man, if you're white, and considering buying a crib, you should seriously consider the south side. we have just as great of access to downtown, but less traffic, and the cost of housing is significantly less. bronzeville/grand boulevard, oakland all have close proximity to downtown. but those areas are food deserts.
areas like englewood are close as well, and they are getting that whole foods as well. plus they have aldi and multiple food 4 less's and walmart.
you can live like a
out south for significantly cheaper. I keep tellin ya'll how I moved recently. stayed south like before, but my new house has EVERY bell and whistle of a north side crib that would hit you for over 500K for waaaaaayyyyy less.
I got 3500 sq ft including the basement, tray ceilings, 2 car garage, 5 br, and 3 full bath. on top of that, I am right off 87th street so it's only 2 blocks for me to walk to the train. and I'm right by walmart and target.