Mckinley Park gay friendly? (Chicago, Berwyn: condo, houses, neighborhoods)

[prettyisa]

Hi,
so my girlfriend and I are looking for places to buy a house, and McKinley park seems perfect--lots of people of all races and ages wandering around, well-kept properties, youngish kids out on the sidewalk without obvious parental fear that they're in danger, close to transport, etc. My only question is whether the neighborhood would be a friendly place for a lesbian couple, particularly one with young children. Any thoughts?

Please don't tell me to move to Andersonville--I want a house if at all possible (not a condo) and can't afford any of the traditionally gay-friendly parts of town so are looking for some less-expensive alternatives within the city limits.

[Lookout Kid]

McKinley Park? Probably not, no.

[BRU67]

McKinley Park is ok. My Dad's side of the family grew up there and some still live there. I'm not questioning what you observed but it's not particularly diverse per my observations and per Census figures (about 77% Hispanic per the 2000 census) and it's largely working class. I don't think it would be gay un-friendly, but I don't know how many other gay couples you'll find living there, if that's part of your definition of "friendly." It was starting to see some development as a result of Bridgeport in the recent housing boom but that's probably going to be stagnant for awhile.

I know you're looking in the City but you might want to also look at Berwyn and Forest Park just outside the City. They are "inner-ring" suburbs that are very much like Chicago neighborhoods. Most of Berwyn and the southern part of Forest Park are made up of Chicago Bungalows, which are great houses and very affordable. You could certainly get something very decent now in the $250k range. And Berwyn at least has a large gay/lesbian population, as does neighboring Oak Park.

IMHO, there are a lot more restaurants, theaters, bars and other things to do than you'll find around McKinley Park (e.g. Forest Park's Madison St. and Oak Park's Lake St.). Your commute to the Loop will also be a little bit quicker from this area, due to the CTA Blue and Pink Lines and the Metra.

[Avengerfire]

I venture to say no way.

[Drover]

McKinley Park is about 80% Hispanic, which is to say, about 80% Catholic, probably more since the other 20% is bound to have a good dose of Polish and Irish. Gay "friendly," probably not. I suspect "gay indifferent" would be more apt. If you can live with your neighbors not being interested in celebrating your gayness but would otherwise leave you alone, McKinley Park will probably be fine.

[BRU67]

As always, Drover is wise He about sums it up. I suspect you wouldn't feel threatened, but all of those nice and often un-thought of opportunities to interact with like minded people you'd get living in a more progressive community (neighborhood party circuit, BBQ's, progressive dinners, restaurant outings, etc.) would be largely absent for you in McKinley Park, at least for the foreseeable future. Maybe in 10-15 years but not now.

[87vertgt]

Mckinnley park is fine....one of the better neigborhoods in the south side......spanish people are concerned about what floats your boat....

but dont expect not to stand out.....

[ajolotl]

Mexicans, not Spanish people.

Originally Posted by 87vertgt

Mckinnley park is fine....one of the better neigborhoods in the south side......spanish people are concerned about what floats your boat....

but dont expect not to stand out.....

[87vertgt]

Originally Posted by ajolotl

Mexicans, not Spanish people.

theres no nice way to say it...

"shut up"

[ajolotl]

You're right. My bad. McKinley Park is full of Spanish people

Originally Posted by 87vertgt

theres no nice way to say it...

"shut up"