Where are the best suburbs to live outside chicago? (Naperville: good schools, living)

[hsw]

Originally Posted by skyflyer

can i ask a question of people who live in the chicago area? Does everyone live in a big suburb, i have quite a few friends in chicago, but no one really lives in the city, they all live in the large suburbs, like orland park, naporville, etc, their homes are expensive i think, so this is question, what does it take to live actually in the city, in a safe fun place, do they start at 1 million and up to be actually in chicago, in a fun safe place, thanks in advance, as i am weighing dallas vs chicago to move to, thanks.

Just like Dallas (or any other urban region), most prefer to live in an area w/newer housing; away from crime; (if have family) w/good public schools, etc etc....for most, suburbs make most sense....gas is still cheap in US; mass transit sucks globally (in terms of convenience/safety/hygiene) and most US cities have fairly efficient fwys...and many time-conscious people commute earlier/later than rush-hr to save time/hassle....

[HomeStager]

Originally Posted by TillingG

hi!

I am thinking about moving my family to the Chicago area (from New England) and i fell in love with Geneva--but the only problem is, it's more than an hour's commute from Chicago and trains don't even run frequently. SO,i need something closer to chicago--is there a town just like quaint Geneva but closer to Chicago? Thanks so much!

-TillingG

You might like Hinsdale. Pricey and high taxes though.

[Justabystander]

Originally Posted by HomeStager

You might like Hinsdale. Pricey and high taxes though.

I agree. Hinsdale looks like it should be in Connecticut or Massachusetts. As far as taxes, I think the taxes are pretty reasonable in relation to the property values, and at least you get bang for your buck with the good schools if you have kids...........

[hillnuthouse]

Originally Posted by jenne03

Hi guys,

I am looking to find the best suburbs outside of Chicago. We may be moving into the area. My husband would work some place in Chicago..though i am not exactly sure where.
I am looking for what a lot of others want...low crime, good schools, nice area.

What neighborhoods should I begin with my research? What is the housing like in chicago? I live in Maryland now, where the housing is outrageous...is it a similar market? Or will I get a little more for my money in the chicago area.

Honestly, what are the negatives and positives of the area? Crime, weather, the people, the traffic, the schools?

Thank you so much for your advice!!

I moved from AZ and was in your same boat. We rented a year in Saint Charles but you don't get much bang for your buck there. We spent a year doing research and looking. We ended up in the NW Suburbs in a village call Johnsburg. The Schools were ranked high, zero crime and the town is very "Norman Rockwell". They have parades and fireworks and a great police department. Not that you would need them, but, I left my garage door open one night and they actully saw it, looked around to make sure everything was OK, shut the door and left me a note. WOW! Great bang for the buck on homes too. We got a great 4 bedroom house on a huge lot for a fraction of many areas. The down side? There's no major highway really close so getting places can be tough. But there is a Metra station so I can be Downtown in 1 1/2 hours.

Chicago is a GREAT city. Clean with lots to do. You feel very safe walking around downtown unlike many large cities.

Hope this helps.

[SloopyJ]

Originally Posted by hillnuthouse

WOW! Great bang for the buck on homes too. We got a great 4 bedroom house on a huge lot for a fraction of many areas. The down side? There's no major highway really close so getting places can be tough. But there is a Metra station so I can be Downtown in 1 1/2 hours.

LOL! Just goes to show there's different strokes for different folks. "Great bang for the buck! Sure, I'm closer to Madison, WI, than Chicago (or so I hear - I can't get anywhere because my town has no roads...), but what a deal I got on this house!"

Just ribbin' you. Glad you like your digs.

[emsb]

Geneva is a great town. Also consider Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Oswego if you want to be near I88. If you want to be near I 80 choose Mokena, New Lenox, Frankfort.

[gtwilliams]

I am considering taking a job in Elmhurst. I am a recent college grad who doesn't know anybody in the chicago area, but would like to live somewhere safe with a lot of other college grads who i could date, make friends with, etc.

Can you make some recommendations for places near Elmhurst that is a reasonable commute and that would satisfy my requirements?

Thanks!

Also, since I gather the 'happening' place for young professionals is downtown, how unreasonable is it to live downtown and commute out to elmhurst? (pause for laughter, is my guess).

[nanannie]

Originally Posted by gtwilliams

I am considering taking a job in Elmhurst. I am a recent college grad who doesn't know anybody in the chicago area, but would like to live somewhere safe with a lot of other college grads who i could date, make friends with, etc.

Can you make some recommendations for places near Elmhurst that is a reasonable commute and that would satisfy my requirements?

Thanks!

Also, since I gather the 'happening' place for young professionals is downtown, how unreasonable is it to live downtown and commute out to elmhurst? (pause for laughter, is my guess).

Elmhurst is an easy Metra commute to the city. Its less then 1/2 hr. Your driving commute is easy as well--as long as there are no issues with rush hour traffic or snowstorms.
You dont mention a price range, Elmhurst is a good choice and has many rentals or try the surrounding burbs Villa Park,Addison are two that are cheaper.

[vester72]

Chicago has a lot of beautiful suburbs in all directions - do your research and be sure to look at the school districts but so many great choices whether it be north shore, northeast, west, southwest or even south.

Just check out the demos, schools, house values, commute times and really a ton of great choices.

[9723amb]

what can anyone tell me about NOrth Chicago, Specifically Argonne drive? Is it a good area in terms of schools, Parks etc.