason!

But it's only a five-hour drive, so once you are settled here in Chicago, you should take a weekend trip down to St. Louis.

[lea78]

Absolutely - we plan on it! And I'm sure we'll connect with lots of Bosnians and other great Chicago residents once we're in the city - just thought I would get some info in advance. Thanks again!

[Avengerfire]

Many of the Bosnians in Lincoln Square are in Budlong Woods (which is a neighborhood in the Lincoln Square Community.)
There are also quite a few in Edgewater and Uptown.

[lea78]

Thanks, Avengerfire! I've picked up some info on Lincoln Square, but not too much specific to Budlong. Any insight? Also, am I correct in saying the Uptown and Edgewater neighborhoods can be a bit hit or miss as far as safety? Would Ravenswood be our safest bet when looking for an apartment in this area (near other Bosnian cafes, Euro markets, and Bosnian residents)? We would really like to connect to our neighborhood - on foot! I know, these are the questions I promised not to ask, I just need a little affirmation!

[vandre]

Maybe you could try asking for information in a nearby church? I tried looking it up online, but only came up with croatian masses:




St. Jerome Croatian R.C. Church (312) 842-1871 Web Map Updated: 8/8/2007 Sat: 5:30 PM Sun: 7:30, 9:30, 11 AM [Croatian] ; Monday thru Sat: 7:30 AM ; Holy Day: 7:30 AM; 8:05 AM (if school in session); 7 PM; Adoration: Thurs: 7 to 9 PM; Address: 2823 South Princeton Ave. Chicago IL 60616 US



Bl. Aloysius Stepinac/Angel Guardian (773) 262-0535 Web Map Updated: 8/8/2007 Sat: 5 PM Sun: 8, 10:30 AM [Croatian] ; Monday thru Fri: 7:30 AM ; 6 PM ; Holy Day: 7:30 AM ; 6 PM Vigil: 6 PM ; Address: 6346 North Ridge Ave. Chicago IL 60660 US



Holy Trinity [Croatian] (312) 226-7887 Map Updated: 8/14/2007 Sun: 8, 10:15 AM [Croatian]; 12 noon [Spanish] ; Address: 1850 South Throop St. Chicago IL 60608 US


Sacred Heart [Croatian] (773) 768-1423 Web Map Updated: 8/8/2007 Sat: 5 PM Sun: 8, 10, 11:30 AM [Croatian] ; Monday thru Sat: 7 AM ; Holy Day: 8 AM ; 7 PM Vigil: 7 PM ; Devotion: Thu: 7 AM ; Address: 2864 East 96th. St. Chicago IL 60617 US

[lea78]

thanks for the leads! we're not catholic, but it may be a good way to connect with others.

any other info? anything helps!

is the bosnian community in chicago visible, or does it tend to blend? i know chicago respresents a rich tapestry of cultures - one of the reasons we're so excited to live there.

have any of you ever checked out the bosnian cafes? cafe drina has the absolute BEST burek (decadent meet filled pastry - do not consume if you are vegetarian or in any way calorie conscious!) we have ever had stateside. my bosnian is not great, but my fiance says the guy behind the counter was friendly and helpful.

that's my minimal contribution! i'm looking forward to being in the city so i'll have more to offer!

[chicken.or.the.nugget]

i think chicago has more croatians (REPPIN but im not from chicago)
but croats are better than serbs for a bosnian lol