city or suburbs for our family?

[Windy City John]

Homer Glen is a hidden gem-- due to a new I-355 extension it is now more accessible. Housing prices are relatively good and if you are looking for new construction or homes under 2 years old, affordable in comparison to Plainfield and Oswego, that are really far out, when you think about commutes to city.

I think you might want to compare school systems-- Do you want to be in a mature school district or one that is being stretched do to high pop growth. With that being said you might want to seek south Wheaton or Downers Grove based on your price point.

[aragx6]

As Lookout kid said- I too am very sorry for the highjacking of your thread in the Chicago city forum. I let my argumentative attitude get in the way of your request for help.

Personally, i would definitely not suggest Homer Glen. It is SOOO far from the city- over 30 miles to the loop. And traffic will be nightmarish. Even though taffic on 55 isn't as bad as some other highways it would probably be about an 1 1/2 minimum home in the afternoon.

Even Downers Grove or Wheaton, which are nice enough areas, won't have the convenience to the city, or the slightly urban feel I think you're looking for. And the lake? Forget about it- very far away.

[vester72]

My 2 cents -

I live in the city - South Loop (and have lived in Lakeview - combined for 13 years) and am moving to the burbs for my family. I need more room, better public schools, more kids in the area, bigger yard, etc. Where I am, 2,000 sq ft is $550k-$600k - that will get me 4,000 sq ft in the burbs where I am looking. 2,000 sq ft is not enough for my family and this only has a tiny, tiny yard.

My area also does not have great public schools - and I refuse to pay $15k for private schools, nor do I want to drive miles away if my daughter tests into the better public schools when she is older. Also Montessori and other pre-schools in my area are in the 5 digits as well - a lot more than in the burbs.

My personal opinion is the burbs are much better for kids, unless you go northwest in the city. But, the reason I love the city is proximity to the lake and downtown. If I cannot be walking distance or a 5 minute drive to the lake or downtown, there is no point to living in the city limits if the alternatives in the burbs are more attractive.

Anyway, I'll be back in the city when the kids are out of the house, but in my opinion, the suburbs are a better place to raise kids.

And I LOVE Homer Glen (I'm moving to Frankfort, but same area) - I-55 does not have bad traffic and trains are quick to the city - if you don't mind a 45 minute commute. My commute going 4 miles on the bus and L to work right now is 45 minutes in the city so a single train ride taking the same amount of time will be a peasant change for me

[aragx6]

I-55 does not have the traffic of 290, but yes it has traffic everyday.