For that kind of money, Naperville might suit your needs. Its a large town, with a small town feel. Its hard to explain. Traffic is horrendous on the large arteries, but the rest of the town is very nice with some of the best schools in the nation. Downtown is extremely lively, especially in the summer months, offering LOTS to do and is also very safe!
Id also recommend Wayne. Thats in the middle of everything, but is upscale and downright peaceful. Its a bigtime horse community, but lots of homes in the area do not have stables and/or riding farms. Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughan just bought a house out there, or so they say. Nice town! No downtown though.
Wheaton is quite charming, nice downtown with lots of stuff to do. Very safe and well kept.
St. Charles is nice, a town of 30K along the Fox River. Nice restaurants and lots of homes in your price range. The commute is a bit far, but the train station in Geneva is a short 10 minute ride away.
Geneva, very similar to St. Charles, but nicer IMO. The downtown is far less college-kid-oriented (read:bars) than St. Charles, and there are some very nice restaurants. Shopping along 3rd st is nice and charming. Here are some pics of St. Charles and Geneva. Theyre all I have at the moment, but might interest you?
Dobson Square in Geneva:
Hotel Baker and the Waterfront Restaurant, St. Charles:
St. Charles city hall:
Small shops in Geneva:
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