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Should we move to Mount Greenwood?


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As I noted in another discussion about the Mount Greenwood school, my wife, son, daughter and I might have to move to Chicago for my job, and we have friends in Mt. Greenwood so we might move there.

But what do you think of it? Will it be welcoming to new "out of towners"?

I already know about the schools, but what about the businesses? Are they good, do they meet your needs? What about restaurants and entertainment?

What are some good web sites to use to found out about Mount Greenwood?

Any help you can give is very much appreciated.

Thanks.


It's a great place, but

It's a great place, but because it's so tight-knit, it can be tough to get to know people right away.

Even though I grew up here and spent most of my life in the area, I'm still finding it difficult to easily meet people because I lived away for several years.

Despite that, it's one of the best neighborhoods to live in the city. I lived in a small town of about 15,000 for five years, and - ironically - Mount Greenwood is very similar in many ways.

It's the old cliche: Like a small town, everyone knows everyone, so they're there to help you when you need it. But also like a small town, everyone knows everything about each other.

The businesses are doing well, although I'd personally like to see the Starbucks of the world go elsewhere. Beverly Bean closed up shop (not that it has anything to do with Starbucks), but I'd rather support the mon-and-pop business over the big chains.

The alderman, Ginger Rugai, is approachable and has a great feel for the neighborhood. You can try her office or try the Mount Greenwood Chamber.


Supporting Mom and Pop is

Supporting Mom and Pop is good in concept but let's face it, we all go outside our neighborhood to shop. We need a "good" sit down table service restaurant not pub food. How many times have you said "let's go to Mt Greenwood for dinner for a great steak?" Not me. We do need chain stores here as well as mom and pop. Please get rid of the Walgreen's corner. It looks blighted. Build something else if you can't get the original plans done. It is embarrassing. Fire who ever was in charge of that disaster.


Makes sense. But one of the

Makes sense. But one of the best neighborhood sit-down restaurants around is in Mount Greenwood: Richie's has what I think is the best prime rib in the city. No lie.

But yes, we do need more options that just Richie's. Still, Beverly has a few nice places (Koda, Franconello's, Ken's).

As far as Walgreens, I've tried several times to see what the city's official word is on that project, and I get nothing. Construction was planned for some time this spring, I believe, but still no word on anything.

If you're looking at it from a larger perspective, though, I still think the neighborhood is worth it overall.


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