Evanston or Rogers Park? (Chicago, Highland Park: rental, high crime, homes)

[hoflo91]

My partner and I are looking to move in together. He works in Deerfield and I will work in Highland Park. We're looking for a neighborhood that has a thriving art scene (my partner is a musician) and more of an urban feel than Highland Park or Deerfield. We're focused on Rogers Park and Evanston. Does one have advantages over the other? Are there particular areas to check out or avoid? I'm leaning toward Evanston because it's cheaper than living within Chicago city limits.
We also have 2 cars. Will it be impossible to find a rental with 2 parking spaces?

[Hiruko]

Comparing Rogers Park and Evanston is comparing communities that are not comparable. The fact that your spouse/partner will need a vehicle for transport to Deerfield would tip the balance strongly in favor of Evanston, in my opinion. I would try to look for something to the Northwest part of Evanston to cut down on the commute. The downside to Northwest Evanston is that you are further from the beaches, lakefront parks, Metra and L, and many of the historic homes that make Evanston so appealing. However, the Central Street shopping district and many of the residential streets surrounding it are among Evanston's best. Street parking in Evanston is generally easy. In some areas where parking is scarce, the spaces are permitted by the city. There are also many garage, lot, and carport spaces available for rent throughout Evanston. I would caution you on your analysis that Evanston is cheaper than living within the city limits. Rogers Park is certainly less expensive than Evanston.

[nikitakolata]

Originally Posted by Hiruko

Comparing Rogers Park and Evanston is comparing communities that are not comparable. The fact that your spouse/partner will need a vehicle for transport to Deerfield would tip the balance strongly in favor of Evanston, in my opinion. I would try to look for something to the Northwest part of Evanston to cut down on the commute. The downside to Northwest Evanston is that you are further from the beaches, lakefront parks, Metra and L, and many of the historic homes that make Evanston so appealing. However, the Central Street shopping district and many of the residential streets surrounding it are among Evanston's best. Street parking in Evanston is generally easy. In some areas where parking is scarce, the spaces are permitted by the city. There are also many garage, lot, and carport spaces available for rent throughout Evanston. I would caution you on your analysis that Evanston is cheaper than living within the city limits. Rogers Park is certainly less expensive than Evanston.

I agree with this. OP, why do you think Evanston is cheaper? In my experience, it is definitely not. It is nicer though.

[wase4711]

"generalizing" about any suburb or neighborhood is silly; there are plenty of high crime, gang infested areas of Evanston, and the same goes for Rogers park; there are also some very nice, high end areas of Evanston, and, some decent areas of Rogers Park, although Rogers Park has fallen off big time in the last few years, and its no where as nice as it was 20+ years ago..

If you can afford the decent areas of Evanston, that would definitely be better for you..

[pvande55]

Parking would be a nuisance in Rogers Park. However, as a City resident you can get lower rates in several museums and you could apply for City jobs. Both are isolated areas, convenient to downtown and almost nowhere else.