Apts Near Oak Brook - 60523 (Chicago, Wheaton: apartment complexes, rental, condos)

[bangaru]

I will be moving from Charlotte to Chicago and following is my work address. We are a family of 3 (Me, Wifey, 5 mo old) -- We are looking for an apt close to work. I have never driven in snow and want to keep my commute as minimal as possible. I have been told Apts in Chicago are concrete built and there would be very minimal noise issue even if you have kids running around all day. In NC all are wood and heavy walkers are an issue.

I understand I will have to pay kings ransom -- I hope to find something under $1200/1300 2bed apt. If you have any pointers or suggestions please help me out. Please feel free to chimein on things I need to be aware of, as a new chicago resident. Thanks y'all.


Worksite: 2111 McDonald's Drive (Plaza Building), Oak Brook, IL 60523

[i blame history]

You'll be a new Oak Brook resident. I believe a mod will move this to the suburbs forum where you're more likely to find more help.

[chet everett]

The apartment complexes around Oak Brook are geared almost 100% to RETIREES -- very unfamily friendly!

I would highly recommend trying to find a townhouse in Downers Grove or unincorporated Oak Brook west of Meyers Rd where you will be in a much more balanced situation. Drive would be a wash, as 31St is still VERY close to even the Plaza building of McDs.

[linicx]

Here is some information about your new home. The website makes noise every time you mouse over a link. Its annoying. Welcome to OakBrook, Illinois, The official website (http://www.oak-brook.org/oakbrook_homepage.shtml - broken link) . The city can provide a map and they should be able to tell you who the rental agents are.

Driving in snow is not difficult.. Drive slower, do not tailgate, do not slam on your breaks. It is better to be slow and whole untll you learn to drive in it. If you get stuck in snow, spinning your wheels will only dig you deeper. Bags of sand and bags of salt and a shovel are almost essentials in winter driving. AFter your first deep freeze with with lots of snow and ice you will learn.

Ice is different. If you turn you speed, slam on your breaks or make fast moves with your steering wheel you may find yourself where you do not want to be. Don't practice with your family in the car.

A white out condition exists when you cannot see more than four feet in front of your car. Stay home. .In stuff like this you need to be moving about 5 mph to avoid a wreck.

Black ice is worse. The road looks dry until you start sliding and fish-tailing from side to side. It is much better to live on a well traveled road. Do try to rent with a garage. If it is cold enough, you may wish you had an in-line heater. There are not a lot of vehicles that start when the wind chill is a -70 degrees.

The most important thing you can do in winter conditions is watch the traffic ahead. Slow oncoming traffic means one of two things. Either the road conditions are rotten or there is an accident. Give yourself and extra 30-60 minutes to get to work in bad weather. You will not be sorry, and you won't be late. . .

[nanannie]

Also, remember the roads are plowed and salted when the bad weather hits. My mom lives not far from there and has never had any problams (and she is a terrible driver in all seasons)

[bangaru]

Thanks for all the info. I am looking at Versailles at Oakbrook Terrace apts. If anyone has 411 on this place please post. Thanks again.

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by bangaru

Thanks for all the info. I am looking at Versailles at Oakbrook Terrace apts. If anyone has 411 on this place please post. Thanks again.

The mangament company tends to work pretty hard on maintenance and such. A buddy of mine lives there as it is very close to where his wife and kids live (post divorce) but he is obviously in a different part of his life...

The complex is sandwiched between office parks in Oakbrook Terrace and the somewhat controversial high density area to the north. It is not the worst place for someone with a 5 mo old, but you won't want to stay there long term.

Depending on what you ultimate plan is, it might be better to track down a rental home in one of the more desirable areas. If your ultimate budget / plan is to own a home there are some fairly nice values around: SearchChicago.com

[bangaru]

Originally Posted by chet everett

The mangament company tends to work pretty hard on maintenance and such. A buddy of mine lives there as it is very close to where his wife and kids live (post divorce) but he is obviously in a different part of his life...

The complex is sandwiched between office parks in Oakbrook Terrace and the somewhat controversial high density area to the north. It is not the worst place for someone with a 5 mo old, but you won't want to stay there long term.

Depending on what you ultimate plan is, it might be better to track down a rental home in one of the more desirable areas. If your ultimate budget / plan is to own a home there are some fairly nice values around: SearchChicago.com

I dont see myself buying a home in the next 3 years due to the nature of my Job. I have always lived in an apartment for the last 9 years and I am weighing up the options. Can anyone point me to the MLS rental site? Once again thanks for all the words.

[bangaru]

I found townhomes/condo in Wheaton & Westmont. Trying to decide between these. Anyone has info on William Sport condo's in Westmont -- particularly Do you have noise issues if you live in the first floor? Are the buildings sound proof enough to watch a movie in home theater system without worrying about the neighbours?

[snoopykat]

I know I'm jumping in here a little late but have you considered Villa Park, Elmhurst or Lombard? Perhaps even renting a house? Westmont is not that far but with traffic Wheaton really can take a while.