Families in Evanston (North Shore, Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe) (Chicago: best towns, real estate market)

[nanotech]

Originally Posted by chet everett

NIU == Northern Illinois University, located in Dekalb, IL Directions & Campus Maps

NU == Northwestern University in Evanston Campus Maps - Northwestern University

One is very convenient for folks to live in Evanston. Neither is partcularly easy a commute from Oak Park, probably an hour from NU -- https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=N...=ls&z=11&via=1

Additionally there are pockets of rather undesirable housing options in Oak Park and the OP specifically asked for the safest options for their family...

Thank you for clarifying that for others Chet.

[nana053]

Originally Posted by nanotech

1001 Emerson St. (from that section 8 link) is basically across the street from where I'm thinking about getting housing. But that's just for disabled people so I don't think that area would be that bad, right?

Google Maps street view shows a little store front next to that building that has a single car in the parking lot (which is banged up), a large poster of a bikini-clad woman in the window of the shop, and a little girl who seems to be jumping on a puddle of water or something awfully close to the street while two adults (parents/grandparents?) are watching from behind.

Additionally, from other Kellogg students, I've learned that Foster St. from Ridge to Kellogg (NU) is not that well lighted at night and even during the day time it's pretty well shaded with trees and that EL train.

Looks like Chicago Ave. would be much safer....something like Evanston Place, but that's going to be about $1,000 more per month after all is said and done.

I'm planning on visiting within the next two weeks, but can't really get much info from one visit...although better than a Google StreetView for sure.

Seriously, I don't see safety as a big problem in that area. You are talking around Emerson and Maple, right? No idea what storefront you are seeing. Why would being shaded be a problem? Will you be walking back really late at night?

You could try on Sherman Avenue (closer to where you want to walk anyway).

Evanston Place is right in the heart of downtown, so it will be more expensive, but also probably a bit nicer.

[nanotech]

Yes corner of Maple & Emerson. I will probably be walking back very late at night very often. But I'm not really too worried about myself, I'm already used to walking/driving super-late at night in somewhat risky places. I'm more worried for my wife/children. They will often visit me on campus and I want to make sure their walk back is safe. But I'm probably over-reacting here, I just need to visit and get a feel of the place I guess.

Sherman Ave has some options, but the apartments are extremely old/dingy yet still somewhat pricey (I suppose because for the proximity to NU).

Evanston Place is the next best place, even more expensive than Sherman Ave, but at least you do get a much nicer place.

On the preschool front, Cherry does sound good the more I think about it. Wonder if having the older kids in the multi-age class (some will be 50% older than him, 1.5yrs older) will make my kid feel inferior/slow/not-able-to-get-it or if it will help him learn more from them since they know more than a 3yr old would. Probably a bit of both, but wonder if it may be more one aspect than the other.

[nana053]

Originally Posted by nanotech

On the preschool front, Cherry does sound good the more I think about it. Wonder if having the older kids in the multi-age class (some will be 50% older than him, 1.5yrs older) will make my kid feel inferior/slow/not-able-to-get-it or if it will help him learn more from them since they know more than a 3yr old would. Probably a bit of both, but wonder if it may be more one aspect than the other.

You are over thinking the preschool multi-age thing. Seriously, since the emphasis is NOT on academics, but on play based learning, both older and younger children have something to contribute. He will not feel inferior unless you try to make him keep up in some way. Kids at that age have a range of knowledge and abilities and some 3 year olds know more than some 5 year olds.

[nanotech]

Has anybody heard about the new Bright Horizons preschool that's opening up in Evanston on Orrington Ave?

They're supposedly having a parent orientation day today so parents can get to know the school and what the school has to offer. I think the school opens on Sept. 1st.

I already called but had to leave a message.

[pjrhubart]

This thread has been helpful as we may move to Evanston from the east coast in a few months (or Norwood Park area). It'll be central to my hubby's family, work up north and want to be able to zip downtown easily.

Can anyone offer a comparison/contrast of the two catholic grade schools in the area (St. A's vs Pope John 23rd)?? The location and demographics are very different, obviously, and I'm impressed with the test scores from PJ23, but I'd like to know more than what demographics/stats/scores can say.

Thanks.

[nana053]

Originally Posted by nanotech

Has anybody heard about the new Bright Horizons preschool that's opening up in Evanston on Orrington Ave?

They're supposedly having a parent orientation day today so parents can get to know the school and what the school has to offer. I think the school opens on Sept. 1st.

I already called but had to leave a message.

Bright Horizons is a chain and it is a daycare not just a preschool. if you need the extended hours, it might be a good choice. If you are looking only for preschool hours, I would choose one of the many local preschools for myself. Evanston has LOTS of good options.

[nana053]

Originally Posted by pjrhubart

This thread has been helpful as we may move to Evanston from the east coast in a few months (or Norwood Park area). It'll be central to my hubby's family, work up north and want to be able to zip downtown easily.

Can anyone offer a comparison/contrast of the two catholic grade schools in the area (St. A's vs Pope John 23rd)?? The location and demographics are very different, obviously, and I'm impressed with the test scores from PJ23, but I'd like to know more than what demographics/stats/scores can say.

Thanks.

I lived near St. A's and it seemed fairly upscale as opposed to Pope John. That doesn't mean much in terms of how good the school itself is though.

[themag62]

PJ23 is a more economically and racially diverse school. I know families from Chicago who send their kids there, and came close to doing so myself. The school offers some "differentiation" opportunities for children working above grade level. There is an honors track starting in 6 or 7th grade. It is national "Blue Ribbon School" awarded for its overall high test scores. I know little about St A's, except that it also has a solid reputation, and is likely to have a more homogenous population given the neighborhood it is in.

[nikitakolata]

Originally Posted by pjrhubart

This thread has been helpful as we may move to Evanston from the east coast in a few months (or Norwood Park area). It'll be central to my hubby's family, work up north and want to be able to zip downtown easily.

Can anyone offer a comparison/contrast of the two catholic grade schools in the area (St. A's vs Pope John 23rd)?? The location and demographics are very different, obviously, and I'm impressed with the test scores from PJ23, but I'd like to know more than what demographics/stats/scores can say.

Thanks.

I don't have kids; however, my cousin went to St. A's. His parents are VERY education-oriented and specifically moved near St. A's. My cousin must have gotten a good enough education as he went on to attend IMSA (the Illinois Math & Science Academy) for high school, then Northwestern, and now he's getting a PhD at Harvard. So, I figure St. A's gave him a solid enough start.