Elmhurst vs. Glen Ellyn Where should we buy? (Chicago, Naperville: work, houses)

[ramblin man]

We are buying a house in the next week in Chicagoland. We eliminated Naperville because of the longer train drive and drive to Ohare. Also, the long wait on parking passes and the daily commuter lot filling up by 7am (roughly) is unacceptable.

My wife and I (also have a 1 year old son) have decided to go with Glen Ellyn or Elmhurst based on the shorter train ride, ease of getting a parking pass, and daily lot being available up until 8am (roughly).

We can't decide which community we like better. Any thoughts?

[Drover]

Originally Posted by ramblin man

We are buying a house in the next week in Chicagoland. We eliminated Naperville because of the longer train drive and drive to Ohare. Also, the long wait on parking passes and the daily commuter lot filling up by 7am (roughly) is unacceptable.

My wife and I (also have a 1 year old son) have decided to go with Glen Ellyn or Elmhurst based on the shorter train ride, ease of getting a parking pass, and daily lot being available up until 8am (roughly).

We can't decide which community we like better. Any thoughts?

Six of one, half-dozen of the other. Hard to go wrong with either.

[OakBrookMom]

Two great choices. I think you'll get more house for your money in Glen Elynn but the train ride from Elmhurst is shorter and there are alot of express trains that go directly to and from Elmhurst. Parking is easier in Elmhurst - they have 2 parking garages. O'hare is a breeze from Elmhurst, not bad from Glen Elynn. I lived in Elmhurst for 5 years and didn't have a problem getting a pass even as a non-resident. Both towns are really nice and you won't be sorry no matter which one you choose so find a house you like with good schools (don't buy in the Conrad Fischer elementary school district in Elmhurst). If you need daycare for your 1 year old, all my kids went to Children's Montessori Academy in Villa Park right off of Route 83. Ms. Lillian is the director there. I wouldn't have stayed in the workforce for so long if it wasn't for the caring childcare providers and the school teachers there. My kids still ask to go visit on their school breaks.

[qtp111]

PICK GLEN ELLYN! Your Realtor thinks this is a good idea!

[bobsmith319]

Well this is tough! I like both places, they are both very nice safe, and have good schools. I believe you said you wanted to be near O'hare. Elmhurst is closer to it. I guess between the two, I would pick Elmhurst, it is a bit closer to Chicago, and I really like it there Good Luck!

[nanannie]

They both have good things going..I would look at houses in BOTH towns and when you will fall in love with a house/neighborhood,that will take care of the decision

[Steve71]

Originally Posted by ramblin man

We are buying a house in the next week in Chicagoland. We eliminated Naperville because of the longer train drive and drive to Ohare. Also, the long wait on parking passes and the daily commuter lot filling up by 7am (roughly) is unacceptable.

Well, I live in Naperville and we are looking at Glen Ellyn and Wheaton.

Regarding the train - you are physically closer to downtown but the express schedule from Naperville is the single best commute in all of the Metra system. An express train leaves from 59 and Naperville stations like every 20 min all morning and gets you downtown in 40 min. Naperville is very tight parking but 59 isn't too bad but during the school year it does fill up by 7:15.

If you don't catch a full express from Glen Ellyn, it will take you 40-45 min with a few stops along the way. There aren't nearly as many trains it seems from the schedule as BNSF has.

Naperville is much newer in terms of homes and such except for the downtown area. Glen Ellyn and Elmhurst are much older on average. Thus, , much of both of those towns have been torn down/rebuilt.

All have excellent schools. You can't go wrong with those burbs.

[cw68]

I took the Metra into the city and it was great. Express, 25 minutes and often. Non-express 40ish. Sometimes in the morning you had to stand, but usually I got a nice comfy seat where I could drink my coffee and read the paper. Much different than when I moved into Chicago and had to squeeze into the L...

The ease of having O'Hare nearby is great. I didn't realize it's benefit until after I moved away, definitely took it for granted. Not only is O'Hare insanely close, Midway is very doable to boot.

As to the two cities, it's a tough choice. I think the person who recommended letting the house decide had a really good idea.

[HOWELL_STREET]

As everyone has mentioned, both towns are a very good choice for the Chicago suburbs. Another minor thing to consider is any possible future education that you might want to pursue? Elmhurst has its Elmhurst College which I believe is a four year school. And Glen Ellyn has its College of DuPage, a community college. Also in Glen Ellyn is the serene Lake Ellyn. Although a small lake, it is still very nice to visit. In nearby Wheaton, Wheaton College is also available.

Carter Glass

[nanannie]

This post was pulled up from JANUARY,I dont think the op is around anymore or has already moved.