Moving to Waukegan Area (Gurnee, Libertyville: mortgage, loan, real estate)

[Leavingarkansas]

Hey everyone,
I have been offered a job in Waukegan, but before I take the plunge and accept it I had a couple of questions maybe you could help me with. We have 3 kids, and will probably be able to spend around $215,000 on our house. I dont mind an older house as long as it is in a decent neighborhood. I will be working at the airport in Waukegan, so what areas should I be looking for a house in? I really don't want more than a 30 minute commute. Any idea what heating/electric bills would be considering I need a 3 bedroom house?
I appreciate all your help!

[Windy City John]

Be sure and check out Gurnee and Grayslake too.

[sbd78]

You could maybe try Antioch too, with your price range. Windy City John's suggestions are good. I would not recommend Waukegan itself.

[nanannie]

I agree, skip living in Waukegan and go with Grayslake, Gurnee. Not sure about the Antioch commute, but any of these would be a far better choice for housing investment, schools, safety etc.

[sugarbeet]

Just wondering what's wrong with Waukegan? I drove thru recently and thought it was kind of nice. Close to the lake, train to the city...

[lakecountylifer]

----------Just wondering what's wrong with Waukegan?

Wow- Were you sure you were in Waukegan? I mean its ummmmmmm.......the lake front is all industrialized and the largest building is the jail....its definitely an acquired taste.

[IMMIGRANT DAUGHTER]

I live in Waukegan and resent what some of you are saying...the city's population is close to 100K, so we are not a sleepy suburb. We have diversity and neighborhoods of many economic levels. I also happen to be a 20 year veteran of the real estate industry, mortgage loan officer to be specific.

You aren't going to find much in Gurnee or Grayslake for $215K. I would suggest the northern Waukegan/Beach Park area if you are looking in that price range and raising a family. Although Waukegan Schools do not have the greatest reputation, there are programs available within the district that are outstanding - especially for gifted children and equally for special education. There is a Magnet school, a gifted middle school program (GAP) and the College Studies Program at the high school level...great tract that worked for my children - my son just got a 30 on his first try at the ACT. The high school is going under a re-structuring to accomodate the increasing population and there is a group pushing to start-up a charter school. There are also parochial schools in the area with great reputations. Waukegan has a high Latino population, especially over the past 10 years or so. Some find that negative...whatever.

Most of the industry has left our lakefront and the city has a development plan for our Lake Michigan border. We have a beautiful beach, a great park district, cultural opportunities (Muncipal band, Symphony orchestra and Concert chorus), the Genesee Theater, beautiful historical homes and the Waukegan Airport!

[JustinJenni]

Originally Posted by sugarbeet

Just wondering what's wrong with Waukegan? I drove thru recently and thought it was kind of nice. Close to the lake, train to the city...

I briefly drove through the part you are speaking of as well, and I remember thinking it wasn't so bad and actualy featured some lovely homes. Then I was near the Navy Base... WOW! The buildings are rundown, the people are rude to the core, and you find yourself checking the locks on the car at stoplights. I felt like I had to look over my shoulder to go in and out of busisness and such so for most errands we went to Gurnee or Libertyville. Both a decent commute, but worth it.

For the OP, I suggest driving through whatever part you are interested in at different hours. See what parts of Waukegan you feel safest in.

[LVMommy]

Waukegan is okay and can def. find a home in that price range. Beach Park is close and can find a home a bit older in that price range. I agree with others Grayslake, Gurnee, Round Lake Heights will give great schools with homes in that price range with a commute within 30 minutes to that airport.

[Sparkman]

I live in an area of Waukegan that is in Gurnee School Dist 56 & Warren High School. Within a 7-10 minute drive to the airport. There are 3-5 homes for sale right now in our subdivision, I haven't checked out price but I'd bet a couple of the are in the low $200's.
Decent neighborhood, near Midlane Golf Course. May be a good spot for you to check out.