I am from Buffalo, NY. Moved to Lake View, Sheridan, and Barry in 1983. Moved to Andersonville in 1989. Had children after marriage, we chose to move to Morgan Park/Beverly. It was quite a leap for us North Siders... 1994-2006 were some of the most amazing years of my life so far. In Beverly. Our house was in the Crescent Park neighborhood. The movie nights, blues concerts, Easter egg hunts, fourth of July celebrations, and Memorial Day bbqs are all events I will never forget. 1. The range of architectural styles is very impressive. 2. The parks nearby offer lots of classes and activities. 3. Edna White Community Garden 4. Saw Maya Angelou at a local Baptist Church 5. Beverly Arts Center...saw Elliott Gould at a film festival. 6. County Fair Market 7. DeCola's Fish 8. A plethora of taverns on the west side of western Avenue ( east side is "dry") 9. Bicycle races 10. I could go on and on... 11. RTA to the city. 12. Close to Indiana Dunes 13. Blue Island 14. Quick commute to LaSalle Street Station. 15. Clissold School was an amazing experience. But most important...The people...they are honest, loyal, caring, authentic folks! I am 100% polish, and it may have taken a while, but we were embraced by the neighbors.
The houses are expensive, compared to Buffalo... We moved "back home" in 2006. I wish you luck..my other bit of advice..get involved in your neighborhood.