Pick your place (7/18/08) (Chicago, Aurora, Naperville: environment, real estate, income)

[Steve-o]

Naperville vs Hinsdale

Your choice and why?

[nanannie]

Hinsdale, smaller, quieter,classier, more of an escape from the hustle bustle. Used to work at the hospital so got to know the area/people. Close to the free ways and other towns of interest. Used to park at Fullersburg/G. Mill

[noid_1985]

I picked Hinsdale because it's closer to the city. Also parts of Naperville seem to lack trees.

[irish setter girl]

Hinsdale wins my vote. I prefer the smaller size, location, schools and general feel. I don't dislike Naperville I'm just saying I'd pick Hinsdale if given the choice.

[gardener34]

Naperville. I like the downtown and the town is more diverse than Hinsdale. Better shopping. Hinsdale is just for the ultra rich now from the houses I am seeing. Hinsdale central has kids from Oak Brook and Hinsdale going to it.

[chet everett]

Hinsdale.

Smaller == better in terms of schools, government, uniform real estate values. That last point can't be over estimated in the current environment -- sure the new houses that have been built recently are priced in the stratosphere but it also makes the whole town much more resistant to dropping prices. And as far as it only being for those of enormous means that is simply untrue, for those who've owned homes for a long time the taxes are fairly low, the quality of life very good, no reason to leave. Lots of people of surprisingly ordinary income can afford to remain in town. If they are willing to consider a home that would be in competition with builders for tear down there is still stuff that compares very favorably with the most desirable neighborhoods in any City or town in the region.

And no other area is served by a school district where EVERYONE of the schools is in the top 20 of the state.

Hinsdale High School District has both Central, where all the kids from D181 elementary go, the kids from Oak Brook D57, parts of Westmont and other neighboring towns too. More diverse than you'd expect. Hinsdale South is the SAME DISTRICT and is quite diverse, serving kids from a range of suburbs.

Quite a lovely area for anyone who enjoys the suburbs or the convenience of a 20 minute express train from Union Station.

[BUalumni]

Hinsdale, hands down.

Naperville is beyond boring for its size, IMO of course. A well developed downtown, and a quaint riverwalk just don't cut it for me as "attractions". During the 4th of July, we sat next to several couples from Naperville and the Shorewood area. They were stunned to see how "city like" Peoria felt, and what an amazing fireworks display Peoria and East Peoria pulled off. They were even more shocked when I told them that Naperville, Aurora, and Joliet were all significantly larger than Peoria. I honestly don't think that they really believed me!

I have seen cities that are 20K smaller in population, and still have vastly more to do and see. That's just north Naperville though. South Naper is no more than an extension to the madness in Bolingbrook and Plainfield. YUCK! In fact, there is no real seperation. Just a simple change in address.

Hinsdale at least looks and feels like it's size. Heck, I've spent close to twenty minutes just trying to find parking in downtown Naper. Never had that problem in Hinsdale, and you know what, I don't think you really miss out on anything. Much more of a true suburb in my book. Naper has spent the last fifteen years or so trying to figure out whether it is an actual seperate city like Aurora, or just another sprawling suburb like Plainfield. It can't have it both ways, and until it does, it is never going to make any sense to me, and besides visting friends, I'm never going to just visit the area for the day. It's too much of hassle, and for what? There is really nothing special about Naperville, that goes triple for it's southern areas, and again, IMO, there are far better western suburban locations to live than Naper, that you will pay almost the exact same price for. (Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, St. Charles, Wheaton, etc.) I just don't get it! Naper mania just never caught hold of this guy.

[Steve-o]

Did someone say something?




I dont agree whatsoever, but hey!

[vandre]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

I dont agree whatsoever, but hey!

Does that mean that you are one of those 3 lonely souls that voted for Naperville?

[BUalumni]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Did someone say something?




I dont agree whatsoever, but hey!

Intersting to note that while you often give long-winded defensive statements about both Naperville and Chicago, you choose not call either one home! How would you know what daily life is in either place?