Based on my situation, what part of Chicago would I feel most comfortable in ? (Arlington Heights: middle-class)

[Chicago Wanna-be]

OK, I'd like to give some details about myself, my preferences and my background, and I would simply like some people who are very familiar with Chicago and its suburbs to give me some idea on what area of Chicago or its suburbs I would feel most comfortable living in. Let me start out by saying that my current life situation is not a happy one, and I'm hoping that a permanent change of environment may help. I have some friends that are scattered throughout Chicago, I used to work in Lincolnshire, IL, and I am a Milwaukee, WI native, which is where I currently reside. So I am somewhat familiar with some areas of the city of Chicago.

I am in my mid-50's. I'm a divorced white male who is currently on Social Security Disability, although I work two part-time jobs for extra income. I deliver food orders for a national restaurant chain that has stores in Chicago as well, and I serve legal papers for a local law firm in the capacity of a Process Server. I have to watch how much I earn based on Social Security guidelines. I used to work full-time as a Disability Claims Specialist for an insurance company in Lincolnshire, IL that closed up shop there and relocated to South Carolina. I currently live in Milwaukee, WI, which is where I am from. Outside of a daughter who attends the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (and whom I rarely see, because my ex-wife unfairly badmouthed me so much to her that she now avoids me), I have no family. I do have a few good friends here, but they suffer from depression worse than I do, and they often just want to stay home and do nothing. Thankfully, I do not suffer from social anxiety and I find myself able to enjoy activities. But I find that Milwaukee is a very family-oriented city where people get married young, stay married for better or worse, and drink A LOT !! If I have two beers per week, it's enough for me.

Happy story, huh ? Well, here are the other components. I was an only child, and while I was totally unemployed, I was a caretaker for my mom, who was very ill and I wanted to keep her out of a nursing home. After she passed, I inherited her house, which was in an upper middle-class suburb and which I could not afford to maintain, even though she did leave me some money which I lived off of for a while. Eventually, I sold the house and bought a house within the city limits of Milwaukee that was much cheaper. I paid for the house in cash for $ 110,000. So I have no mortgage, and I have about $ 30,000 in the bank. The house is very small, only 855 square feet. The neighborhood borders an area that is almost 80% Hispanic-American with moderate crime, and it's slowly moving westward into where I live. If I go to the main business area in my neighborhood a few blocks away, there is more Spanish being spoken than English. Much more.

I have a close female friend who lives in River Forest, IL. Added to everything else, this could be a screenplay, but it's real. She is a waitress at an Italian restaurant near there part-time, and she is also on Social Security Disability. She had a nervous breakdown last year and, because of over-spending during a manic phase, she was evicted from her previous apartment in Riverside, IL. For financial reasons, she is currently staying with an ex-boyfriend. Her and I talk on the phone every day. We have mutual feelings of wanting to make our relationship more, but she needs to file for bankruptcy and she doesn't want to add that burden to my whole situation. Thankfully, my credit is excellent and I have no creditors that I owe money to. I also have a few male friends that I used to work with who live in Arlington Heights, IL and Lake in the Hills, IL.

Gee, as I'm revealing all this about myself, I suddenly feel like I'm a character on the Showtime series 'Shameless' ! LOL ! Anyway, I know that housing is much more expensive in Chicago than it is in Milwaukee, but given my circumstances and my love for Chicago, I feel I could get a whole healthier outlook on life by moving there. Since I'm on disability, I could qualify for subsidized housing in an area. Or I could take the money I would get from selling my house here in Milwaukee and put it towards a small condo or modest house down there. I don't mind an area being partially integrated or gentrified, but I do want to avoid a high crime area just for my own personal safety.

So...any suggestions on areas to check out and/or neighborhoods to investigate ? I truly appreciate any helpful advice offered. Thanks in advance.

[mc4497]

maybe little italy or close by the united center. the west loop is close by there is good food there and if you're going to be driving the parking isn't too bad in those areas as far as I know

[ChicagoMeO]

Hi - well first, I would tell you to stop revealing so much personal information about yourself and your family on the internet especially that which has nothing to do with your finding a place to live like your waitress sister, which has nothing to do with you finding a place, but makes you and she vulnerable to people who would take advantage of you.

I recommend living in a place like Lake County or McHenry county, not the city of Chicago, the nature in the area will make you feel better. I recommend living by maybe Wauconda or Lake Zurich, or Antioch for that serenity.

Actually if you cross the border and live in maybe Janesville or Pleasant Prairie, WI, it will be more affordable and that maybe help you financially.

[ToriaT]

I don't like any of the above recommendations. If your close close friend is in River Forest and once lived in Riverside sounds like she likes the inner ring suburbs. I would suggest Forest Park. Its close to River Forest, lots of activities, close to the city and is relatively safe. You will be closer to her and will be able to see if the relationship could work long term. If not Forest Park, Oak park might work but its more expensive. I would suggest Berwyn, but sounds like you are scared of brown faces and there is a significant Hispanic populations there but it could still be a possibility.

[mc4497]

Originally Posted by ToriaT

I don't like any of the above recommendations. If your close close friend is in River Forest and once lived in Riverside sounds like she likes the inner ring suburbs.

figures, and what if it doesnt work out long term the burbs is not where i'd go if i wanted to meet people...

[OKParker]

Originally Posted by ToriaT

I don't like any of the above recommendations. If your close close friend is in River Forest and once lived in Riverside sounds like she likes the inner ring suburbs. I would suggest Forest Park. Its close to River Forest, lots of activities, close to the city and is relatively safe. You will be closer to her and will be able to see if the relationship could work long term. If not Forest Park, Oak park might work but its more expensive. I would suggest Berwyn, but sounds like you are scared of brown faces and there is a significant Hispanic populations there but it could still be a possibility.

I think you are giving good advice and I completely agree with it. Forest Park is cheap, convenient for getting downtown (if interested), and has a good mini downtown.