Addition to post below...

mpolston

Where in the Chicago area do you live? Downtown or suburbs? Why did you chose to live there? What do you like about the area? TIA!

EASwimmer

I live in a little town called Leland west of Chicago.  We chose here because we wanted to buy a house and it was very cheap out here.  We weren't pre-approved for much but we were able to buy out here.  I like the area b/c it's quite and out in the middle of no where.  We don't have many neighbors and I like it that way.  We don't spend so much money on shopping b/c we have to drive everyway.  Now that's the down side is the driving so we spend a little more on gas. 

chickaboo1974

I live in the Western Suburbs.  I didn't chose this house, DH bought the house way before he knew me.  When I asked him why this house ( I never would have choosen this house)  he said that he was tired of looking, it was a well kept house, a bigger lot, and it was at the low end of his budget.

aprilbridezilla19

We live in the suburbs and are halfway between our jobs in the burbs.  We went a little farther out to buy a bigger house knowing that the area will only improve (hooray urban sprawl!).  I wouldn't see a need to live downtown if you were working in the burbs!  I would say it really depended on your job location!

lizardesque

I live in Norwood Park, which is on the Northwest edge of the city. I lived in Lakeview for a long time, and I really loved it there. However, we wanted a house, and houses in that area are crazy expensive. We wanted to stay in the city, though. So, we looked for houses kind of all over the north side. When we found our house, we liked the house, and we liked the neighborhood, so here we are.

jebarrs

We live in the western suburbs, and love it. A million times cheaper than the city, more space and room to breathe. We both grew up in this area, so it's familiar and we like the spread-out feel of the suburbs as opposed to the claustrophobic feel of the city. Plus, we can afford a nice condo with low taxes in the suburbs, whereas we'd still be renting a tiny apartment if we lived in the city.

ladychicago

we live about a mile south of the heart of downtown.     we live there for the short commute, proximity of stuff to do, and views of the parks and lake.   we give up quiet streets and a "neighborhood" feel, but for the last three years, that's been fine with us.   its worth it for us to have 5-10 minute commutes and to only have to use our car on the weekends.    at least while we don't have kids!