Need suggestions for moving from Cook County (Chicago) to Lake County? (Evanston: real estate, condo)

[aamert]

I currently live in Chicago and am trying to buy a house and move to lake County. I am looking for new construction housing and from my research, Volo and Wauconda in Lake county have new single family housing which is less expensive then other suburbs or cities in cook or lake county. Of course its a big decision so i would like some input on this. I am abut 23 years old and will be moving along with my parents and will be getting married soon. I realize that property taxes are higher in lake then in Cook County. But are they ridiculously high? what is the the average percentage of property taxes you pay in Lake county? What do you think about Volo and Wauconda? How is the area and people, and schools and the surroundings? I will have a family in a couple of years so that will also be a factor.
Overall the two things - property taxes and the commute to the city- are big factors in my decision making.



I currently live in a condo in Chicago so not only my property taxes are lower due to the county differential but also due to the fact that is a small property. In your experience does having high property taxes offset the good level of schooling, education and public services?
It would be a plus if someone has some insight into the two above mentioned communities (Volo and Wauconda)

If someone you know can provide more information and insight on the above crucial decision, feel free to let me know (be it real estate expert, area expert,, lawyer or just a friend).

[Calidreemer]

We live in Deerfield and find the taxes are much lower in Lake than in Cook county. My parents are in Evanston (Cook) and pay about $15,000 a year in taxes - it could be more now, but that was the last I heard. Our taxes are under $5,000 for a single family home.

I think you are on the right track finding a professional who can help answer your questions as you mentioned in your post.

[aamert]

Along with the above questions, i also have to decide on the builders. I know of the following builders that offer single family new constructions and will be narrowing it down from the following:
Volo:
Ryland
William Ryan
DR Horton
Remington Pointe

Wauconda:
Town and Country

Does anyone have good/bad/otherwise experience about any of the above?

[aamert]

Originally Posted by Calidreemer

We live in Deerfield and find the taxes are much lower in Lake than in Cook county. My parents are in Evanston (Cook) and pay about $15,000 a year in taxes - it could be more now, but that was the last I heard. Our taxes are under $5,000 for a single family home.

I think you are on the right track finding a professional who can help answer your questions as you mentioned in your post.

Are you serious? Do they have a much bigger home or in an expensive neighborhood?

[rgb123]

Both Volo and Wauconda are nice, quiet areas close to the Chain for recreation. Neither have a metra station. Wauconda has a nice lake and cute downtown, Volo is more rural. I'm from the area so I'm partial to it. A big plus is that crime is low....it depends where you will work and what you value in life. Generally, its a nice place.

[Calidreemer]

Evanston residents have large tax bills. My parents own a large home on two lots, so that has something to do with it. Still, the taxes are high.

[aamert]

Well....
Metra is a big thing for me to go into the city,So even though they are not that in either one of those villages, I can live with driving to the station.

Another thing is.. does anyone know or is aware of any race/ethnic issues in that part of the state (in and around Volo and Wauconda)?

[o.c.momof3]

If you are looking in Liberty Lakes there are no problems. I moved here with my family this summer with no regrets. I was very picky when it cameto making a home for our family. I was raised in Orange County California and my standards were quite high. Liberty Lakes is a lovely place to raise a family. All summer long we have neighborhood potlucks and gathering for those with and without kids. L.L. has two school dist. You WANT Fremont dist 79 not Wauconda. You will pay a premium to be in 79 but well worth it. Good Luck

[lakecountylifer]

-----------We live in Deerfield and find the taxes are much lower in Lake than in Cook county. My parents are in Evanston (Cook) and pay about $15,000 a year in taxes - it could be more now, but that was the last I heard. Our taxes are under $5,000 for a single family home."-------------

Taxes under $5000 in Deerfield? Can't think of what type of home you can get with that little amount of taxes in Deerfield. I'm stumped.....