Montclare

Montclaire is a West Side neighborhood that is known as more of a family area. Filled with some impressive homes, there isn’t much to do here. If you’re house hunting, you may end up here, but I don’t ever have much reason to visit Montclaire. Even though it’s not my cup of tea, that doesn’t deter me from appreciating the neighborhood for its many attributes, not the least of which is how quiet it is here.

It is a very safe area with a strong community focus, which is noticeable in the various measures taken to keep residents safe. The homes are reasonably prices, but not the cheapest in the city, but residents here usually come to stay for many years. Montclaire is often associated with Galewood, which is similarly quiet and residential. The younger crowd would probably want to avoid Montclaire, but families just might fall in love with the neighborhood.

Transportation is pretty convenient here too, which is a plus for commuters. You can grab CTA trains on the blue line or the Metra commuter train with ease. There is even some shopping here, which makes it a pretty well rounded residential setting.

Montclaire is similar to Morgan Park, in that both are mostly residential areas, fairly nice and safe with good homes, but at the same time without a lot of the bells and whistles that Chicago is known for. I've heard some people say that it's a wonderful place for younger families, as they can still be in the city, while also having the type of place they can raise a family in. I'm not so sure. To me it seems like the type of place people who don't want to admit they should be in the suburbs would live. That said, it's a nice place. Good sized homes with yards for a reasonable price. The people are friendly, and you can walk around with the feeling that you're in the suburbs.
As far as nightlife goes, it's pretty quiet here. I actually had to check google to find anywhere to get a drink, and the best option available was a bowling alley. Again, the type of place that's good for a family, and where you can have some of that kind of wholesome fun that's necessary for the younger families.
Dining is a similar experience. Family friendly, normal, good but boring food. Don't get me wrong, I like Applebee's, but it isn't special to this neighborhood.
There is the Brickyard Mall for shopping, and it's not half bad, so if you live here you wouldn't be out of options for some retail, but it still doesn't feel special.
All in all, Montclaire is a nice place, and certainly the type of place you can raise a family. I wouldn't go there for excitement, but just because it lacks in excitement doesn't mean it's horrible.

This is a very stable community in that people who live here never seem to leave (although I’m not exactly sure why). While a lot of the homes here in this suburban-like section of Chicago are very nice indeed, there isn’t a lot going on in Montclaire that could keep someone like me – who likes to go out evenings – in the area for very long.

To be fair, though, Montclaire is where some of the largest homes in the entire city are located, and a family that somehow scores one (and doesn’t mind living on the city fringe) is lucky indeed, since they hardly ever go on the market. It’s even better that these huge Victorian, Tudor and Georgian homes go for relatively cheap ($250,000 - $350,000) considering how beautiful and spacious they are.

There are some good schools in the area, and this is where Shriner’s Hospital is located as well. Shopping tends to be of the strip-mall variety, like what you find at the local Brickyard Shopping Center (where they have a Target, Lowes, McDonalds – you get the picture).

It may not be very exciting (and, let’s face it: the reason you move to or visit a city has a lot to do with the pursuit of excitement), but residents seem to enjoy it for what it is.