I often visit my sister in Lincoln Square, I know that once had many more German residents. The relative lack of awareness that many folks that have little/no experience in the suburbs often leads to inaccurate views. Some people find the Western burbs unfriendly (more religious folks, more social conservatives, less diversity) and others say the complete opposite. Thank you! Just trying to make sense of what I read. There also gay home owners in towns alomg the UP-W like River Forest, Glen Elllyn or Elmhurst that enjoy the unique characteristics of those lovely towns. Other towns along the BNSF Like Downers Grove, Lagrange or Riverside have similar appeal. Similarly gay families choose Hinsdale and adjacent Clarendon Hills for the same reason that others do - superior schools, lovely homes, charming street scenes, wonderful local dining, cute shops, a wide range of cultural and social organizations that range from the well know association of Hinsdale Hospital with the Adventist Church to the perservation minded village that provides access to things like the historic Graue Mill, the Zook studio, the Katherine Leggae Memorial Park, and a wide range of similar gems.
It was a well know refuge for those escaping slavery during the civil war, has long been a model of religious diversity in the region, and has a culture of honoring the past while embracing the future. Naperville's core has many quite a few historic homes many of which have been restored / updated by folks that appreciate it history of tolerance / civil rights activism. I have several gay clients / friends that have bought lovely homes in the western suburbs. Anything on the Western front? How are Hinsdale, Naperville, etc.? They strike me as places without a lot of culture or diversity but I may absolutely be relying on stereotypes and I'd love to get some more informed opinions. Any other thoughts (not related to churches) about good LGBT-friendly suburbs? Evanston is on our list, as is Wilmette.