Family-friendly areas within 20 miles of Willowbrook? (Naperville, Wheaton: renting, homes, neighborhoods)

[Outlander]

Hi everyone.

What are the best "family-friendly" towns within 20 miles of the Willowbrook area?

We are looking for a community with sidewalks, a walkable town, friendly people, lots of kid and outdoor activities (a bike path would be fabulous) and good schools (oldest starts kindergarten next year). Does any place like this exist?

Naperville has been crossed off of our list for a few reasons, mainly because the commute would be a nightmare for my husband. We are currently renting a home in Darien and aren't too happy in this area.

Any thoughts on Glen Ellyn? Someone at my kids' preschool suggested that as an option....

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

[ahava]

You didn't mention your price range, but some towns that fit what you're looking for are Hinsdale, Western Springs, and La Grange. Glen Ellyn and Wheaton are good choices too but farther away from Willowbrook.

[NYrules]

Willowbrook is such a nice area, have you ever just thought of looking around it?

If not, I know that Hodgkins has some nice areas around the WalMart (I-55 and La Grange)

Another area that is really nice is down Bell Road from IL-171. Take Rte 83 south to the IL-171 intersection and veer to the right (South-West) then the next signal is Bell Road. Turn Left there and take Bell south. That will take you through Palos Park and Homer Glen as well as parts of Lemont. The area is very nice and filled with plenty of classy homes. There are some neighborhoods along there that are more or less subdivisions with sidewalks like you mention so keep a look out. The area lays in Will County so taxes are on the rise, but homes are still reasonably priced and I-355 will be making it\'s debut in about 5 months with an interchange right off 143rd Street as well as IL-171, so residents will be able to zip along to the northern burbs from this area in about 30 minutes.

[ahava]

Originally Posted by NYrules

If not, I know that Hodgkins has some nice areas around the WalMart (I-55 and La Grange)

...Are you serious?

[Outlander]

Thanks for the input, everyoone.

Kirstenleigh - We'll check out the LaGrange, Hinsdale and Western Springs areas you mentioned. Some of those homes seem to be in our price range, from what I could tell online.