MarkM6

I've lived here for 8 years. Was single but now have a wife and 2 young children. No dining or night life scene keeps this smaller neighborhood an affordable option so close to downtown. I think this could potentially be the next University Village/Little Italy area mixed with a little Logan Square or West Town. There are some good vacant storefronts in the area just waiting for some cool businesses to open up (coffee house, pub, bistro??). I really love Baba Pita which has just opened up on Taylor Street. UIC and medical students hang out at Bacci Pizza. The locals prefer Damenzo's. My favorite is the Original Ferrara Bakery (manufacturers of Lemonheads, Atomic Fireballs, Boston Baked Beans, etc. in Forest Park) which is an Italian bakery and lunchtime cafe on Taylor Street. There are plenty of street food options here, just no solid restaurants yet. But you know what, save the money by living here and take a cab or drive to a restaurant not far away. For dog lovers, there is a huge dog park at Western and Flournoy, You do have to drive for groceries... the closest is Pete's Fresh Market (one at Madison/Western and a larger one on Cermak near Western) and Jewel (Ashland/Roosevelt). There are some ghetto-type folks in the neighborhood (both east and west of Western) but they are easily the minority. When I say ghetto, I don't mean color of skin... I mean attitude and lifestyle. Besides that, it is a wonderfully diverse neighborhood.