European-esque western suburb (Lemont: town, looking for)

[aragx6]

No offense, but Downers Grove is one of the least European places I've ever been.

[Diws]

I'd certainly add Lemont to the list: large Polish and Lithuanian population, a fairly nice downtown (and the Slovenian and Lithuanian World Centers). Not sure what the price range is; Lemont can be procey in areas. Good restaurants (though not ehtnic groceries) are light.

[littlepolishgirl]

I would check out Park Ridge, DesPlaines, Morton Grove area. Large polish population in that area. My parents who are from Poland live in Park Ridge. When I visit them--my mom has taken me to the TJ Maxx Harlem & Dempster. Almost all the people there speak polish--in the store & customers. There is a store called Shop N Save in Golf Mill Shopping Center in DesPlaines--in the deli they all speak polish--a lot of polish customers as well. Also, Andy's Deli on Milwaukee Ave--they all speak polish there as well the Red Apple Rest. on Milwaukee down the street form Eagle Rest. Another suburb to check out is Schaumburg--they also have a Shop N Save there--again tons of polish people along with tons of polish delicasies in the store along with most people working in the store speak Polish.

[cubssoxfan]

Originally Posted by littlepolishgirl

I would check out Park Ridge, DesPlaines, Morton Grove area. Large polish population in that area. My parents who are from Poland live in Park Ridge. When I visit them--my mom has taken me to the TJ Maxx Harlem & Dempster. Almost all the people there speak polish--in the store & customers. There is a store called Shop N Save in Golf Mill Shopping Center in DesPlaines--in the deli they all speak polish--a lot of polish customers as well. Also, Andy's Deli on Milwaukee Ave--they all speak polish there as well the Red Apple Rest. on Milwaukee down the street form Eagle Rest. Another suburb to check out is Schaumburg--they also have a Shop N Save there--again tons of polish people along with tons of polish delicasies in the store along with most people working in the store speak Polish.

Did you notice that this post is from 2008?

[tonythetuna]

Believe it or not, I think Riverside is one of the top contenders.

[Tex?Il?]

Originally Posted by Joe107

You should check out Elk Grove Village. I went to Busse Woods and I felt I was the only one that wasn't from Europe.

I think the OP was referring to more of the built-commercial environment.

Meaning, walkable, compact downtown, non-chain places, access to trains, and safety. All things that are characteristic of European communities.

Yes, Busse Woods does have a very high % foreign born taking advantage of the forest preserve, including many polish and eastern Europeans. Thats very true. However, Elk Grove Village and surrounding communities are the epitome of American-style urban sprawl.

[Tex?Il?]

Originally Posted by tonythetuna

Believe it or not, I think Riverside is one of the top contenders.

I agree. It feels a bit like an english village.

[Tex?Il?]

Originally Posted by littlepolishgirl

I would check out Park Ridge, DesPlaines, Morton Grove area. Large polish population in that area. My parents who are from Poland live in Park Ridge. When I visit them--my mom has taken me to the TJ Maxx Harlem & Dempster. Almost all the people there speak polish--in the store & customers. There is a store called Shop N Save in Golf Mill Shopping Center in DesPlaines--in the deli they all speak polish--a lot of polish customers as well. Also, Andy's Deli on Milwaukee Ave--they all speak polish there as well the Red Apple Rest. on Milwaukee down the street form Eagle Rest. Another suburb to check out is Schaumburg--they also have a Shop N Save there--again tons of polish people along with tons of polish delicasies in the store along with most people working in the store speak Polish.

Yes, you are very right.

However, I like I mentioned, the OP was referring more to the built environment. Meaning, more historic (quaint), walkable compact downtown, non-chain places and easy access to trains.

Schaumburg is the polar opposite of this. The other places mentioned do have that a little, however, it depends on where from Europe this person is coming from.

If Polish or other eastern Europe then yes all the places they would fit right in. If England or even another western European country, it may not matter, as much, as the culture is different, and some of the previously mentioned western suburbs might be a bit better.

[Tex?Il?]

Originally Posted by Diws

I'd certainly add Lemont to the list: large Polish and Lithuanian population, a fairly nice downtown (and the Slovenian and Lithuanian World Centers). Not sure what the price range is; Lemont can be procey in areas. Good restaurants (though not ehtnic groceries) are light.

I think the downtown area with older, smaller homes that need a bit of work is not as pricey. Although the larger subdivision homes that border on "mcmansion" maybe more so.

[NcerfromNY]

Having just moved here I'm of no help whatsoever; however, I'm happy to jump on the "there's nothing European" in the midwest bandwagon! We love Oswego so far. It's smallish, there's a real community feeling, and it doesn't seem overwrought by chains. (except on 34, which is chain heaven or hell depending upon your perspective!) I hear you on the uppity thing!