Underrated and overrated suburbs (Chicago, Naperville: low crime, top schools, college)

[TGPII]

Originally Posted by wjj

Okay.......I'll bite and start the fireworks.....

Over rated without a doubt......Oak Park
Under rated......Vernon Hills

Oak Park is slowly getting the crap from Austin/Chicago.

[TGPII]

Orland Park is over rated. You say your from Orland Park, and everyone thinks you are rich.
Palos Park over rated.
Robbins underrated, I don't think Robbins is as bad as people try to make it out to be.
I agree with above that Lagrange is underrated but so is LaGrange Park.

[TGPII]

Bedford park is underrated the small housing area is nice for being next to factories.

[Butkusrules]

Underrated:
As someone who grew up on the northwest side, I think quite a few places in the southwest suburbs along BNSF are underrated. After grad school, my wife and I were living in the South loop and our family was growing. We made the decision to move out. Essentially we needed something with a yard, good schools and a quick commute to the Chicago where we both worked. We chose Riverside because it basically fit all those criteria.
It's 10 miles from the city which translates into an 18 minute train ride, less than an hour driving at the height of rush hour, and easy access to train from any part of town.
The school district is well ranked (our elementary is 10/10 @ greatschools.org) with fantastic Catholic School options in Fenwick and St Ignatius too.
The town's homes typically have large yard sizes, we have a 1/3 acre and that is not at all uncommon.
What I didnt expect was how sincerely pretty the town was, the welcoming "small-town USA culture" and how easily I could access other areas outside of Chicago.
When we moved in, I started riding my bike to the train and I was shocked at how that "Mayberry" scenery put me in a great mood in the AM. The crossing guard I pass everyday waves at me like we are long lost friends, the old growth trees, the merging winding streets, the river, the architecture. It's great.
From the town adminstrators to the popular volunteer fire dept fireman to the clerks at "wisconsin-esque" middle of town grocery store have all been welcoming and accommodating.
Lastly, the town is situated between two major highways in 55 and 290 which are accessible in 5 minutes, a 15 min drive to Oak Brook shopping, 15 minute drive to the massive Palos forest preserves system, quick access to Oak Park, Forest park, and La Grange restaurants and bars.
Riverside is underrated, as are Brookfield, La Grange Park and Western Springs. Berwyn is much better than I envisioned.

Overrated:
- Park Ridge was recommended and on paper we liked it. However, whenever we looked at houses the roar of the planes was deafening and suprisingly we encountered ALOT of homes with water issues. Unlike Elmhurst, there wasnt really just one section that we needed to avoid. Maybe it was just the homes that we happened to see at the time, but looking back of all the places we were considering (Park Ridge, Elmhurst, Riverside, LaGrange, Glenview, Edison Park , and Arlington Heights) I'm really happy we didnt buy in Park Ridge more than any others.

[makingfaces93]

Hi everyone,

I'm considering a move to the Chicago area for a job opportunity this summer and would greatly appreciate your expertise! I have three small children and will likely be working from an office in the Oak Lawn area. I know nothing about Illinois neighborhoods, aside from a few visits to Chicago (downtown) many, many years ago. Can anyone tell me which neighborhoods are the nicest (30 min commute time)north of Oak lawn and not too far from the city (30 min or so). Without considering budget restrictions, what do you all recommend?


I'm looking forward to hearing anything that anyone has to offer!

Thanks!!!!

[JJski]

Faces93, check out Hinsdale, Western Springs and La Grange -> just search these boards and you will find tons(TONS) of info on these 3 highly desirable towns. ~ They are your best options...

[Brookfield1995]

Underrated:
Brookfield
La Grange
La Grange Park
Riverside

Honestly all of these 4 places are great suburbs to live in. All have overall solid/good elementary/middle schools and all feed into fantastic top notch high schools (Lyons Township High School for La Grange, La Grange Park, and South Brookfield) and (RB High School for Riverside, and North Brookfield)
I have personally have lived in Brookfield and I graduated from Lyons Township. Honestly this suburb has a lot to offer and it is pretty affordable to. Lots of upper middle class and middle class people. All very friendly and humble. I have yet to meet the snobs you encounter in places like Naperville and Hinsdale. There are 3 parks, Elhert and Kiwanis being the big ones. And it even has a downtown. 8 corners is appealing and you get the amazing high schools which honestly is what resonates with somebody the most is high school.
Though it isn't really that racially diverse as a place like lets say Berwyn. (Brookfield is mostly White, some Hispanic)
Not to mention Brookfield is home to the world famous Brookfield Zoo one of the most acclaimed zoos in the country. Great for kids.
Happy to see that more people seem to be mentioning Brookfield. I think it is definitely a town on the rise and it also borders other great suburbs like La Grange/La Grange Park.

[Brookfield1995]

Overrated Suburbs:
Naperville
Schaumburg
Hinsdale
Oak Park

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by Brookfield1995

Overrated Suburbs:
Naperville
Schaumburg
Hinsdale
Oak Park

Weird. I dont see how cities with burgeoning downtowns, beautiful homes, excellent nightlife, supreme safety, good PT, and excellent schools could be considered "overrated". But hey, who am I?

[aga412]

Originally Posted by BIG CATS

Weird. I dont see how cities with burgeoning downtowns, beautiful homes, excellent nightlife, supreme safety, good PT, and excellent schools could be considered "overrated". But hey, who am I?

Schaumburg sucks.