Couple splitting a commute between Deerfield & Schaumburg - Recommendations? (Waukegan: house, new construction)

[waitnolonger]

Hi there. My family is relocating and I'm looking for some suburb recommendations. One of us will work in Schaumburg, the other in Deerfield. Our priorities, in order, are schools, safety and affordability (so basically no such place probably, I know!) Any recommendations on where we should concentrate our search? We'd also like to find a decent split between commute times, if possible. Thanks!

[knitgirl]

What is affordable for you?

I'd suggest that the person who will be the primary contact for picking up sick kids from school have the shortest commute.

[damba]

Originally Posted by waitnolonger

Hi there. My family is relocating and I'm looking for some suburb recommendations. One of us will work in Schaumburg, the other in Deerfield. Our priorities, in order, are schools, safety and affordability (so basically no such place probably, I know!) Any recommendations on where we should concentrate our search? We'd also like to find a decent split between commute times, if possible. Thanks!

This is a difficult exercise w/o knowing even your rough housing needs/budget.

FWIW, My wife's occasional commute from our home in DF to Schaumburg is about 40 min but relatively easy via Lake Cook/53/90. Great schools, etc but what other issues factor in for you? Buffalo Grove (the part feeding into Stevenson HS) would cut the commute time. Arlington Heights would be another option and may give you more less costly housing options.

[wjj]

Originally Posted by damba

This is a difficult exercise w/o knowing even your rough housing needs/budget.

FWIW, My wife's occasional commute from our home in DF to Schaumburg is about 40 min but relatively easy via Lake Cook/53/90. Great schools, etc but what other issues factor in for you? Buffalo Grove (the part feeding into Stevenson HS) would cut the commute time. Arlington Heights would be another option and may give you more less costly housing options.

Approximately where in Deerfield and where in Schaumburg? It can make a big difference in commute times. If the Deerfield job is around the corridor along I90 between Lake Cook and Deerfield (e.g., Baxter, Takeda, United Staioners, etc) and the Schaumburg job is close to Woodfield (e.g., Motorola, Zurich, etc) then I would look in the Lake County side of Buffalo Grove. Kildeer District 96 (K-8) and Steveson HS are always at the top of the heap school-wise (though Steveson is a very big school which some people do not like - close to 4,500 students now). You can find a wide range of housing options from the 300s up to close to 1mil and some new construction. My wife and I did that kind of commute and it worked out fine - but that was many years ago and traffic is definitely worse now than it was back then. However, if for example the Deerfield job is along Waukegan Road and the Schaumburg job is further north and east (e.g., near the ballpark) the commute would be quite a bit longer timewise.

Northern Arlington Heights (e.g., Terramere) would be a good option as well, but the schools would be a notch down - but still quite good.

[amd555]

I'll add Mount Prospect to that list. MP is rihgt in the middle for you both. Stick to D57/D214 schools areas and you'll get a nice size house and convenient locations.

Schaumburg is 15 min drive and Deerfield is 20 min drive. appx. We live in MP, so let me know if you have specific questions about the NW burbs.

[Missy2U]

Palatine could work as well.

[awdg]

Schaumbugh.... that is nothing to do in deerfield

[damba]

Originally Posted by awdg

Schaumbugh.... that is nothing to do in deerfield

LOL Perhaps, if your idea of fun is hanging out at Woodfield.

Schaumburg schools would be a small step down for the OP though.

[4122]

You can look as far east as Park ridge and Glenview and as far west lake Zurich and Barrington. Which ever town in between would work, it just depends on your preferences and budget.

[waitnolonger]

Thanks everyone for the insight. I don't really have a specific number yet as far as affordability goes. My salary is still a bit of a question mark at this point, and I come from a much lower COL area and am suffering from major sticker shock (of course!) You all have helped me narrow my focus a little so I very much appreciate the help!