Semi-urban area super close to urban areas? (Chicago, Skokie: home, safe area)

[ChiGuy2.5]

I live in a true suburb called Park Ridge.

It pretty much fits the bill on everything you listed EXCEPT being "a long walk to urban area". At least not the urban area I would consider to be downtown Chicago.

You CAN walk to many restaurants and bars though. Also, you say "Subway" but up here we would call it the "L" or public transit since our rail systems are not underground in the outskirts.

Things I LOVE about Park Ridge:
Great public schools if you plan to have children
Suburban living close to urban amenities: Airports, The "L", Grocery Stores, Restaurants, and Shopping.
Primarily Single Family Homes which means less density of people/traffic and more uniform social classes.
Space - I have a fairly good sized Single Family House with a yard big enough to kick around a soccer ball. It's very hard to find that anywhere in the city.
Greenery - The area is known for it's variety of mature trees especially the endangered Ash Tree. Our arborist department does the best they can to keep the trees in good shape but we lose quite a few each year.

Other areas you may consider include Edison Park and Norridge. EP is located in Chicago and norridge is like Park Ridge but it's a little southern and more urban compared to PR.

[Master Jay]

ChiGuy2.5, good day!

And don't you DARE mention Park Ridge without a shout out to Don Juan's Cantina!

Thanks for the Edison Park shout out, though. I had a Tony's Deli sub sandwich on my mind yesterday!

[DannFrankenstein]

If the OP really wants to not use street smarts, I think Park Ridge is safe enough that you could put your headphones on and stare at your phone while walking around at 3 am without worrying

[ChiGuy2.5]

Originally Posted by Master Jay

ChiGuy2.5, good day!

And don't you DARE mention Park Ridge without a shout out to Don Juan's Cantina!

Thanks for the Edison Park shout out, though. I had a Tony's Deli sub sandwich on my mind yesterday!

I haven't been there since they moved out of Edison Park. I've heard it's much improved, but they were extremely underwhelming in service and quality when I visited the Edison Park location.

I'm ashamed to say I haven't yet been to Tony's personally but I have had their subs and they are certainly delicious! My go to Italian Deli is called Minellis up on Milwaukee and Oakton. If you haven't been yet I recommend a visit! Grab their frozen meatballs, best you'll ever have at home!

[quigboto]

Originally Posted by Vlajos

Merz is the apothecary. It's awesome!

Gene's is a few store fronts north and has amazing deli and meat selection. They even dry age steak on premise. Had the dry aged cowboy steak tonight with the family. Delicious.

RE: Gene's...Don't forget their awesome rooftop where you can sip beers and eat grilled meats! I love that place.

[Master Jay]

ChiGuy2.5, hello!

I concur Don Juan's HAS improved. In fact, I've been a couple of times and their shrimp tacos were delicious and their salsa was WAY better! What I DO miss is the old location's ambiance as well as location being ON the block with all my other Edison Park faves!

Now just to be clear, I will NOT accept your heretic claim of never being to Tony's Deli. SIR, do you understand I've brought my Milwaukee people down to enjoy this particular deli?!?

That said, you mentioned an Italian Deli on Oakton and Milwaukee Avenue??.... I can not fathom ever seeing the place!. I must check it out.. P.S. Amicis on Milwaukee Avenue and Harlem is gorgeous this time of year, on the patio. It so resembles an Italian Villa!

[Master Jay]

quigboto, thank you for mentioning Gene's Deli. But STOP this torture!

I came down yesterday. I rode my bike from the Square to 24th and Oakley, and back. By the time I got back, Gene's was closed.

P.S. If it wasn't mentioned here yet, I do believe the rooftop only accepts cash. I was there last weekend, and had lunch and a couple of drinks. And I helped this sweet, old lady (she must have had some form of dementia) down the steps, and then down to the main floor to find her brother (who also seemed to have a form of dementia). I literally saw the dude through the window, out on the sidewalk walking away!

The OP will LOVE the Square.... As I said about Edison Park, I've introduced both areas to Chicagoans AND Milwaukeeans. Everyone falls in love with the charm of these places, the Square in particular.

[ES335]

Lincoln Square or maybe Edison Park may be just the thing.

One question…may be a little early for me to be asking, but…how common are apartments with attached/adjacent garage or carport parking in these areas?

[Vlajos]

Originally Posted by quigboto

RE: Gene's...Don't forget their awesome rooftop where you can sip beers and eat grilled meats! I love that place.

Of course, how could I not mention the rooftop!!!

[Master Jay]

Vlajos, you must have been having a really AWESOME day going, if you forgot to mention that roof top!

Hey, it happens!

I wish I could remember the name of the guy that works the grill (tall, thin, glasses) because he has been teasing me about the free pretzel he has owed me since about 2020!