family-friendly burb near Elgin?

[pw72]

Most western and northwestern Chicago suburbs are fine. Downtown Elgin, and downtown Aurora are trying to reinvigorate their downtowns, but still have crime problems in their inner areas.

Carpentersville is becoming more and more hispanic. Up the road Algonquin is growing quite fast. And Elgin is actually producing its own suburbs, some quite affordable and nice. There really are only a few bad areas in this area, throw a dart and you will probably end up in a nice area. One of the next growth areas in this area is Huntley/Gilberts, just northwest of Elgin.

[J Randolph]

St. Charles is the place.

[NonnaRose]

Since Elgin is quite large and you have not indicated where the job is located I would suggest checking out these areas. Both St. Charles and Geneva (South) are delightful towns with a small downtown area. They have numerous festivals, art shows, etc. throughout the summer and a number of very nice restaurants and a good school district. You also have the river walk. Algonquin (North) also has that small town feeling and they have been doing quite a bit of work in their downtown area. The Fox River is more recreational.

[irish setter girl]

If you are working in Elgin I would recommend Geneva, St. Charles, South Elgin (St. Chas. schools), Wasco, Wayne, and Elburn. The schools are very good in these areas and you'd be within the stated price range in your original post. You can find historic homes, new contruction and rural homes in these communities. Good luck to you!