moving to Chicago - work is in Niles (Waukegan, Evanston: apartment complex, rentals)

[TRH]

Looking for any advice, tips, etc. Moving from north of Philadelphia to NW Chicago area. My wife's job will be in the northern side of Niles.
Probably looking to rent a home, condo, townhome (NO apartment complex!!!!) somewhere 1st (reasonable pricing, just like anyone would want...) before buying.
Looking for a commute of probably about 30 minutes or less. Have 2 small children and looking for a low-crime town as well.

Also, where is the best place to search for area rentals? Craigslist? Some cities have the best deals and variety on Craigslist while other towns cities i've looked at in the past have weak Craigslist presence and have other local websites that produce more rental options.
The "typical" apartments.com type of sites are atrocious, most focusing on over-priced apartment developments, many time mislabeling them as "condos".

[MannheimMadman]

Wait, do you want to live in the nearby area, or Chicago?

I work in Niles too, technically (off of Touhy). I live in Chicago. I can commute to work by car in 15 minutes. By bicycle in 35.

Niles itself is really nice, as is Park Ridge and nearby Evanston, Skokie and Morton Grove. Lots of choices.

[MSchemist80]

It depends on your budget. I live in N Niles by Golf Mill. It is a decent area but not really great. A lot of old and blue collar people. Glenview especially around the Glen and Park Ridge are more high scale and not a long commute.

[cubssoxfan]

Originally Posted by MSchemist80

It depends on your budget. I live in N Niles by Golf Mill. It is a decent area but not really great. A lot of old and blue collar people. Glenview especially around the Glen and Park Ridge are more high scale and not a long commute.

True. While the Glen is nice, I prefer the feel of older parts of Glenview. Mature trees and older homes with more charm. Perhaps more affordable as well compared to the Glen.

[TRH]

Originally Posted by MannheimMadman

Wait, do you want to live in the nearby area, or Chicago?

I work in Niles too, technically (off of Touhy). I live in Chicago. I can commute to work by car in 15 minutes. By bicycle in 35.

Niles itself is really nice, as is Park Ridge and nearby Evanston, Skokie and Morton Grove. Lots of choices.

Not looking to live in the city limits. She's working in the very north end of Niles and i was thinking north, north-west of there. I don't want to spend over 2K a month in rent.

[MSchemist80]

I'd say any of the areas surrounding and including Niles are acceptable. Niles and Des Plaines are probably the lesser desirable suburbs in the area.

[cubssoxfan]

If the children are school aged or soon to be school age that should be a large factor. You have fair to excellent elementary schools in the previously mentioned towns.

[chicagomama]

I've never heard of the "Glen" (is that really it's name?). Does it have a downtown area/metra stop?

Also- how is the downtown of Glenview?

[pvande55]

Originally Posted by chicagomama

I've never heard of the "Glen" (is that really it's name?). Does it have a downtown area/metra stop?

Also- how is the downtown of Glenview?

The Glen of North Glenview is a Metra stop serving developments built following closure of the Air Base.

[MSchemist80]

Originally Posted by pvande55

The Glen of North Glenview is a Metra stop serving developments built following closure of the Air Base.

Yep a little over a decade Glenview Naval Air station closed and the large area it occupied is now all upscale new houses and shopping centers. It stretches anywhere E of Greenwood, W of Waukegan RD, N of East Lake st. and S of Willow Rd.