Where are the best suburbs to live outside chicago? (Naperville: real estate, rental)

[JHanksJGR]

McHenry is sort of far out of the city, but it is a nice area...

I do not live there any more..I am in Pennsylvania now...

But I still have contacts in McHenry..email me if you would like more info..
Thanks

jeanie.hanks@jgr.com

[felicity]

I've lived here my whole life And I know the 411 ; If you have LOTS of money, the best (and prettiest) place is Lake Forest, I think Micheal Jordan lives there, or did. Anyway, take a drive northbound on Greenbay Rd. in the area known as the north shore, you'll see what I'm talking about. Very beautiful and very rich. The best part, is that it's right along Lake Michigan. Believe me, I would live there if I could. But, if you're like most of us, a nice Sunday afternoon drive oohing and ahhing at the homes is as far as it'll go. On a more practicle note, The best place to raise a family in my opinion would be Elmhurst. The schools are famously outstanding. The people are friendly, it's about 40 minutes from the city, and it's beautiful. The taxes are kind of high and the homes are not super cheap, but you get what you pay for. If you don't want to be out in Egypt with one of those carboard houses, this is the place for you. Also, if you're looking for a christian community, this is it. It's the kind of neighborhood where all the kids are playing outside, lots of stay at home moms, all the houses are decorated around the holidays, which I love. It's Just CUTE! I hope this helps, and best wishes.

[domergurl]

Unless you are a CEO or an equivalent thereof ... Lake Forest is out of the question for most. Yes, gorgeous, but not many can afford it.

MJ & Scottie Pippen live or lived in Highland Park.

[MagpiesMagpiesMagpies]

Originally Posted by JHanksJGR

McHenry is sort of far out of the city, but it is a nice area...

McHenry? Pee-yew! Honestly folks, McHenry is a pit. The town is broke. The buildings are shabby. The Metra trains are sporadic. Ask anyone who's been there about how long the intersection of Rt. 31 & 120 was torn to pieces.

The last time I drove through that place the song "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC was on the radio. It suited the occasion.

Magpies

[ITChick]

Originally Posted by MagpiesMagpiesMagpies

McHenry? Pee-yew! Honestly folks, McHenry is a pit. The town is broke. The buildings are shabby. The Metra trains are sporadic. Ask anyone who's been there about how long the intersection of Rt. 31 & 120 was torn to pieces.

The last time I drove through that place the song "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC was on the radio. It suited the occasion.

Magpies

I just have to say, LOL Magpies!

I didn't like McHenry either, but it's got a small town feeling; if you want that. And that intersection you mention, I had to make many trips out there for work and it seemed like it's taken at least two years (correct me if I'm wrong but it felt that way).

[Violet5434]

If you are looking for low crime rates and good schools... Naperville is getting very popular. They have very good schools and the town is nice. But- the downside is that it's getting expensive to live there. Another nice area is the Fox River Valley... St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia. Even the towns further north are good, like Algonquin. Elgin is a big suburb, but it has a few problems with crime. It is where I grew up. However, the town is expanding westward a lot and that part of town (near rt 20 and Randall Rd.) is a very nice area. You might like school district 301. The last place I would recommend looking into is the northern suburbs such as Grayslake.

[no user name]

Since the pattern seems to be suggesting areas WAY THE HELL OUT and away from the city, might as well suggest Kentucky!
BTW, McHenry..."Home of the perpetual mullet and teased out 80's chic hair"....yeehaw!!!! Now lemme finish this Meth!

[Xing]

Don't be a chicken, and move into the city. Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, and Beverly, in my eyes, are good for families. The stereotypes are from the 60's and into the 80's. Times change, and cities change. If you prefer less traffic issues, then look into urban lifestyles.

[criket]

I lived in Illinois for the past 3 years and I have one very important thing to say...NAPERVILLE....NAPERVILLE.....NAPERVILLE!!!!! It is a GREAT place to live. I have 4 children and they really miss it since we had to move. It is the #1 school district in the U.S. It was rated the #1 most child friendly city in the U.S. It is great for adults too. The downtown has adorable shops and an old quarry that was turned into a public pool (beach) kind of thing called, Centennial beach. I REALLY recommend Naperville! The only downside is that people are wealthy there and a little on the snobby side...but I loved so much about it that was not a big deal.

[no user name]

You forgot the other "important" thing...TAXES....TAXES.....TAXES!!!!! I'm telling you, Harwood Heights and Norridge are where it's at. All the benefits of the city (surrounded by Chicago) 10 miles to the Loop, close to O'Hare, Midway not far, good neighborhood, good schools, houses still on the rise with new builds and tear down/rebuilds of expensive homes, not to mention one of the lowest property tax rates in Cook County despite the high property values. Take my word for it, watch closely and get in and buy one of the 50's brick ranches, you'll have rapidly increasing equity from day one!
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Originally Posted by criket

I lived in Illinois for the past 3 years and I have one very important thing to say...NAPERVILLE....NAPERVILLE.....NAPERVILLE!!!!! It is a GREAT place to live. I have 4 children and they really miss it since we had to move. It is the #1 school district in the U.S. It was rated the #1 most child friendly city in the U.S. It is great for adults too. The downtown has adorable shops and an old quarry that was turned into a public pool (beach) kind of thing called, Centennial beach. I REALLY recommend Naperville! The only downside is that people are wealthy there and a little on the snobby side...but I loved so much about it that was not a big deal.