Help! Moving to Illinois (Chicago, Aurora: homes, school district, taxes)

[Tbrooks1]

I would really appreciate if someone can give us some tips about some good areas close to Chicago. My husband and I currently live in Atlanta and can't wait to move north again!

[Manigault]

Well, what's important to you? Commuting times to work? Low taxes? Good schools? Diverse neighbors? Good transportation? Closeness to the airport?

A few more details are necessary.

[dch66]

If your housing budget is less than $350k. No matter where you look, You will have to be at least 45min from Chicago. Keep in mind that the closer you get to the City the higher the taxes are, and the smaller the homes/yards get. Typical Chicago Sub homes is 1300sq ft. The lot sizes avg 45x105-10 and the cost will be around $400k. Towns to avoid SW Joliet, Aurora. West Sub Carpentersville, Elgin, Streamwood. North- Waukegan,Zion, North Chicago and Round Lake.

[frenchdugay]

Naperville is one of your best choices. A ton of restaurants, a park like setting, close to Metra and the main arteries like I88 and 355
The only drawback when I lived there was the traffic on Ogden on saturday or in the evening rush hour. You do learn by pass routes quickly.

[preppyboyofIL]

Yes Naperville is a very nice community as someone posted earlier, however Naperville holds VERY high price tags on all of it's homes especially as it was named the most desireable community in Illinois to live in a year ago.

A couple of towns to consider where you can get a REALLY nice home for about $350K is Orland Park or Tinley Park. Both towns are easily accessable via freeway or rail (metra). Orland Park holds a recognition of more prestige, however in recent years, Tinley Park has rapidly gained ground on Orland Park when it comes to higher level housing.

Orland Park and Tinley Park both fall into the District 230 school district of which is excellent and known for superiority in both academics and athletics. Orland Park is home to two major shopping malls, hundreds of restaurants, workout facilties, water park, great public facilities, and tons of parks. Here is a link for you to check out. Village of Orland Park

Good Luck.