Arlington heights vs Highland park vs Evanston..your opinion (Chicago: highrise, budget)

[swedgeman]

My wife( 4 months pregnant, our first) and i are moving to "Chicago" in March. We are looking for a SFH in the $500,000 region. After much research and scanning of posts in this forum ( excellent by the way) we have narrowed our choice to Arlington Heights, Highland Park and NW Evanston/Wilmette. We do want a downtown area with restaurants and bars(preferrably a sports bar) but i also want a reasonable (< 40 mins) commute to Libertyville. I believe all three areas will meet our needs however i was hoping to hear from people who have direct experience of living in these areas and especially those who have lived, worked or played in 2 or three of the areas to give me a few pointers of whats good and whats not so good. hope you can help. Many thanks in advance

[DonkeyTeeth]

Evanston - true urban downtown with highrises, vibrant shopping/restaurant/nightlife. Other residential areas made up of mostly older homes. Your budget will probably only put you at entry level of the nicer/larger houses. You'll probably have trouble even finding a listing in that range in Wilmette. Opinions on Evanston schools vary - see other posts. Some lower income areas on the west end of town and sharing the area with a large university are some of the common knocks on Evanston (to some at least). Will be your longest commute to Libertyville.

Highland Park - Very nice, well maintained, walkable downtown that favors upscale shopping and dining vs any kind of real nightlife scene. Might be tough to find a good true sports bar in HP proper. Large lakefront park is a plus. Residential areas will offer mature trees and large luxurious homes, but will also be very expensive. Your budget may limit your options here as well. Depending on your own personal sensitivities, you might find the social scene a bit stuffy or elitist here.

Arlington Heights - A well rounded burb. Downtown is nicely maintained with several walkable stretches of restaurants, shops, and bars. It's not as dense as Evanston's or as upscale as HPs. You'll have many more options in your price range ranging from older homes close to downtown to more modern colonials further out. If you throw in neighboring Buffalo Grove (no downtown, but only about 15 mins from AHs) you'll dramatically increase your available stock of newer homes. Easy access to several highways and the massive retail complex in Schaumburg.

[Chiguy1957]

Is there a reason you're not considering Libertyville itself? It has everything you're looking for.

[swedgeman]

Thanks for your advise. Why not Libertyville?? A lot of my work colleagues live there and as much as i enjoy working with them i would like to get away from work at the weekend. What would the commute be from AH at 7.30am ??? Anyone do this or have a good idea.

Thannks

[Vanessa-Sue]

I would say Arlington Heights ~ it is more 'centrally located'. I lived right near there and liked it alot and it is close to alot of restaurants, malls, etc.

I worked in Highland Park at the hospital and it was nice, but like a PP said it is more upscale. Evanston is okay, has it's good points...but AH is my favorite.

[tcs1366]

for the commute ... depending on where you live in AH and the location in Libertyville where you work - would make a difference.

when i "mapquested" the drive, they have you driving on Rte83 all the way... which i've heard is a nightmare. the drive is listed at 14 miles... but AH is a pretty big town.

If I were me, I'd keep looking North ... where i consider A.H. NW'burbs.
I'm just one that hates spending time in traffic.

[Everleighdy81]

Highland park is extremely expensive and commuting to and fro can be pretty bad traffic wise. I live in Arlington Heights and it is a very good place to raise a family. The down town area has a sports bar, an irish pub and a martini bar. There is also a movie theatre and a ton of shops and cool restaurants as well as a jewel all within a walking distance. It would probably be your best shot-the market isn't very good right now which will work towards your advantage when your looking for an affordable home. Wilmette is right near the lake and has a beautiful downtown area but I dont think its in your price range.

[Clio1]

My two cents: the Chicago area is very spread out and you do not want to have to cross zones on a daily basis if you do not have to. Arlington Heights is NW zone; Libertyville true North zone. The highways and train lines all follow these lines, more or less.

Second point, as the parent of young children I can tell you that you want to be where lots of young kids live because the services (park districts, pools, etc.) and shops for them are right at your fingertips. Libertyville and its immediate neighbors are perfect for a growing family. And you haven't even checked out DEERFIELD or LAKE BLUFF which would offer plenty in your price range and are very nice (lots of newer homes, still affordable).

Meet with a good realtor that knows the Northern burbs and he/she will take you around for a day or two until you feel comfortable.

People pay extra to live in Evanston because it is close to Chicago, where you won't even be going very often. Arlington Heights is too inconvenient, and HP, while I wouldn't rule it out, may be too expensive.

As for sports bars--don't worry, they are never more than a five-minute drive. Even on the North Shore.

[tcs1366]

I agree with Clio on locations.

If I were working North, I would look North for a good place to live.

I would just want to spend as little time as possible in traffic for the commute.

Yes, A.H. has a lot to offer, but there are many towns up north that would also.

[nanannie]

I love Highland Park (had my last baby there) and the town, hoods and LAKE are just wonderful. Yep, its expensive, but arent all top notch towns?What 500 will buy in this market is probably more then you think. I love that ride down Sheridan rd right to the city (or easy train ride) I think A Hts would be a commute that would be too long.Same with Evanston. L'ville would give you more house for the money, has good schools, but sure isnt as charming as HP and that whole lakefront area/burbs. Good luck with your move.