Moving to IL in 4 weeks, please help.

[chicagocarol]

Of the three soutwest suburbs, Oak Lawn is the furthest away from Joilet. Don't think of Oak Lawn as the south side of Chicago because the south side of Chicago, generally, is considered way east- the southwest burbs that you mention are no where near what we think of as the south of Chicago.

Originally Posted by al18

I'm from OH and will be moving to IL in the next 4 weeks. I have an opportunity to move to either Northbrook, Palos Hts East, Palos Hts West or Oak Lawn.
I personally like Oak Lawn just because I'll be closer to my friends who lives in Joliet. But I absolutely know nothing about the place!
I am really concerned about the crime rates and general safety around the area especially I'm a single lady. At the same time, I want to stay in a place where there's a lot to do; like shopping, restaurants, church and dance studios.
I did some research on the net about these areas and they're pretty fine, I suppose.
I want to know the scoop from the people of Chicago themselves as to which one is a better place to live in. Lastly, how would you consider Oak Lawn's orientation from Chicago? Is it South? In summary, from what I heard and read, South Part of Chicago is bad, and I don't want to be in that place.
Please help.

[cdc3217]

Oak Lawn is much more urban than Palos Heights. It is right on the border of Chicago. It does have an excellent park district. OAK LAWN PARK DISTRICT

Palos Heights has some very nice areas and good retail, and would be the closest to Joliet. Oak Lawn is much more city-like and the housing stock is older, although there are some really nice looking blocks.

Are you looking to rent or buy? I don't know that Palos rentals would compare well to the rest of the town. Oak Lawn has some new construction condos near the train to downtown.

Both of these areas are considered southwest burbs and escape the bad reputation - deserved or undeserved - of the south suburbs in general. Although Oak Lawn is a bigger city - like 60,000 and has more overflow crime from the city, IMO.