What can you tell me about Downers Grove? (Chicago, Naperville: for sale, buying a home)

[JSmom23]

Hi Everyone,

My family and I are moving to Chicagoland from California. We don't know the area at all, and are hoping some of you can help us. What I like about Downers Grove is that the elementary schools include the sixth grade, which my oldest daughter will be attending. I just think it will be easier for her to make friends and adjust to a new school if she is still in an elementary school (rather than a middle school) like she is here in CA. We also have a son who is in third grade and a little one who is 21 months.

So what else is there to know about Downers Grove? Is it considered affluent? I thought I read someplace that it is?

Thank you!

[nicolepsy]

my son lived there for a bit and i think it has a good reputation. i was only there once but remember a cute slightly upscale downtown area ith nice shops, cafes and a doggy bakery. i hope i am remembering correctly. if i am not then i apologize

[Don Vito]

Downers Grove is not affluent. It's your typical run of the mill middle-upper middle class suburb. Decent schools, safe streets, and plenty of shopping.

[vester72]

Some of Downers Grove is affluent, some is regular middle class - it is very nice and homes are expensive, but a very nice area. There are no bad areas.

[Don Vito]

i suppose "affluence" really is a subjective term..my apologies.

[emmi605]

Everyone I know that lives in Downer's Grove really loves it and when they have moved homes, stayed within its limits. That says something, I guess. There is a wide variety of homes and areas to fit everyone's style. Schools have a very good reputation also.

[charlotteh]

I live in Downers Grove and definitley wouldn't consider it affluent, it's more middle class with some upper middle class. Friends I have live in $700,000 plus homes and still shop at Old Navy and Target, it's very unpretentious with little brand name snobbery.

[Don Vito]

Hinsdale is pretty much the only suburb directly west of the city that comes to mind when I think of affluence.

[Windy City John]

In addition to Downers Grove check out Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, and Naperville. It all depends on what you are looking for. 4 bedroom 2 bath will run you $475,000- $600,000 depending on your wants and desires. If you want something under 5 years old-- you might consider Naperville-- If you want something old and charming consider G.E. or D.G. in that price range. New construction in the 'burbs starts around $700,000 maybe less if you are really to give on location.

[JSmom23]

Thanks everyone! We're looking for a nice, safe, clean, attractive place to live without having to deal with snobs and keeping up with the Jones'. It's so hard when all you have is the internet to guide you along, but you all have been helpful. Target and Old Navy are my kind of stores, so that was nice to hear!

The other problem of buying a home right now (within the next week or so) is that it is going to be harder because there seems to be less for sale this time of the year. But, we are looking forward to coming out there and seeing all there is to see! Thanks again.