West Wilson Ave, Ravenswood

We moved here because the apartment we found offered fantastic rent for what we were getting, and it wasn't run down like some of the others we'd seen in other parts of the city. The apartment is fantastic, and I love it to death. However, there's not much going on around the neighborhood otherwise.

We live within walking distance of a Walgreens (very convenient) and a Staples & Blockbuster (don't care much whether these are there or not)... and that's about it. There are a couple of hole-in-the-wall restaurants within a couple of blocks radius, but nothing to rave about. Anything worth going to in the city either requires a LONG walk, like over a mile (which is okay sometimes, if the weather is nice and you're not walking in heels), or a bus or train ride.

For people who like being in a happenin' part of town that has a lot going on, I wouldn't recommend this area at all. But for people who like being in a quiet, somewhat isolated part of town, it's great. I feel safe and have no problems walking around alone at night. I wouldn't worry about children in this area either. It's just not for me, personally.