Downtown Forest Park? (Oak Park, River Forest, Madison: apartment, rentals, condo)

[thatguy78]

Hey all,

The Mrs. and I (both early 30's & work in Higher Ed) are looking to relocate to the Oak Park, Forest Park, River Forest (if they actually have rentals) area for work this August.

As much as we are looking into Oak Park, I've been noticing a few Downtown Forest Park rentals springing up...and don't know what to make of it. So, I'm relying on the wisdom of the Forum here. What say you?

There hasn't been a whole lot of buzz on Forest Park lately, so I've been scouring city-data and online (The Tribune had a fluff piece on 4/23 "Forest Park writes its next chapter") and am reading into the FP downtown area as a redeveloping, but innocuous suburb.

Would I be making a correct assessment?

We'll be back out to check on properties this summer to make a risk assessment ourselves...but in the meantime-- should we be getting our hopes up about the Madison area of Forest Park? Or, should we just stick to Oak Park?

Thanks everyone!

[oakparkdude]

In my opinion, as long as you're north of the expressway, there's not much difference between Forest Park and Oak Park in terms of vibe. The obvious difference is the school district, which is why you pay the premium for RF/OP versus FP. If you don't have kids, I would have no hesitation to rent or possibly even buy in FP.

[kindrakindra]

Downtown FP is really nice. Cute shops, bars, restaurants and coffee places. Live as close to Madison Street as you can. The schools are bad, but downtown FP is like a great city 'hood.

[Lookout Kid]

I think that Madison Street in Forest Park is quite nice. But the rest of the village feels run down to me, and it lacks the charms of Oak Park. I've had a really hard time finding a residential area in Forest Park that I like. You won't find the beautiful vintage tree-lined blocks in FP. Don't get me wrong, the houses in FP are old--they are just ugly.

But to FP boosters out there, prove me wrong. Find a charming tree-lined residential block with gorgeous vintage houses and post a picture. Maybe I've just been unlucky in my explorations.

[oakparkdude]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

I think that Madison Street in Forest Park is quite nice. But the rest of the village feels run down to me, and it lacks the charms of Oak Park. I've had a really hard time finding a residential area in Forest Park that I like. You won't find the beautiful vintage tree-lined blocks in FP. Don't get me wrong, the houses in FP are old--they are just ugly.

But to FP boosters out there, prove me wrong. Find a charming tree-lined residential block with gorgeous vintage houses and post a picture. Maybe I've just been unlucky in my explorations.

I agree, the houses aren't as nice in FP, and there's a weird interspersing of SFH and huge apartment/condo complexes. Still, for half the price (or less) of OP, its a good deal.

[adele115]

Originally Posted by thatguy78

Hey all,

The Mrs. and I (both early 30's & work in Higher Ed) are looking to relocate to the Oak Park, Forest Park, River Forest (if they actually have rentals) area for work this August.

As much as we are looking into Oak Park, I've been noticing a few Downtown Forest Park rentals springing up...and don't know what to make of it. So, I'm relying on the wisdom of the Forum here. What say you?

There hasn't been a whole lot of buzz on Forest Park lately, so I've been scouring city-data and online (The Tribune had a fluff piece on 4/23 "Forest Park writes its next chapter") and am reading into the FP downtown area as a redeveloping, but innocuous suburb.

Would I be making a correct assessment?

We'll be back out to check on properties this summer to make a risk assessment ourselves...but in the meantime-- should we be getting our hopes up about the Madison area of Forest Park? Or, should we just stick to Oak Park?

Thanks everyone!

If you choose to live right on Madison, be prepared to NOT SLEEP

[AuDiBelle]

Forest Park sans kids would be a great affordable area to live and a good alternative to Oak Park. If Starship Subs is still in business, definitely try their subs! So yummy.

[Humboldt1]

Feels like bar district at Northern Illinois in Dekalb, run down with lots of townie bars. I enjoy going there for drinks and wish Oak Park had more bars like this I could walk to instead of overpriced wine bars.

[kindrakindra]

How does Madison Street seem rundown to you? I am specifically referring to the area in between Harlem and DesPlaines. Starbucks, House Red, Duck Fat, Shanahan's, that fancy Italian I can't remember the name of, Francesca's, Jimmy's Place, Caffe DeLuca, Kay's Bakery, the hardware store, MacDaddy Salon, the new Thai Place, Pancake House, the unbelievable tea store (Todd and Holland?), Thyme and Honey, that shoe store, Deedee and Edee, Two Fish Stained Glass to name a few. This small stretch rivals Southport, in my opinion.

The rest of Forest Park is not great, but if you rent a newer condo right on Madison, that would be awesome.

[AuDiBelle]

And don't forget Doc Ryan's!