New job, must live in City...advice on NW side of City? (Chicago: for rent, townhouse)

[morecoffeeplease]

Hi...
A year ago, I relocated from out of state to the far SW Chicago burbs for a job. I like it out here...very, very pretty and relaxed, though a little boring sometimes. I recently accepted a job much more in my field and what I'd prefer in the Harwood Heights/Portage Park area (City College). I'm super excited, though I didn't know initially about the requirements to live in the City and was expecting to commute in from a NW Burb. So....

I would say I'm not much of a City dweller...I've lived in lots of different medium to large cities in the US, but none as big and as urban, particularly in the City, as Chicago, so if I'm going to take this job, I have to choose carefully in which neighborhood I'd live.

I've read good things about Edison Park, Jefferson Park and a few of the surrounding areas. I'd be renting at first, but would like to buy a townhouse or something w/in a yr or so. I dislike those neighborhoods with few/no trees and those little brick houses that are arm's length apart (sorry, don't mean to offend anyone, just my preference) and would prefer big trees, quiet-ish streets and maybe a place where it's not so crammed.

And please, correct me if I'm being too idealistic and I do realize that it's not the Burbs. I know the City has some great areas, I just need some help finding what's "me". I do have a car and am willing to commute a bit, just so it's in the City. I do like the authenticity of the City, mom/pop's places, coffee shops and not having to see stripmalls/chains everywhere, so that's a plus of the city. I also enjoy cultural activities and parks/hiking. I guess I'm looking for the most suburban feel in the City, to be more specific. If you could give me any advice...I'd really appreciate it! Thanks!

[nomadnomad]

Edison Park is probably the best example of a suburb within the city.
I suggest driving around, scoping it out. When you're there you can go around Jefferson Park and Albany Park as well.
Albany Park is one of my favorite parts of this city. It's one of the most diverse zip codes in the country . . . you can find any kind of food and there's lots to do.
I would also look into West Roger's Park. While the eastern part of RP around the red line is a lot of students (Loyola, NU, etc) the western part has a ton of families. There's parks, trees, etc. It's really beautiful.
You might like Ravenswood, North Park, or Lincoln Square as well, which are all south of RP.

My best advice is just to drive around that part of town. Have some meals at some local restaurants, visit coffee shops, etc to get a better feel.

[cbl]

I don't know if you have a family, but the area I live in is like a suburb in the city. At Devon and Central. Called Edgebrook. It's fabulous.
lots' of green space (for the city) and a little downtown area. Still in the City, but suburban feel.
zip code 60646
But, I also agree with Edison Park area, it is just west of us and they
have a great area, on Northwest Hhwy with lots of fun restaraunts,
Zia's is great try it!

[surlycue]

There are some great SW and far south side neighborhoods the would also fit the bill. Beverly and Morgan Park in particular have large yards, old growth trees and rolling hills (well, Chicago hills).

The commute will probably be a killer though, 45-75 minutes depending on traffic. Up to 90 in bad winter weather. I don't know what the housing stock is like in Edison Park but if it is anything like Jefferson Park it will have a great deal of those little brick bungalows that you do not seem to be fond of. You can certainly find other styles and different lot sizes if you dig a little deeper though.

[southsidehitman]

Originally Posted by surlycue

There are some great SW and far south side neighborhoods the would also fit the bill. Beverly and Morgan Park in particular have large yards, old growth trees and rolling hills (well, Chicago hills).

The commute will probably be a killer though, 45-75 minutes depending on traffic. Up to 90 in bad winter weather. I don't know what the housing stock is like in Edison Park but if it is anything like Jefferson Park it will have a great deal of those little brick bungalows that you do not seem to be fond of. You can certainly find other styles and different lot sizes if you dig a little deeper though.

beverly is pretty nice i like garfiled ridge too by like midway

[Johnny Northside]

The residency requirement gives you 6 months to relocate within the city, and you can get a 6-month extension so you won't HAVE to move into the city for one year from your start date.

As far as places to rent in the city, the community areas that best fit your criteria are Forest Glen (which includes the aforementioned Edgebrook neighborhood as well as the Wildwood, Sauganash and Forest Glen neighborhoods) plus sections of Edison Park, Jefferson Park and Norwood Park. Most of Forest Glen is intertwined with the NW Side forest preserves and parts of Jefferson Park (South Edgebrook neighborhood) and Norwood Park border the forest preserves as well. If you plan to move immediately and you don't have to worry about schools, I would recommend South Edgebrook for the best value for renting, but you can also check out some of the pricier areas such as Edgebrook, Edison Park, etc.

[Mister Mappy]

You might like Old Norwood Park northest of Harlem & Talcott, the houses aren't quite as close together, and there seems to be a lot fo big trees from what I remember.

You also mentioned Harwood Heights. It won't meet your requirements since it's not part of the city. (Ditto for Norridge)

[morecoffeeplease]

Thanks for all your help! I did drive around in some of those areas last weekend and I feel more comfortable now. That "fish out of water" feeling can be awful. I appreciate the info on the residency rules...I did notice that it gives me 6 months to move and I had heard about a possible extension, so that would give me some time to make sure to find a place where I'm comfortable. Thanks again.

[johnjaja]

If you are a teacher there are exceptions to the residency rules.

[morecoffeeplease]

Yes, I know there are exceptions to the residency rules (and I am a teacher), but I'll be at a city college for this particular job, so I don't think there will be any exceptions. I hope I like living in the City...I understand the reason for the residency requirements, it's just sort of odd to be told you have to live w/in a specific area. I guess in that regard, Chicago has a big city limit, so there is a lot of different areas in which to live.