Information on Libertyville, Grayslake, Mundelein (Chicago, Buffalo Grove: middle schools, metra, commute)

[Phacops]

I've lived in both Mundelein and Libertyville (14 and 13 years, consecutively). Mundelein was nice and Libertyville has a bit more to offer with a little central downtown, mentioned in maydai's post.

What tips the balance for me is that living in the older part of Libertyville gives me proximity to two long-distance bicycle trails, the Des Plaines and the North Shore. (The Des Plaines trail will take you to Independence Grove, among other beautiful forest preserves) I've also found that Libertyville is a bit more pedestrian and bicycle friendly than Vernon Hills.

One positive thing that Mundelein has going for it is its community sports center. My spouse goes there for water aerobics. While Libertyville has a nice complex, it is not as "user" friendly or welcoming as Mundelein's. For what its worth, living in both communities I've noticed some difference in driving courtesy towards others. Mundelein seemed to have more courteous drivers. Here in Libertyville they are hell bent at being first through any intersection among other annoyances.

I think maydai's comment that Vernon Hills is commercial is about right and I can't add anything to that discussion.

[Sweatin2theOldies]

Prairie Crossing (on the corner of Libertyville and Grayslake) now has a metra staton right there. You could walk or ride your bike to the train stop in front of the community.
SWEET place! If I could afford it, that is where I would want to live and raise a family. The homes range from $350-550K. Like I said, outta my price range.

[Zebra]

I would go for Libertyville, it is beautiful, old and trendy with a beautiful downtown, nice place to live in or visit for sure.

[vhfam]

I live in Vernon Hills, but we're in the Diamond Lake District 76 school District. I've put two sons through this school district and they've been VERY successful at Stevenson High School, one of the top rated high schools in the nation. Your $$ would buy a very nice home in Mundelein (or Vernon Hills) and the school district is sound academically and financially. Good luck!

[cag]

Grayslake is great if you want to pay more property taxes per a residence than most communities in the state.

[trailerguy]

If you want a cozy old-fashioned downtown, I'd go with Grayslake. Nice little shops, some really terrific small restaurants (NO chains) and a fantastic used book store (the best I've found in the area outside of Chicago). Libertyville has a nice downtown too, a bit more sophisticated than Grayslake; wine bars and boutiques and such. Vernon Hills has great malls, no traditional downtown to speak of. All have good schools and beautiful homes reasonably priced relative to the rest of the area. Mundelein is a little more proletarian and somewhat lacking in charm IMHO. If you are Catholic, the Marytown shrine is an unforgettable experience.

[Jindra 21]

Originally Posted by taluhrs

I am moving to Chicago and am looking at affordable ($400,000 ish) homes in the North and/or Northwest suburbs. My research suggests that Grayslake, Libertyville, and Mundelein have affordable houses. I would like a fun, vibrant area near parks and shopping and some character, if possible. Do any of these suburbs fit the bill?

quote=taluhrs;1130472]I am moving to Chicago and am looking at affordable ($400,000 ish) homes in the North and/or Northwest suburbs. My research suggests that Grayslake, Libertyville, and Mundelein have affordable houses. I would like a fun, vibrant area near parks and shopping and some character, if possible. Do any of these suburbs fit the bill?[/quote]

Hello there:
You'd probably like Libertyville. it has a nice established downtown area, a LOT of shopping, yet it's very close to a number of parks and preserves in the area. The affordability is the only issue there - some homes a little bit more expensive than what you have in mind.

Good luck!

[racerx68]

I would stay out of Lake county all together due to high taxes. The congestion going to the city or anywhere south is terrible. There is very few routes to take. Mundelein is a very shady place. Drive thru there before you buy and decide for yourself. I don't think you will be chosing it. Libertyville is a very nice town though. Grayslake is ok too. My advice would be....

1) Buy in Cook county ( more decent towns with cheaper taxes )

If you had to buy in Lake County
1) Buffalo Grove is the safest, cleanest, best property values (not cheap)
2) Libertyville ( 2 out of the 3 you mentioned )
3) Grayslake ( used to be cheap, now it's pricey and does not offer much )
4) Mundelein ( your property value wont increase much, trust me, red flag )

[chitown defector]

if your not from the area, your safest bet is libertyville. you would be hard pressed to find a bad area in libertyville. and it sounds like your needs and price range fit perfectly. plus, you cant miss out on anything (except schooling) in mundelein or vernon hills because they are right next door!

as for buffalo grove, if you can afford it, go for it but it is really expensive comparitively because of stevenson high school and too busy for my tastes. grayslake is decent in places but the neoghboring towns are places that i would avoid and makes grayslake the worse for it. i grew up there and turned out just fine but it couldve been better.

moral of the story: do libertyville!

[Movin'East]

From my view of "reality", if you are interested in:

1. Excellent schools
2. Good home appreciation
3. Straight line into the city
4. And somewhere considered "desirable" by most

I would strongly encourage you to consider Lake Forest or anywhere south of this. 400K may get you little-to-nothing in these cities but given the current housing market, and if you are willing to sacrifice size for quality, you may be able to find something "cute". Also, Lake Bluff, just North of LF, feeds into LF schools and is also very nice. Many homes are "unique" and you don't feel like every subdivision is the same-old-sh...

I like the LF area* (see disclaimer below) because it has a New England feel. If you want someplace "fun" Gurnee are not it. Libertyville is only modestly better. Vernon Hills (like the aforementioned) is cookie-cutter. For the sake of your children, don't get into Antioch, Waukegan, Round Lake schools.

Stay South - between Lake Forest and Winnetka and on the Lake. You will not be sorry in the long run.

Dr. R.

*I am moving back East in a few months - the MidWest isn't doing it for me - but if I had to stay you would find me in Lake Forest