Long Island NY to Chicago (Naperville, Wheaton: real estate, rental, townhomes)

[graynicolls]

Hi Guys,

I am considering a job offer in Oakbrook, and went there for an interview last week.

Would appreciate if some questions can be answered.

1. Is naperville a good choice to buy a house. (Have a 4 year Old).

2. Besides Naperville any other good school districts . (in the range of 300,00 to 400,000) and not too far from the city and Oak Brook.

3. Any suggestions about decent and safe areas to rent a two bedroom in for the first year or so (maybe not too far from populated places and not too far from oak brook).

4. Is it feasible to actually live in chicago city and commute to Oak Brook, and if yes any decent rental areas there.

5. Any major differences or similarities in culture, lifestyle between NY n Chicago that some one has experienced.


Thanks in advance for ur time to respond

[Windy City John]

there are some great posts recently that will answer your general questions--

In general-- there are good places in Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Downers Grove, Wheaton, some parts of Villa Park that are all close to Oak Brook and under 400K-- there is limited supply of townhomes and housing for rent-- strating at $1200 and up for something decent. Four Lakes is a crazy place in Lisle with tons of young'ns-- complex has small ski hill, pub, sand volley ball courts, golf course all on about 10+ acres.

South Wheaton has some attractive pricing, as does Downers Grove.

In terms of living in the city-- that's up to you-- but count on a 40 minute commute on good days and 1.25 commute on bad days--By warped memory, Downers or Villa Park are the nearest Metra stops so commuting by train between Oak Brook and city is out. You could easily live in Downers or Wheaton and Glen Ellyn and have access to the city by Metra and a 15 minute commute or under.

send us some specific questions and we can really target your concerns.....

[Burr Oak]

There are a number of good suburbs within a short distance of Oak Brook. Consider LaGrange Park. It is much closer to Oak Brook than Naperville or Wheaton. Mapquest puts Naperville 13.5 miles from Oak Brook, LaGrange Park only 3.5 miles from Oak Brook. The schools are very good, the houses are reasonably priced (that is, for the money, you'll get significantly more house for the money than Naperville or Wheaton), and real estate tax bills are not as painful as DuPage County's bills. The same is true for Brookfield and LaGrange. LaGrange Park is a bit of a sleeper, however, and I think you'd be surprised at the value it offers.

[Steve-o]

Id look in Oak Brook proper. Im pretty sure you can find a few homes there for that price, but theyll be small and older. Oak Brook is extremely wealthy and those that want to live in the town pay for it out the wazoo. But to answer your question, Naperville is a wonderful city, Im sure most will agree.