Old Irving Park Area...A few questions... (Chicago, Avon: real estate market, apartment) - Illinois (IL) - Page 2 - City-Data Forum

MigsHiggins · 01-26-2009, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drover

OK.... there's a little bit of gang activity there but you're not likely to notice it or be personally impacted by it unless you start sh*t with them. The housing is basic, the quality of life is basic, the neighborhood amenities are basic.... it's just a very basic neighborhood. Nothing specifically to recommend for or against it.

I hate to even bring this up but would the fact that I'm white cause them to hassle me or would it even matter? Also, would the type of car that I drive be more prone to theft around there?

Drover · 01-26-2009, 01:18 PM

Yes, the fact that you're white makes a difference -- it probably makes you safer than if you're Hispanic. They're more interested in messing with each other than messing anyone else. If you're white and don't dress in "urban" fashions they'll assume you're not in a gang and they'll leave you alone. In some neighborhoods that are overwhelmingly (75%-plus) Black or Hispanic, you might occasionally get hassled, but in Irving Park you'll be fine.

As for cars prone to theft: they like Honda Acccords and Civics. Soft-top convertibles are easy targets too. Luxury marques such as BMWs or Audis may be a bit more prone to vandalism, but I don't know that they're more prone to theft. Unless you have a garage or enclosed off-street parking, your best bet is to drive something boring and basic, and something you won't lose your head over in case it gets scratched up, because if you park on the street, it will get scratched up.

MigsHiggins · 01-26-2009, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drover

Yes, the fact that you're white makes a difference -- it probably makes you safer than if you're Hispanic. They're more interested in messing with each other than messing anyone else. If you're white and don't dress in "urban" fashions they'll assume you're not in a gang and they'll leave you alone. In some neighborhoods that are overwhelmingly (75%-plus) Black or Hispanic, you might occasionally get hassled, but in Irving Park you'll be fine.

As for cars prone to theft: they like Honda Acccords and Civics. Soft-top convertibles are easy targets too. Luxury marques such as BMWs or Audis may be a bit more prone to vandalism, but I don't know that they're more prone to theft. Unless you have a garage or enclosed off-street parking, your best bet is to drive something boring and basic, and something you won't lose your head over in case it gets scratched up, because if you park on the street, it will get scratched up.

That's awesome news. I drive an Infiniti and yes it will suck to get it scratched up but I can't get rid of it unfortunately. Looks like I'll be keeping Irving Park in mind then.

Avengerfire · 01-26-2009, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drover

Incidentally, I was just inside the Congress Theater about a month ago. What a pit. And I thought the Riv was in bad shape...

You should see what it look like behind the scenes (as I have) in the areas most people never see. That will really scare you.

Avengerfire · 01-26-2009, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MigsHiggins

That's awesome news. I drive an Infiniti and yes it will suck to get it scratched up but I can't get rid of it unfortunately. Looks like I'll be keeping Irving Park in mind then.

I lived very close to Elston and St. Louis for two years. I do not think I would park that car on the street over there. If you have access to a garage that would be preferable. As long as you have full coverage on it I would not really worry about it though. Just don't ever keep valuables and irreplaceable items in it.

I think the area is safe enough to live in.

Drover · 01-26-2009, 09:44 PM

I think it depends on what kind of Infiniti it is. If it's a 10-year-old I30 or G20, or even an old Q-series, I wouldn't be too concerned. If it's a brand-new M45, yeah, I'd look for off-street parking.

Avengerfire · 01-26-2009, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drover

I think it depends on what kind of Infiniti it is. If it's a 10-year-old I30 or G20, or even an old Q-series, I wouldn't be too concerned. If it's a brand-new M45, yeah, I'd look for off-street parking.

Agreed.

MigsHiggins · 01-27-2009, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drover

I think it depends on what kind of Infiniti it is. If it's a 10-year-old I30 or G20, or even an old Q-series, I wouldn't be too concerned. If it's a brand-new M45, yeah, I'd look for off-street parking.

2003 G35. Unfortunately I don't think there is any garages around there so I'm kinda SOL on that.

Avengerfire · 01-27-2009, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MigsHiggins

...Unfortunately I don't think there is any garages around there so I'm kinda SOL on that.

Just about every house and two or three flat has a garage behind it around there. I am talking about renting one out from a neighbor or landlord. You should be able to get one really cheap around there.

Drover · 01-27-2009, 03:00 PM

"Really cheap" of course is relative. You should be able to find a spot in a garage for about $75/mo. It may sound steep but there are parts of this city where it easily exceeds three times that amount. It's also worthwhile because unless it's a G35x, you may have a hell of a time getting in and out of street-parking spots come winter time. Even with FWD I've struggled a bit with street parking this year.