pros & cons of living in Waukegan, Lake Bluff, and Gurnee? (Chicago: low income, section 8)

[pzilla]

My husband and I are going to be at Great Lakes Naval Station for the next year or so and will be moving next month. I've found some apartments that are in Waukegan, Lake Bluff, & Gurnee, so I'm just wanting more info on the cities. Shopping and dining out are a big thing for me. I don't want to be too far from restaurants and malls, LOL.

Thanks in advance!
Priscilla

[chet everett]

...the best shopping is Gurnee.

If you like Mwxican food the nest taco and burrito options are in Waukegan.

Lake Bluff has good schools, not much for either shopping or dining.

[prairiestate]

With the renovated Genesse Theatre Waukegan has become one of the Midwest's great cultural centers. You also have gorgeous old neighborhoods and and a rich and exciting history (it was the home of Jack Benny). Then there is the stunning lakefront, quick train service to Chicago and upscale shopping at the still developing Fountain Square lifestyle center. Waukegan is one of the great jewels of the Midwest. If you're only going to be in Chicagoland for a year, and you aren't living in the city itself, then Waukegan is probably your second best option.

[chet everett]

...a wonderful pursuit, and I personally have seen some lovely old homes in what was once the posh section of Waukegan, overall the problems that go along with what inarguably Lake Co.'s largest low income population make it very hard to call the whole area a"jewel"...

While I understand that "pioneers" are needed to revitalize areas devasted by years of losses in the manufacturing sector, it is irreponsible to overlook the current reality of Waukegan.

[nanannie]

I certainly have never heard of Waukegan referred to as a "jewel" by any means. Waukegan is not the place I would encourage a family with children to select over the other communities mentioned. It has a population dominated by low income with all the problams one sees in such areas as Chet said, and though attempts have been made to "spruce" the place up to what it once was, Its a sorry place now, I am sorry to say.
I would advice any newcomer that it has a nice theater but it is very far off the charts from any sort of "Midwest great culture center". That made me spit coffee.
Lake Bluff is a nice affluent community with very good schools.
Gurnee is home to immense shopping outlets and Great AMercia amusement park. Both towns far outweigh anything Waukegan has to offer. You should use the "Search" at the top of the page for more posts and information on this.
Good Luck with your move.

[chitown85]

Waukegan is getting better. A lot of capital has been invested in the downtown. That being said, many of the rental properties are low income and have gang presence.

Gurnee is a better option, but it is also chain food galore.

Lake Bluff is far from stuff and is boring.

[chicagojlo]

I live in the area. Lake Bluff isn't boring, but it is small and safe, with only a few options for bars and restaurants and only one grocery store. It's 15 minutes drive to either Vernon Hills or Gurnee though when you do want to shop. The main appeal of Lake Bluff is the schools, however the safety aspect is important too.

You couldn't pay me to live in Waukegan. Especially in a rental apartment. I can only imagine how many section 8 tenants there would be.

Gurnee is somewhat better but the nicer parts of Gurnee are on the Grayslake side. It might be closer to all the chain restaurants and the mall but you are looking at a much longer commute than you would have coming from Lake Bluff.

[Jimmy M]

Lake Bluff. Very very nice. A lot of money no doubt. Not to much going on. Gurnee is very nice. Tons of rest. Gurnee Mills Mall is youre into that. Good living. On average anual sal is approx 70,000. Now, Waukegan you have to understand people that say bad things about Waukegan. Ask them if they have ever been their. Most just go by what they hear. You know how that is. I moved from the East Coast in 98. Move to Waukegan. Been use to living in Wash DC. The closest thing I could find for city living is Waukegan. City st and sidewalks everywhere. I love it. Lived in Rogers Park in Chicago for3 yrs. Loved that too. Had to come closer to work. So I moved back to Waukegan. Sense 98 Ive only been out of waukegan for 3 yrs. Will not do it again. Waukegan is my home. I can do anything their that I can think of. Anykind of rest. Anykind of bar. Dont make that a habit. Beatiful downtown. Ass pretty as Lake Forest. Anuall salary is 50000. According to City Hall statics, 40% mex. 35 40% white. Dispite of what people say its true. 10% AAerican. Rest asian. I own a beatiful small home. Great garage and most perfect lot. So to you people that are saying bad things about Waukegan. Do your homework before you open your mouth. Most apts arent sec8. Very few. Ive never seen a gang their. Not saying their not their. Dont you think I would have seen one. The opinion of a Waukeganite. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

[Jimmy M]

Chicagojlo is prabaly a Lake Bluff rich little house wife driving her 525Beemer. Husband goes to work doing 100000 plus. never been to Waukegan even though its 5 miles or so north. Looks down on people that doesnt look the same as her image. Remember,Chicagojlo think normal people on average. Shes not asking you where you want to live. Get with the real world. I do 55 a yr. My morgage is 560 amonth. Had it for 5 yrs. Only owe 39000 on . No cc dept. Life is great. Im living pretty good in Waukegan.

[chicagojlo]

Trust me you could not be further from the truth.

People who aren't rich have standards too you know.

And people who aren't rich are just as capable of looking down their noses at those who don't look the same as them, as you have so clearly demonstrated.