Looking for great elementary school neighborhoods

[trvl gal]

I would look into St Charles or Geneva. Good school districts, great little river towns, good park districts and little leagues -- very family oriented. There is a Metra stop in Geneva for commutes into the city. There are so many festivals/happenings between the two towns seems like there is always something to do. Naperville is nice, but there are alot of strip malls, chain restaurants and traffic. Geneva and St Charles give a small town feel yet still somewhat urban.

[Windy City John]

wheaton is the place for you

[Burr Oak]

Riverside is a beautiful Victorian community with excellent public and private grammar schools. All of the schools are within a short walking distance of the students' homes (there is no busing). It is on the Metra line, so it's a quick and inexpensive commute to Chicago's Union Station ($85 a month unlimited rides). If you're into history, the whole Village of Riverside is classified as a National Historic Site by the Department of Interior, the only community in the country so designated. Housing prices vary widely, from several million dollars to a Frank Lloyd Wright home to a selection of very nice three bedroom homes for under $400,000. Riverside has a website, and a nice entry on Wikipedia. It'll be a great place to live when gas goes to $5.00 per gallon!

[Windy City John]

Wheaton is for you!

[Windy City John]

Wheaton or Glen Ellyn-- unless you want to be closer in then you might look at Downers Grove, Elmhurst -- be careful about traffic in Naperville

[Windy City John]

Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Downers Grove, Naperville -- Hinsdale if you can afford it

[irish setter girl]

I agree with all that has been said. For the 500k mark I think Wheaton/Glen Ellyn is the best bet.

[mcbeck]

I would have to agree with a lot of the people on here that have said Naperville, Glen Ellyn or Wheaton. I grew up in Naperville and the schools are really great. But I also really love Glen Ellyn, I'm a full-time nanny for 3 kids. They are all in the Glen Ellyn school district, 3rd grade (Forest Glen), 7th grade (Hadley) and 9th grade (Glenbard West). All of the schools are within walking distance and have wonderful teachers that are willing to take the extra time if your child needs it. They are always have time to hear your concerns and are willing to work with you and your child to ease those concerns. I hope this helps!