I now haven't lived in Chicago for over 8 years, but before then, the intersection of North and 25th in Melrose Park was honestly about about as depressing as it got. (IIRC, some of the wiretape tapes of Infelice/Jahoda I have were recorded at a restaurant just south of North on the east). I realize it was different between there and the forest preserve, but still, I never guessed that it would ever be less depressing than Cicero. FWIW, I still could find enjoyment in Cicero 8 years ago (I like Mexican food and it was still kinda wacky).

What's Berwyn like these days, anyway? In my mind's eye, it's young couple central...