Wheaton versus Geneva

[bungalowdweller]

IMHO, Aurora is just more of the same urban problems that I'm seeking to get away from. If it wasn't for the gangbangers, illegals and other criminals I wouldn't be looking to move from where I am now.

I have already restored an outstanding home, spending over 5 years stripping triple crown moulding, cove moulding, french doors, interior windows,stained glass, built-ins, etc. Everyone oooohs and aahs whenever they see my home--I don't expect to ever get another home like this again. After nearly 20 years of work, I have no desire to restore another house again.

I'm moving primarily because of crime and its effects upon our quality of life. There are MANY beautiful houses that will NEVER be restored because of the criminal element. Those homes are worth more dismantled piece-meal than in their present state. It's sad but true and I believe that despite some wonderful old housing stock, Aurora is rapidly heading the way of Cicero.

[BoardCrazyW]

There is a Skate Park in Barrington! It's called Bash and it's in Langendorf Park off of Rt.14 or Northwest Hwy. behind the McDonald's.

[quickdraw]

I've lived in Wheaton and Geneva.

Wheaton has a lot more riff-raff. It's not even close.

Wheaton has much better schools and libraries. While downtown Geneva is prettier than downtown Wheaton, Wheaton has much prettier neighborhoods. Get off rt 38 and away from 1st st to about 6 st in Geneva, and the town isn't all that special.

Considering the taxes-Geneva's library is a joke. The politicians really let growth in Geneva get out of hand. My gut feeling is the Wheaton people are smarter than the Geneva people. Geneva's schools could be a lot better.

Income and housing cost-I don't know, it's pretty close. Both slightly upper middle class to upper class.

Funny thing, when I lived in Wheaton and told people I lived in Wheaton, nobody cared. When I lived in Geneva and told people that I lived in Geneva, people lit up and told me how lucky I was and how they loved Geneva. I mean everybody.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by quickdraw

I've lived in Wheaton and Geneva.

Wheaton has a lot more riff-raff. It's not even close.

Wheaton has much better schools and libraries. While downtown Geneva is prettier than downtown Wheaton, Wheaton has much prettier neighborhoods. Get off rt 38 and away from 1st st to about 6 st in Geneva, and the town isn't all that special.

Considering the taxes-Geneva's library is a joke. The politicians really let growth in Geneva get out of hand. My gut feeling is the Wheaton people are smarter than the Geneva people. Geneva's schools could be a lot better.

Income and housing cost-I don't know, it's pretty close. Both slightly upper middle class to upper class.

Funny thing, when I lived in Wheaton and told people I lived in Wheaton, nobody cared. When I lived in Geneva and told people that I lived in Geneva, people lit up and told me how lucky I was and how they loved Geneva. I mean everybody.

BOTH are great towns, Id love to live in either. And while there are parts of Wheaton and Geneva that "arent special", the whole overall towns are, thats what makes them appealing. I dont care if I lived in a shack near downtown Geneva, the town is just so nice to me that I could care less.

[quickdraw]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

I dont care if I lived in a shack near downtown Geneva, the town is just so nice to me that I could care less.

See what I mean?

I loved my time in Geneva, unfortunately downtown is snarled with traffic since everyone moved out beyond Randall Rd. Same can be said for St. Charles. Gorgeous downtowns, but noisy and cluttered with gridlock.

To me, Glen Ellyn has it all, beautiful downtown, great neighborhoods with great architecture. As for the people, they're the greatest, just ask them

[chet everett]

You mentioned how people "light up" at the mention of Geneva, and my wife and I call this the "reverse wallet photo effect" -- Picture showing a wallet photo of your house or town, the love and the when you say "Lombard" or "Carol Stream" or whatever they go REALLY?!? If they are polite they'll say "I did know there were houses like THAT there...". If they're rude they'll say "I thought everything looked like ass..."

Geneva is the other side of the coin, people's mental image is in the historic section downtown. maybe with a view of the Fox -- they forget about the place around the corner from liquor store across the street from a lumber yard...

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by chet everett

Geneva is the other side of the coin, people's mental image is in the historic section downtown. maybe with a view of the Fox -- they forget about the place around the corner from liquor store across the street from a lumber yard...

Hell, what city doesnt have that? Most cities have a "un-desirable" part, and if Geneva's "un-desirable" part is being next to a harmless liquor store, than so be it! Sure beats having thugs running around, corner-dwellin drug dealers, whores, etc. Agreed? Overall Geneva is a wonderful city, even in the older sections, thats why people pay a premium to live there.

[chet everett]

I agree that every city has better part and those that are less good. Geneva is a great town, but so are a lot of other towns. I completely understand why transferees are drawn to it. Too many other towns that have VERY similar profiles just don't get as much of that...