considering a move to chicago area

[Moik]

If you're looking for IN the city, check out Ravenswood, Lincoln Park, or Roscoe Village.

I live in Ravenswood-- I walk two blocks to the train (Brown Line) to head downtown to work. A lot of fun, community events in the summer in Lincoln Square-- there's farmers markets, groceries, boutiques, and restaurants within walking distance. We live near the Damen stop, in the "no man's land" of gorgeous homes and friendly neighbors. Safe enough to jog around at 9 or 10 at night. I love it!

Check out suburbs with a Metra line, also-- if you're looking for non-city limit living. Lincoln Park, Roscoe Villiage, and Gold Coast are also nice options within the city.

Best wishes!

[cubssoxfan]

Almost any suburb near a Metra train line you can find quiet town close to forest preserve, parks, nature area. If possible, more details on what you seek would help narrow the list. Although similar, most towns have a slightly different flavor. Do you want country acreage or do you want to be a couple blocks walk from a coffee shop? I mean my neighborhood is pretty quiet and is within a short walk of LAke Arlington and its 50 acre lake and 2 mile path. But the path always has people on it. It is quiet compared to the Chicago Lake Front path, but not quiet compared to some of the Forest Preserve trails like the Des Plaines river trail.

If $ were no issue, I would look into Mettawa or Lake Forest within walking distance of the Des Plaines river trail and Old School forest preserve.

[Sodium]

Your tastes and lifestyle will make a big difference in choosing from some of the suggestions made here: If your interests emphasize fine dining, culture, mixing with other professionals, or if you have a special interest in boating on the lake, then the North Shore towns are indicated. If you're more inclined towards a variety of restaurants including down-home comfy places, and people from a mix of occupations, then some of the western suburbs might be more to your liking. Chicago is fortunate to have good forest preserves most everywhere, so that won't be a problem in either place.

[AuDiBelle]

Western Springs. It's bordered by forest preserve to the North (Bemis Woods) with an awesome paved 6 mile walking/hiking/biking trail, it's right on the metra line (20 minute train ride downtown), and it definitely screams small town atmosphere with a population of only 12,000. Lots of families move here for the top notch schools, but there are childless couples, seniors, and empty nesters too.

There was an article written about Western Springs several years back describing the atmosphere, and there was a funny (but true) part where it said that the town could literally roll up the sidewalks at night because it's so quiet... and it is! I'll see if I can locate that article.

[cubssoxfan]

Originally Posted by whatyousay

Western Springs. It's bordered by forest preserve to the North (Bemis Woods) with an awesome paved 6 mile walking/hiking/biking trail, it's right on the metra line (20 minute train ride downtown), and it definitely screams small town atmosphere with a population of only 12,000. Lots of families move here for the top notch schools, but there are childless couples, seniors, and empty nesters too.

There was an article written about Western Springs several years back describing the atmosphere, and there was a funny (but true) part where it said that the town could literally roll up the sidewalks at night because it's so quiet... and it is! I'll see if I can locate that article.

Nice description of a lovely town. Sure would be nice if OP gave us more to work with. Western Springs is primarily layed out in a grid/block system with moderate sized lots. Mettawa is more rural with large lots and a country feel. So many good choices, so little extra info from OP. Maybe I see small town atmosphere as possibly meaning many different things. Walkable? Knowing many neighbors? Rural? Suburban? Sidewalks, no sidewalks? Winding country lanes or block/grid layout? My telepathy is failing me............

[PrairieGirl]

Thornton is surrounded by woods, has a beautiful lake (Wampum Lake) esp.if you enjoy fishing, also very quiet at night, close to Metra and Park & Ride (nearby Homewood). We would consider renting our 100+ years old 4-square to you next year. Come for a visit anytime! :0)