Hi all, advice needed... (Chicago, Naperville: sales, apartment, insurance) - Chicago Suburbs - Illinois (IL) - City-Data Forum

Nea1 · 08-01-2009, 11:14 AM

Ok, I have posted on here before about suburbs, I am doing it again, hoping to get some lists together for our visit in 10 days, which I have to tell you I am so excited about I can hardly sleep. Ok, my husband is not concerned with distance really, since he is used to 86 miles one way but would like to be less than that from Chicago. Price, kinda iffy , depends on pay offered but probably up to 1600 in rent. Schools, sure we want good ones, does not have to be #1 but above average. low crime, of course, lots to do, shopping and outdoor activities. Close to transportation for my son, who does not own a car! And if not to much to ask, if you can tell me the areas of the towns you suggest, that way I don't go looking in the "south" (example) when it is not the area to be in. Ok I think that is it..... Thanks a bunch!!

bulldawg1594 · 08-01-2009, 11:42 AM

maybe oak park.

trailerguy · 08-01-2009, 11:47 AM

I would recommend almost anywhere in Lake County. Cook County is burdened with high taxes (10% sales tax, highest in the country) and a horribly corrupt and incompetent county administration.
Try Gurnee. Lots of shopping, easy access to trains and expressways (about an hour to Chicago), good restaurants, schools are very good to excellent. Housing is well within your budget. You could afford to buy a nice house for what you say you can afford in rent. We are also reasonably close to Wisconsin which has tons of fun things to do and see.

Nea1 · 08-01-2009, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trailerguy

I would recommend almost anywhere in Lake County. Cook County is burdened with high taxes (10% sales tax, highest in the country) and a horribly corrupt and incompetent county administration.
Try Gurnee. Lots of shopping, easy access to trains and expressways (about an hour to Chicago), good restaurants, schools are very good to excellent. Housing is well within your budget. You could afford to buy a nice house for what you say you can afford in rent. We are also reasonably close to Wisconsin which has tons of fun things to do and see.

Thanks for the Info, didn't even know about Gurnee. We know that we are going to have to make some sacrifices when it comes to commute, but I have heard that about cook county and Chicago is just to expensive for us right now, maybe when the kids are gone.

Steve-o · 08-01-2009, 12:47 PM

Geneva, Winfield, Warrenville, Naperville, Wheaton come to mind.

Nea1 · 08-01-2009, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Geneva, Winfield, Warrenville, Naperville, Wheaton come to mind.

Any specific areas in these towns? Or are they pretty much good all around?

Steve-o · 08-01-2009, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nea1

Any specific areas in these towns? Or are they pretty much good all around?

Those towns I mentioned are, IMO, safe as safe can be in all areas for the most part. There are a ton of cities I could list that are safe, but those seem to meet your qualifications the best (especially the train access). Let me know if you have any more questions.

chet everett · 08-01-2009, 06:44 PM

If your budget is limited to $1600 for a single family home you may have some challenges. In rough term that translates into a mortage with taxes and insurance well south of $250K That REALLY does not go far in any desirable suburban area of the region.

middle-aged mom · 08-01-2009, 09:03 PM

Let's start with where your husband intends to be employed. What are his likely hours? The time/cost associated with commuting is almost always a factor.

Are you looking for an apartment, townhouse or a single family home?

What grades are your children in?

Where is it that your son is going that he needs to be able to walk?

DADASGIRL · 08-01-2009, 09:06 PM

I agree with Chet - $1600 wont get you in prime desireable areas - especially when people in those desireable areas have mortgages of $350K +. The desireable areas MAY have condo/townhomes in that range - but you will be sacrificing space.

Now - most burbs have pockets of good bad & ugly. So in my opinion - it doesnt matter where you move to. No one on this forum can recount a tale where a new family moves into town and somehow, someway every criminal in the district swoops down and makes their life unbearable. It just doesnt happen - sure there are incidents but I'd bet that you'd get hit by a car before you become a victim of crime in the burbs - police presence is high and folks arent as sterile as they may be in the metro city.

Now the question is where - If you cant afford DuPage County Burbs,( they are deemed the hot burbs to live in - try McHEnry & Kane. McHEnry and Kane county may fit your budget as they have homes for every tax bracket. Gather a list of burbs from each county - and check what folks have to say about each one here on the forum - I know thats tedious - but a little homework is required for your task at hand.