Which suburb is right for us? (Arlington Heights, Palatine: fit in, house, buying)

[ryanf1545]

Yet another "where to live" posting. Our criteria is below

Married, no children yet, but plans for one in the next two years
Budget: ~$300,000
4 bed/2 bath two story house desired. Not looking for a Camridge home or brand new subdivision without trees
looking for excellent schools
up to 45 minute commute to the city by Metra
looking for a nice, older downtown area with shops, resaurants, etc.
Open to north, western and southern suburbs
Would love to be in an area with mature trees and a forest preserve nearby, if possible

I have seen a few homes in Oak Park, but the lots are a little too small for us and we are looking for more of a suburban setting. We like Geneva and St. Charles a lot, but they are too far out for our commute to downtown. If we could pick them up and move them closer to downtown, we would live there. Is there anything similar in our price range that is closer to the city?

Thanks,

[gramirez2012]

Try Arlington Heights, Palatine, or Barrington, although the latter might be difficult for your budget.


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[Gunner0325]

We were in the same scenario and looking in Oak Park as well, around the same budget (but we aren't planning on kids). Oak Park's taxes were too high and the lots were small...we ended up buying in La Grange Park. We are right next to a forest preserve, can walk to the Metra and downtown La Grange and the schools are supposed to be great. Just a thought..Maybe check out Berwyn as well? Or maybe Elmhurst or Arlington Heights?

[chet everett]

Gunner0325's suggestions are pretty good. In fact, with depressed prices there are some nice options along all the desirable train routes especially in the broad North & Northwest corridors.

[ryanf1545]

Are there any places in the southern suburbs that match our criteria?

[chet everett]

The near-in south 'burbs are generally going to have lot sizes similar to Oak Park -- towns like Oak Lawn would fit in that category.

The further out south suburbs (where lot sizes may be more similar to that in St. Charles) tend to suffer BOTH from distance issues AND cross traffic issues that make for commutes even longer than on the UP-W line. Some towns that might work include Orland Park, Palos Park/Hills.

Complicating issues include the nearness of some stations, which makes travel on lines like the Metra Electric pokey, as well as equipment problems that sometimes don't go well with the snow / ice. That said, you might want to check out Homewood & Flossmoor or even Olympia Fields to get a sense for how far your budget might go.

[sunnyandcloudydays]

Originally Posted by chet everett

The near-in south 'burbs are generally going to have lot sizes similar to Oak Park -- towns like Oak Lawn would fit in that category.

The further out south suburbs (where lot sizes may be more similar to that in St. Charles) tend to suffer BOTH from distance issues AND cross traffic issues that make for commutes even longer than on the UP-W line. Some towns that might work include Orland Park, Palos Park/Hills.

Complicating issues include the nearness of some stations, which makes travel on lines like the Metra Electric pokey, as well as equipment problems that sometimes don't go well with the snow / ice. That said, you might want to check out Homewood & Flossmoor or even Olympia Fields to get a sense for how far your budget might go.

My wife rode the metra electric for 4 years and had maybe 5 or six delays due to weather all in all the electric line is reliable. Seriously no problems in the big picture.


Actually there may be a nice home for them in Tinley Park too or even Oak Forest

T