connecticut possibly relocating to chicago (Wheaton, Downers Grove: 2010, houses, neighborhood)

[ctseasons]

We live in Connecticut outside NYC and are thinking of taking a job in Oak Brook. From what I can tell Hinsdale is a very nice area with great schools that seems a bit like the town we're in - small, quaint with top rated schools. But when I look at the properties, they have no land. What other areas should we consider with great schools near the Oak Brook area where we might get a home that doesn't sit on top of the neighbor. We currently have 2+ acres - clearly not happening and that's fine, but would still like something at least 1/2 acre. Liked some of the areas north like Kildeer and Long Grove, but way too far to commute. Looking to keep it at 30 minutes or so. Any suggestions?

[nanannie]

Originally Posted by ctseasons

We live in Connecticut outside NYC and are thinking of taking a job in Oak Brook. From what I can tell Hinsdale is a very nice area with great schools that seems a bit like the town we're in - small, quaint with top rated schools. But when I look at the properties, they have no land. What other areas should we consider with great schools near the Oak Brook area where we might get a home that doesn't sit on top of the neighbor. We currently have 2+ acres - clearly not happening and that's fine, but would still like something at least 1/2 acre. Liked some of the areas north like Kildeer and Long Grove, but way too far to commute. Looking to keep it at 30 minutes or so. Any suggestions?

There are areas with larger property around Graue Mill/Fullersburg you might check. Your realtor should be able to find something with the acre that is still within your desired area.

[NUman]

I am currently looking for a home in the western suburbs and I have heard that Glen Ellyn is the 'New England of the Midwest'. I do not know much about the town though. I hear it has relatively good schools. Watch this video, you'll need quicktime The Glen Ellyn Movie and read this page and view photos About Glen Ellyn. This company also has some nice houses, you will not find anything on 1/2 an acre in that area unless you have well over $3 Million. Chicagoans prefer low maintenance lots as too very large ones. Most lots in those suburbs are going to be 50' x 140'.

[SloopyJ]

Two-acre lots are pretty rare anywhere near Oak Brook, but half-acre lots aren't that hard to find if you have the dough. What kind of price range are you looking for?

[here to help]

Look at Clarendon Hills as well as Hinsdale. I don't know your price point but for the right price you can get a little bigger lot and the schools in CLarendon Hills are exceptional. They share the same district as Hinsdale. Once you see how quick your commute is, the happening downtown area, great neighborhood feel and fantastic schools the lot size will become less and less important. It is hard to get used to in this area. You can go to Barrington with the rolling horse hills but that would be a terrible commute if you were working in Oak Brook.

Moderator cut: soliciting

Happy home search. My husband and I moved to the Chicago area 11 years ago from New Jersey and are so thrilled.

Have a great night!

[Justabystander]

Originally Posted by nanannie

There are areas with larger property around Graue Mill/Fullersburg you might check. Your realtor should be able to find something with the acre that is still within your desired area.

I agree with NaNannie, the Fullersburg section north of Ogden Ave.bordering Oak Brook has larger lots and is less expensive than a 1/2 to an acre lot located in in town Hinsdale proper (usually found in the South East or Woodlands sections) which can be expensive, although coming from Connecticut the prices might not be all that different.

Hinsdale is a good choice because it LOOKS like Connecticut, towny,with some smaller lots in some parts of town than you might be used to. The downtown is lifted right out of New England. Burr Ridge to south has larger lots, newer homes in general, and is less expensive for what you get than Hinsdale, but is very nice, has very upscale houses, just a different feel.

Having been born in Mass. and gone to college in Mass., Hinsdale and the surrounding area feels comfortably New Englandy, and there are many Boston families at my kids school we have gotten to know. Good luck in your search.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by ctseasons

We live in Connecticut outside NYC and are thinking of taking a job in Oak Brook. From what I can tell Hinsdale is a very nice area with great schools that seems a bit like the town we're in - small, quaint with top rated schools. But when I look at the properties, they have no land. What other areas should we consider with great schools near the Oak Brook area where we might get a home that doesn't sit on top of the neighbor. We currently have 2+ acres - clearly not happening and that's fine, but would still like something at least 1/2 acre. Liked some of the areas north like Kildeer and Long Grove, but way too far to commute. Looking to keep it at 30 minutes or so. Any suggestions?

As youve mentioned, finding a lot that big in Hinsdale is pretty hard. Hinsdale is known as the "grandfather of the tear-down phenomonon", many old homes were torn down to put up mega-mansions, some of which are only a few feet apart from their neighbor. Ive seen it a million times in that town, and its disturbing. If youre looking for a little more land, you might want to try south Wheaton. Some nice large homes there with decent lots, and its about a 25-30 minute ride down Ogden Ave into Hinsdale, but the traffic can be really rough. Have you thought about Downers Grove or Westmont?

[aragx6]

Anybody know what's up with Westmont's high school? According tot he Illinois report card their scores have been plummeting: Interactive Illinois Report Card

[NYrules]

How far are you willing to drive to work everyday? There are plenty of areas down on the south side that have 2 acres of land. Homer Glen, Frankfort, Palos Park, and Lemont come to mind. All are under 45 min. drive to Oak Brook.

[ctseasons]

Thanks so much for all your suggestions! Our price point right now is about 1.2. If that didn't cut it in Hinsdale, what order of preference would you rate Downer's Grove, Westmont, Wheaton and Glen Ellyn where we might be more likely to get a little more separation in houses - and mostly looking for school district impressions and estimated commute? From what I understand, parts of Burr Ridge and Clarendon Hills feed into Hinsdale Central. What about Hinsdale South?