Where are the best suburbs to live outside chicago? (Naperville: crime rates, houses)

[babs]

Our taxes aren't horrendous, as you say - I'll also add we can walk to a public 9-hole golf course, ride a bus to the Metra, and bike over to the prairie path(s), as well as walk to a convenience store, etc.!

[no user name]

Originally Posted by babs

Our taxes aren't horrendous, as you say - I'll also add we can walk to a public 9-hole golf course, ride a bus to the Metra, and bike over to the prairie path(s), as well as walk to a convenience store, etc.!

That's great, it still isn't in the middle "of it all". I had friends and relatives who lived there going as far back as Villa Parks infancy. The area has more than it's share of undesirables and crime. I actually thought about buying out there a few years ago but changed my mind as I thought maybe my teeth would fall out and I would look like many of the other residents!
Two words: Yee haw

[crazylilkelly]

ya, there are so many different suburbs you can pick from. Like everyone else said, just do your research. I grew up in the south suburbs, south of I-80 so that sucked for me! As far as the south suburbs go I would suggest the Mokena, Tinley Park, Orland Park, New Lenox area. They have access to the metra & are a nice place to raise a family. Their schools are REALLY good. It's just a bit expensive, not as bad as some other suburbs though. They're about 40 min south of Chicago.

[missthecity]

Where to live? In or close to the city? Answer a few questions first. Do you want a lawn or is condo/apartment dwelling ok? Most important what is the range that you would want to spend. Living in Chicago's North side am partial to old Lincoln Square grew up with Germans and Swiss with the Greeks across Western Ave today it's a small mix of the previous with a twist of a diverse population represented by Vietnam, Korea, Mexico and a tiny sprinkle of India and Pakistan. But that is what has always made Chicago a very unique city in ability to constantly change. I have lived in a copius number of city across the planet and by far as cities go Chicago beats the others hand down in 2nd place London. Best Northern suburbs Glenco, Willmette, Skokie (less expensive). Are you having to relocate because of work?

Dan

[no user name]

We may as well give this up. The orignal poster of this question hasn't bothered to respond to any further questions since the day she first posted. I feel just like an unwilling participant in a one night stand right about now.

[danco]

***** her,
after a while a thread has a life of its own.
Grew up in the city when it was still manageable.
Sometimes I actually miss it (when I do I just drive up to L.A.
and get stuck in traffic).But **** can that city cook, impossible
to get a decent Italian Beef sandwich out west. I also miss Guey Lons
on the north side. Oh well you kinda get use to fish tacos.

dan

[Kailas]

There are a number of very nice suburbs around Chicago. I favor the North Suburbs, as I have always lived there. Some names to check could include Highland Park, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire, Winnetka, Wilmette, Glenview. These are just a few. All have excellent schools, are very safe, and are between 30 and 50 minutes from Chicago. While the winters can be cold, there are many cultural institutions and numerous restaurants, and it is generally a friendly area. Housing prices are fairly high, although I am not sure how it compares to Maryland. Northwest suburbs are perhaps more reasonable in price, and are also very nice. Good luck!

[jlc267]

I don't know how far from chicago you are looking, but I live in Crest Hill and this area is great. The traffic sucks most of the time, but the people are nice, the schools my kid goes to are some of the best. There are several areas here like Plainfield, crest hill, Romeoville. They are all nice areas that are not to expensive with good schools and not alot of gangs. Hope you find something nice.

[domergurl]

Check out Northwest Indiana (Lake & Porter counties). You don't pay the high taxes (property & sales), housing is cheaper (and no less quality), no taxes on food or medicine. There's a commuter train, but many people drive.

We lived in Illinois for many years and moved to Indiana because we were getting tired of how expensive it was getting.

Just my .02.

[chinab]

I would say Oak Park, Evergeen Park, Flossmoor, Olympia Fields, Homewood, Glenwood, Palatine, near SW burbs, and Evanston..