Cary, Il. suburb-I would be thankful for ANY input/help!! (Chicago: skateboarding, house)

[elizabethindiana]

Hi, My husband will be transferring to the Chicago area from Indiana and I would like some preliminary information. We will be planning to visit soon, so I have used this forum to get some preliminary info. and am interested in learning more about Cary. From what I have read, the schools seem good, which is of huge importance. Is there a better high school in the district that we should target? Any MAJOR issues with drugs(I know they are in every high school... just some more prevalent than others)? I am also looking at Antioch, so if you are familiar with that suburb, maybe in comparison to Cary, that would also be great! Our house range would be around 250-350,000. We are into a laid-back, "no-pretenses/keeping up with others" lifestyle. Do these suburbs fit the bill? Also, our son would probably be interested in marching band, not really into sports (other than skateboarding) so any info on that would be so appreciated. It's a little overwhelming to him to change schools during high school! Also, one place better than another in terms of housing appreciation? Sorry for the long post, but thank you in advance for your help!!!

[middle-aged mom]

Cary feeds into 3 different high schools dependent upon where you live within the community. Cary-Grove Community is considered the strongest of the three and property taxes reflect this.

Alcohol and drug use is a major issue in every school. Anyone who claims differently is either ignorant of what's really going on or into denial.

As for the marching band thing, call the school and find out if he qualifies based upon his experience, skills and mid term transfer.

Be aware that many homes in Cary have a special assesment tax above and beyond their property taxes.

Trout Valley, once a part of Cary, is now a small independent village adjacent to Cary. I recommend that you check this place out because it's a fabulous tight knot community that buys its municipal services from Cary and yet is in a world unto it's own.

Another area worth considering is Algonquin, especially that part that feeds into Jacobs High School. This is the relocation capital of the area and there are some fabulous values to be had of relo company-owned homes, in the area.

I do not have first hand knowledge of Antioch beyond that it a physically attractive area, much of it still rural, lakes, occasional flooding issues, a lot of people seem to work in Wisconsin and your money buys more house/ land than closer in ( to Chicago) areas.

Cary and Antioch are about 25 miles apart. What town will your husband work in cause time in traffic is a killer?

[lisaurart]

We moved to Cary a little over a year ago.

I did a lot of research on schools and the area before moving, especailly High Schools since my son is in his final year. We really love the area and Cary Grove HS is top rated. We found a lovely house, 4, 2.5, with a completely finished basement for under 400.

All the shopping you will need in Cary, Crystal Lake, and Algonquin, My husband takes the train to Des Plaines and it is a relaxing trip, It is also a relaxing trip in to Chicago but it does take a little over an hour.

Hope this helps.
Lisa

[sahmommie]

We've been in Cary for a few months now, and I've been impressed with the lack of "keeping up with the Joneses" here. It seems to be a pretty laid-back community. It doesn't have a ton to do within it's own limits, but Crystal Lake is a decent size and it's about 5 minutes up the road. As a previous poster said, the trip into Chicago is remarkably painfree.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by sahmommie

We've been in Cary for a few months now, and I've been impressed with the lack of "keeping up with the Joneses" here. It seems to be a pretty laid-back community. It doesn't have a ton to do within it's own limits, but Crystal Lake is a decent size and it's about 5 minutes up the road. As a previous poster said, the trip into Chicago is remarkably painfree.

Glad you like it! Im not too familiar with Cary myself, Ill have to make it up there some time and look around.