With 20 percent of Morton Grove's land owned by the Cook County Forest Preserve District and set aside for recreation, there's no shortage of places to play in this Illinois town.
This town made headlines when it became the first in the United States to prohibit handguns in 1981 (Morton Grove residents take their sense of serenity seriously!)
With 20 percent of Morton Grove's land owned by the Cook County Forest Preserve District and set aside for recreation, there's no shortage of places to play in this Illinois town.
This town made headlines when it became the first in the United States to prohibit handguns in 1981 (Morton Grove residents take their sense of serenity seriously!). The ban was lifted in 2008, when the village board voted 5-1 repeal it. Other than the handgun hubbub, life in this suburban town is fairly quiet. Nestled smack in the middle of I-94 and I-294, northeast of Chicago, this village is the perfect home for urbanites who can't stay away from the allure of big-city lights, yet can't let go of the sedateness of the suburbs. This village may fade in the background of its more flamboyant, big-city neighbor; but being just eight miles away from O'Hare Airport and 13 miles away from the Loop, burbs such as this provide a way to live near the city hustle-and-bustle without having to be in it constantly.
If you enjoy the convenience of proximity to a major city coupled with the tranquility of a relaxed neighborhood, it's time to hunt for an apartment to rent in Morton Grove.
The Options
If you just can't find it in you to live in one of those city apartment complexes or high-rise condos, having to be extremely considerate of your neighbors (who for some reason annoy the heck out of you) you're better off living here. Morton Grove has mostly single, detached houses; so while it's dandy to be friendly with your neighbors to maintain a community feel, at least you won't have to rant and rave if the people living near you sound like they swallowed an amplifier. Although, if row houses or apartment living are your thing, you can find a mix of those options here as well.
Pets
Pets are the bane of a landlord's existence, especially if the house is carpeted. Can you really blame them? But hey, there are some landlords in Morton Grove willing to give some pets the benefit of the doubt. You'll just have to pony up the additional pet deposit.
The Move
If you don't like the idea of camping in a park for the night, better start your search for a house rental in Morton Grove at least 2 months before your scheduled move-in date. Vacancy rates in this village are not favorable to renters, and if you don't give yourself ample time to find a dwelling, you might find yourself setting up camp in a park.
Village Center: A mix of new and established single detached family homes, studio apartments, and spacious apartment complexes dominate this part of Morton Grove. With everything a stone's throw away, you're more likely to develop defined calf muscles than use fossil fuels. In addition, getting to Chicago from this area is a breeze with the Metro Station within the neighborhood. For those looking for a different kind of fun, Austin Park, Frank Bobrytzke Forest, and Morton Grove Public Library are also within Village Center.
North Washington Street/Arcadia Street: Those dreaming of a white-picket-fence community will find their fantasy land in this area. The problem? Finding vacant apartments for rent in this neighborhood is also a fantasy. You need more than your usual dose of luck to snag a home, since it seems that most residents settle here and never need to move elsewhere.
Dempster Street/Menard Avenue: With I-94 coursing through the center of this neighborhood, getting to Chicago can be like one magic carpet ride for residents in this area. If that sounds like a good deal for you, a 3- to 4- bedroom home or apartment and the area's walkability will make you one happy camper.
Golf Road/Central Avenue: Largely a residential area, this part of Morton Grove will have you thinking you've been transported to another era of American history and the skyscrapers of Chicago are a million miles away. Featuring mostly houses with 1940s to 1960s architecture, it will make the old soul in you crave the things of yesteryear. Of course, anytime you want to come back to the present, I-94 will take you to your modern-day responsibilities. Harrer Park and Mansfield Park are the social spaces of this neighborhood.
Golf Road/Shermer Road: 3- or 4-bedroom single detached homes that look like a slice of history are commodities in this neighborhood. If a longer commute seems a small price to pay for a sense of community, you might just feel at home here. While further from the city center, basic necessities and supplies are mostly a few minutes away.
Golf Road/Nashville Avenue: If your idea of fun is an afternoon at a golf course, you'll love this neighborhood. With the Chick Evan Golf Course, any time is a good time to work on your short game. But if golf isn't your bag, you may find your turf in the National Park, Prairie View Park, or Wayside Woods. If you're falling in love with all the green spaces, one of the medium-sized single detache rental homes in this area may be perfect for you.
The vibrancy of the big city is just a train ride or drive away from this relatively quiet village. Here, you don't get a Wrigley Field or a Magnificent Mile or museums or theater or towering buildings. You don't get all that jazz and pizzazz of Chi-Town. Here, you get community, a place to relax, and respite from city stressors. With more than 80 restaurants, bars and coffee shops in Morton Grove, you may not find yourself craving the big city as often as you originally thought.
But anytime you feel the need to watch the Cubs in action, put that plastic to good use with some retail therapy, or pig out on Chicago hot dogs or really deep-dish pizza, just hop on the train or steer that wheel onto the freeway. Voila! Chicago becomes your playground, and you can return to your cozy home right outside the city.
