Author Topic: Evanston IL Mustache Growers!  (Read 2296 times)

Samwise327

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Evanston IL Mustache Growers!
« on: December 18, 2014, 08:36:38 PM »
Hello Everyone. I am moving to Evanston IL soon and was wondering if there is anyone out there currently living the good life (read frugal and fulfilling) in this locale. In particular I am wondering what areas people love/hate in the area, same for day cares/schools/etc., and what fun free/inexpensive things you love to do.

Love to hear from you,

Robert

Lifeblood

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Re: Evanston IL Mustache Growers!
« Reply #1 on: December 18, 2014, 08:59:53 PM »
I used to live in Evanston and can offer some advice, though it's been a few years since I was there. In general, Evanston is more expensive than the Chicago neighborhood of Roger's Park, which is just south of the Evanston border but still quite accessible. The further north you go, the more expensive it gets, though it also gets cheaper as you get away from Lake Michigan. Transportation can be a big expense anywhere, so trying to get close to an El station, and even better, both an El and Metra station at the same time (think Main St. or Davis St.) would be an excellent move. For groceries, try to scout out ethnic markets in Chicago and Skokie. If you travel a lot, maybe try to be close to a bus line that heads to O'Hare (there use to be a direct bus from downtown Evanston - maybe it still exists. For fun, get a bike and head to the lakeshore or the forest preserve trails.

One hidden gem I should mention - be sure to visit the Baha'i House of Worship located just north of Evanston in Wilmette for an example of stunning architecture situated in a beautiful garden setting with great views of the lake.  It is accessible via the El or by bike, and is free of charge.

I hope this helps!

JustPlainBill

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Re: Evanston IL Mustache Growers!
« Reply #2 on: April 10, 2015, 11:13:32 AM »
Lived in Evanston a long time ago (mid/late 80s) when I was a grad student at Northwestern.

Nice place back then, access to Lake Michigan was easy and allowed me to watch the sunrise and keep The Cosmic Big Picture in perspective.  Beautiful.

That being said, now that I'm an old low-50ish coot, it is a college town, and my tolerance for the crap I did way back when would not sit well with me now as a homeowner if I lived near NU.

Easy access to downtown Chicago via the CTA trains.  If that matters to you.  Long ride, though.  Just be ready to sit back, hang on to your wallet/purse, and watch all sorts of human detritus talk to their imaginary friends.  I doubt that it's improved since I was up there.

Lake Michigan is an underappreciated jewel, and is a big plus to offset any negatives associated with living up there.

bzzzt

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Re: Evanston IL Mustache Growers!
« Reply #3 on: April 10, 2015, 11:40:43 AM »
In particular I am wondering what areas people love/hate in the area, same for day cares/schools/etc., and what fun free/inexpensive things you love to do.

It's probably a good place to bike around as I've seen quite a few people doing it. Property taxes are higher than Chicago if you're planning on buying.

Are you planning on working in or close to Evanston? That would be a huge thing if I was planning on moving there. As a Southsider, I hate going to Evanston as it's a PITA to get there no matter which way you take. Taking Dempster from I294 to Ridge Rd is 30-45 minutes at rush hour. Parking sucks around Northwestern, not sure if it does for residents. Watch out for all the tow signs, the companies love to make money.

Someone once bitched to me: "The only people who like going to Evanston are the ones who live there." ;)