Possible Relocation to N. Chicago (Evanston, Oak Park: appointed, condo, co-ops)

[OHtoCT]

My husband and I are going to visit Chicago in a week and a half because we are considering relocating there from Columbus, Ohio.We are primarily looking for something with sidewalk cafes, library, good schools, dog park, 30 somethings who have families or might not have families, good food-no applebees, the fewer new-builds and chains and strip centers the better. My husband will commute via the metra most likely. We know to look at the suburbs on the north side of town and we know that we couldn't afford anything in the city itself although we'd love that. We'd probably be looking for housing in the 400-600 range. We love old architecture, yoga and co-ops and nice neighbors who don't park in their yards. Can anyone suggest an area or two that we might like? We are staying in Oak Park (which I understand is part of the city) and will be able to drive everywhere. We are mid 30's Caucasian Dems if that makes any difference. Thanks for your help.

[mdz]

Oak Park is actually a suburb, and luckily enough, it fits all your criteria.

Evanston is another possibility.

[Frenchy64]

Yes, Oak Park and Evanston would be the right choice. I live in Oak Park and we love that it's pretty much a mix of urban and a little more quiet suburban with houses and yards. You won't find Applebee's or a Chili's for miles. Many, many great restaurants, little local theatres, nice parks, two public pools. In the evening and all hours of the day for that matter, lots of people walking around. Lots of dogs being walked and strollers being pushed. This is also the town of block partys. Every weekend until Halloween you'll find some street blocked off for a party. You're allowed two per summer. We just had ours this past weekend and the street is closed from 9am to midnight. Socializing seems to be a big part of life here. My husband and I are in our 40's with no kids and we don't have any problem finding friends. The houses here are old mostly with minimal teardowns thanks to the law that prohibits it. It keeps the character of the home of the Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio. There has been some condo building the last few years swallowing up the surface parking lots in the downtown area and some of us are afraid of the crowing that may happen. But, since it's nine miles down the expressway to the Loop, it makes for an ideal commute being the first suburb west of the city.

Evanston is the home of Northwestern University and has a beautiful campus and is on the shore of Lake Michigan. That is the first suburb north of the city in what's known as the "North Shore." Evanston is a city as opposed to Oak Park being a village. It's bigger and offers the college town atmosphere. Both have unique restaurants and stores and both are on the "el" lines and Metra commuter train lines. Both towns have similarities but each have different things that make them special.

[OHtoCT]

That is wonderful news. I can't wait to visit now! You have immensely helped! It's fortunate that we appreciate FLW then isn't it?! Shame we missed the block party, though.

[chicago01]

Go Buckeyes! I'm a Columbus, Ohio transplant too. I live in downtown - on Ohio Street, oddly enough, in an area called Streeterville. You may want to consider an area called "Old Town" - sounds like what you might be looking for in terms of city living. But Oak Park and Evanston are excellent recommendations too.

Chicago is amazing - you won't be disappointed.

[OHtoCT]

Hello Transplant! We're looking for Chicago's version of "Grandview" Any other thoughts? We'll totally check out Old Town. We live in Bexley now and it's really boring because everyone is much older or wealthy (we're doing fine $$ but we're not snobby-rich) I really miss Grandview and want to find something like it in Chicago? What made you chose to move there?