Chicago Members, Advice Wanted

[SuperSubs]

Hey everyone,

I am taking a new job and will be moving to northern Chicago very soon. The place I am working at is in Mundelein, and I have been searching online for a decent place to live within about a 15 mile radius. It seems from searching online that the northern suburbs are a bit pricier, but allot nicer and safer than other locations around Chicago. With the income I will be making, I don't see it being an issue to spend around $1000 for a one bedroom, studio, or duplex type domicile. I unfortunately know nobody in the area I could move in with, so I don't think splitting rent is something I can do immediately. My girlfriend has a rock solid and well-paying job where I live now, and won't move up with me unless she finds something better that justifies the increased cost of living.

Key points for me finding a place include:

-Decent driving time to my job
-Cost of living
-Secure parking and or a garage
-Decent distance to most shopping needs
-Lower crime and theft

All this being said, does anyone have any suggestions? Some areas I have found attractive one bedrooms in with garages and secure parking include Lakemoor, Round Lake, Waukegan, and Palatine. I am making a trip early this coming week to scope a few prospects out, so any suggestions to add to my list would be appreciated.

Thanks,

-Mike

[global]

My friend has lived in Palatine for ten years and loves it. Been there a couple of times to visit, safe, clean area! Unfortunetly cost of living is high near any big city. Chicago is a blast though! Good luck.

[rexgo]

Hi Mike - Welcome to IL soon

Here's some feedback that I hope you will find useful, and I don't mean to offend anybody who might live in areas mentioned. (or if you decide to live there)

First - surrounding Mundelein (Mund) - mostly to the south/sw and east are some high-end areas. Not to say that you won't find something, but these are pretty expensive areas to live.

NW of Mund is the are called "Chain of Lakes" several lakes, and is busy during the summer - (summer homes, boats, and partying)

Lakemoor -don't know much about - but close to McHenry so cost should be good & low crime
Round Lake - (and Round Lake Beach) bad reputation - I would stay away
Waukegan - on the Lake - haven't spent too much time there, but IMO can be trouble - just south of it is North Chicago which does not have a good reputation.
Palatine - very nice - if you can afford it. Some of the apartment complexes can me trouble, but in general Palatine is a great area - some high-end houses great access to highways, shopping, and car meets
Mund. Itself is decent - just remember that Rand Road / Route 12 is a heavily traveled road between Chicago thru the "Chain of Lakes" and then off into Wisconsin (resorts, summer homes / concerts / lakes, etc) Route 12 is packed on the weekend and you don't want to be on it heading toward Chicago anytime on Sunday PMs.

Feel free to PM me on any other areas.

BTW I live near O'hare - let us know where you land.

[SuperSubs]

Thanks Tom.

I am heading up tomorrow to check some areas out. This will be a healpful guide, and I have a few people ay my new work who live in the area who will also be giving me some advice. I will let you know where I end up and when I move up.

Thanks,

-Mike

[SuperSubs]

Just wanted to pop in and say that I foud a great place in Mundelein itself. I start moving this weekend. A bad weekend unfortunately, but it's the only time frame I can get the help I need before my start date.

Thanks!

-Mike