Hoffman Estates or Buffalo Grove of Chicago? (apartment, houses)

[freeforfrank]

Hi, I am looking for a house to move in and currently living in an apartment in Schamburg. I found living in Schamburg is convenient, since there are malls, shops around and high-way nearby. But the houses there are too expensive for me. So I turned to cities around, such as Hoffman Estates and other north-western suburban of Chicago.

I recent found 2 houses I like. One in Hoffman Estates and one in Buffalo Grove. Many of my friends recommended Buffalo Grove for its great schools and neighberhood. However, for around the same price, I found a much bigger and nicer house in Hoffman Estates.
The house in Buffalo Grove is smaller, but should be enough for a couple without kids like us and has the cozy home feeling.
The house in Hoffman Estates is newer, 1.5 times bigger, brighter and next to the golf course. But the house is also next to some apartment properties, which may have a not as desirable neighberhood.
Which one should I choose?

[SLS216]

I don't know if it helps at all but I was born and raised in Buffalo Grove and have now lived in far SE WI for almost 2 years. As for the house in BG, if the house is in Cook County -- then I'd go with the house in Hoffman becuase I'd say that the schools are pretty equal and are both good schools. HOWEVER if the Buffalo Grove house is in Lake County, and its only a bit smaller and you plan on starting a family, go with the Buffalo Grove house. The education in District 96 and District 102 (the elementry/middle/and jr high's) are good and they feed into Stevenson High School which is an excellent school with so much oppurtunity. I graduated from Stevenson and I had friends at Buffalo Grove High School and they are both good schools but they are COMPLETLEY different in many ways. I'd be glad to answer any more questions for you and while I'm only 22, my Dad obviously just sold a house in Buffalo Grove and my family has been in 3 different homes in BG in the past 25 years so any questions I can't answer, I can get them. At one point when I was in elementary school we almost moved into Cook County....Depending on where you work might influence your decision as well becuase Lake Cook Road through Buffalo Grove during Rush Hour can be a complete nightmare. Feel free to Email me if you have any specific questions and hopefully I can help you out--- Good Luck.

Samantha.216@gmail.com