Moving to IL - is there any future? (Chicago, Arlington Heights: real estate, how much)

[Master Jay]

ToriaT, at first, I too, was curious why you did not like Vernon Hills.

They have seemed to grow, commercially, with the area around Milwaukee Avenue and 60, in the last couple of years. They did, however, lose their Chuck E. Cheese around that area ;( but that was the only thing I personally heard of.

Shopping is good, the library is good, good parks, I attended a Catholic mass there a couple of times, and diversity in restaurants. In my experiences, I have seen what I would classify as East Asians, Middle Easterners and Hispanics.

That said, I also am a big fan of Libertyville right up the road

[UMN2BE]

Originally Posted by Master Jay

ToriaT, at first, I too, was curious why you did not like Vernon Hills.

They have seemed to grow, commercially, with the area around Milwaukee Avenue and 60, in the last couple of years. They did, however, lose their Chuck E. Cheese around that area ;( but that was the only thing I personally heard of.

Shopping is good, the library is good, good parks, I attended a Catholic mass there a couple of times, and diversity in restaurants. In my experiences, I have seen what I would classify as East Asians, Middle Easterners and Hispanics.

That said, I also am a big fan of Libertyville right up the road

Our family friend who lives in Vernon Hills had nothing but marvelous things to say about the school district as well. Their two kids had a great experience.

I've been up there several times and it does feel more bland compared to neighboring areas (e.g. there's no "cute downtown area") but it seems like you get good value in terms of schools, safety, location, metra, shopping etc. for the house prices out there.

[Master Jay]

UMN2BE, good day.

I agree that a cute downtown is appreciated. As I said, take that Milwaukee Avenue (Highway 21) north into the next town.

If you have never been there to see it, I think you'll love it!!!

I was just there on Sunday to eat at Casa Bonita, and I live in Milwaukee!!!

[ToriaT]

I guess I just prefer the western suburbs. I do like the north shore, but they are expensive. The western suburbs mostly have nice little town areas and beautiful homes.

[Master Jay]

ToriaT, how are you doing?

I've had a taste of the Western suburbs over the years, but no where near as my obvious drive throughs, and stop ins, in the northern suburbs between Milwaukee and Chicago.

That said, I am a fan of Bolingbrook and Naperville. The problem is I don't want to pay tolls and I do not have an IPASS anymore (an exgirlfriend from Bolingbrook had bought me one in the past). Soooo, the untolled paths from Wisconsin to Chicago are the only ones that call me!

[Hiruko]

Originally Posted by UMN2BE

I am originally from the Chicago area (south suburbs) and have lived in MN for 10+ years now. Our office went 100% remote permanently and we are now allowed to work anywhere. My wife and I are thinking about moving back to the Chicagoland area, mostly to be closer to my family to help take care of our two-year old, as well as more job opportunities for my wife once she returns to work.

Literally every article I read about IL is doom and gloom - debt, the pension crisis, decay of downtown, deterioration of services etc. I'm not going to lie, it does worry me to be moving to IL while it seems that so many are moving out. COL in MN comes out a bit cheaper - state income taxes are a little bit higher here (6.5%) but are more than washed out by way lower property taxes, and everything else is lower here.

We'd be looking at north or northwest suburbs like Naperville, Schaumburg, Downers Grove, Vernon Hills... basically areas with good schools and small homes in the $300-400k range that are not in Cook County.

Pre-covid family would come visit us every month or two for a weekend since it's only a 6-hour drive. Part of us wants to move back. On the other hand our 2-year old will soon be in pre-school and life will be easier. We've also been in MN for 10+ years and it feels like home and we have many friends here. But the advice I was looking for was specifically on what current residents see the future of IL as.

It seems like you are happy in Minnesota. I would stay there, but I don't think that Minnesota is any better than Illinois as far as some of the urban unrest. What happened in Minneapolis and what has happened in Chicago is inexcusable. It will take both cities substantial time to recover. Minnesota is a better-managed state, but the Chicagoland area is a more vibrant and IMO more interesting area.

[ChicagoDavid]

Originally Posted by UMN2BE

I am originally from the Chicago area (south suburbs) and have lived in MN for 10+ years now. Our office went 100% remote permanently and we are now allowed to work anywhere. My wife and I are thinking about moving back to the Chicagoland area, mostly to be closer to my family to help take care of our two-year old, as well as more job opportunities for my wife once she returns to work.

Literally every article I read about IL is doom and gloom - debt, the pension crisis, decay of downtown, deterioration of services etc. I'm not going to lie, it does worry me to be moving to IL while it seems that so many are moving out. COL in MN comes out a bit cheaper - state income taxes are a little bit higher here (6.5%) but are more than washed out by way lower property taxes, and everything else is lower here.

We'd be looking at north or northwest suburbs like Naperville, Schaumburg, Downers Grove, Vernon Hills... basically areas with good schools and small homes in the $300-400k range that are not in Cook County.

Pre-covid family would come visit us every month or two for a weekend since it's only a 6-hour drive. Part of us wants to move back. On the other hand our 2-year old will soon be in pre-school and life will be easier. We've also been in MN for 10+ years and it feels like home and we have many friends here. But the advice I was looking for was specifically on what current residents see the future of IL as.

Don't read into that gloom and doom stuff. You're here because you need help with your children and family. I like all of the areas you mentioned. I lived in Schaumburg and Vernon Hils with a child. Vernon Hills was quiet and boring at first but great for family. I loved Woodfield. Wouldn't hesitate to do so again. Schaumburg has changed quite a bit over the years commercially with alot more dining options. To me, all those areas you mentioned are good areas depending on budget.



Don't worry about the taxes or poiitics. I would be more concerned about job and housing and schools.

[UMN2BE]

Originally Posted by Hiruko

It seems like you are happy in Minnesota. I would stay there, but I don't think that Minnesota is any better than Illinois as far as some of the urban unrest. What happened in Minneapolis and what has happened in Chicago is inexcusable. It will take both cities substantial time to recover. Minnesota is a better-managed state, but the Chicagoland area is a more vibrant and IMO more interesting area.

We are fairly happy and yes, Minneapolis's handling of the riots was an embarrassment. My family in IL tells me things got pretty bad downtown Chicago as well. Our house in the suburbs probably increased in value 5% overnight after the riots as lots of downtown condo/apartment dwellers are looking to get out.

I agree on MN being better run but duller. We even miss little things like authentic ethnic markets/restaurants and being driving distance of O'Hare for super easy and cheap international travel esp compared to MSP airport.

One additional pseudo-advantage of the Twin Cities is that the metro area is smaller. I could probably get a job anywhere in the Twin Cities area and have a <45 minute commute. If I lived somewhere like Tinley Park, there would be no way I could take a job in Waukeegan or Mundelein unless I was willing to move. Moot point nowadays with our fully remote office.

[pvande55]

Originally Posted by UMN2BE

Our family friend who lives in Vernon Hills had nothing but marvelous things to say about the school district as well. Their two kids had a great experience.

I've been up there several times and it does feel more bland compared to neighboring areas (e.g. there's no "cute downtown area") but it seems like you get good value in terms of schools, safety, location, metra, shopping etc. for the house prices out there.

Vernon Hills is safe, low crime, but it is more of a corporate suburb, "Edge City." lots of chains, few unique locally owned businesses. Poor walkabiliity and charm. It does have a Metra station, but it's not near anything. I'm sure the teenagers find it boring,

[dtcbnd03]

Chicago is a great city. Suburbs are great with good schools. People in Chicago and midwest are great. Your family is here so that drives a lot of people who stay / move back.

Financially Illinois is a disaster. Taxes are sky high and only going higher. Suburb home values will experience a brief spike given record low interest rates and the exodus from the city. But I predict both of those will end as interest rates rise due to non-stop fed stimulus (i.e. inflation), the exodus of young families can only last so long (rents are down 25-30% in some high rises making it very attractive to young tenants), and property taxes will continue to skyrocket.

Bottom line - being around your family will be awesome. Just expect to work harder/longer as more of your money will go to ever increasing taxes and your home value will likely stagnate or decline. My good friend just moved his young family to Nashville and bought a house worth twice as much with half the taxes as his home in Elmhurst...and with no income tax he expects both to contribute to an earlier retirement than if he woulda stayed in Illinois (he's keeping same job with remote work).

Good luck with your decision!