Neighborhood Help (Chicago, Irving, Bridgeport: rental, low crime, how much)

[B2O2C]

My husband and are talking about moving from Florida to Chicago. Though we don't have a time line yet, I'm starting research on neighborhoods.

He grew up on the South Side which where his entire family lives. I prefer the North Side. Though we've mostly discussed moving to the suburbs, I'm open to living in the city (as I grew up in Brooklyn, NY) if we could find a house in a neighborhood that suits us. Here's the deal:

*We want some land. A decent sized back yard where the dog and kids (who we don't have yet but still) can play.

*My mom MIGHT be moving in with us so a walk out basement would be wonderful... but this one is negotiable.

*A fairly low crime area. We know that in truth, nowhere is TRULY safe, we don't want to live in a "bad" area.

*Diversity. We are Hispanic, him Mexican, me, Puerto Rican. I'd prefer not to live in a 100% Mexican area and I'm sure he doesn't want to live in Humboldt Park. Somewhere where there is some mix of people. Where no one of any color really stands out.

*Fairly easy access to public transportation would also be nice.

Thanks people!

[cdc3217]

On the South side, Beverly or Mount Greenwood would fit your bill. Others can better repond on proper north side neighborhoods. Maybe Irving Park or Sauganash - don't know price points.

[noid_1985]

Montclare

[Manigault]

Look in Morgan Park.

[surlycue]

I would think Albany Park would be a good match for you. It is a very diverse neighborhood and still a steal as far as city prices go. I toured a couple of rental units in the duplex down style that had MIL suites in the basement. The only issue you will have there is with land. Most lots are the standard city size but I've seen people do away with their garages to add some extra footage to their back yards. The Ravenswood area of North Center/Albany Park has larger lots but also a much larger price tag; that's the area of the city Blago is from. I'd also recommend checking out Avondale (the most Mexican), Irving Park and Portage Park. These neighborhoods have a good deal of Chicago bungalow style homes though which aren't for everyone. It's not tough to find one that has been updated beautifully though.

There are a few middle class suburbs on the city's SW side that have large Latino populations but then you'll have to live closer to your in-laws.

[Chicagoland60426]

Try Hyde Park & Beverly on the southside. The drawback is both neighborhoods only have a 5% hispanic population.

[bulldawg1594]

Originally Posted by Manigault

Look in Morgan Park.

morgan park schools are only 2% hispanic. but they are some of the better schools in chicago. i think you might want to live in the east side, or maybe belmont cragin.

[mycrows]

I'd recommend my own neighborhood to you, which is Bridgeport. It's in the south side but not far from downtown so you can get to the north side easily. The lots are generally small but a decent backyard is not unusual. Low crime. Diversity: population is equally Hispanic, White and Chinese. Good public transportation (Orange Line, Red Line, buses on 35th, Halsted, Wallace, Pershing and Archer). Relatively affordable to own a single family home.

The other suggestions in this thread are good, too.

[Avengerfire]

Unless you can give a ball park estimate on how much you can afford or spend, any recommendations are somewhat useless.

[cdc3217]

Originally Posted by Chicagoland60426

Try Hyde Park & Beverly on the southside. The drawback is both neighborhoods only have a 5% hispanic population.

I think West Beverly is a little more concentated hispanic-wise. But only slightly so. (West of Western)