Thinking about buying a house in Bensenville... (Chicago, Wood Dale: neighborhoods, high school)

[calyxxa]

Hi, I'm new to this site, and I've read all the other posts on Bensenville. I've looked at a few houses in the Bensenville area, but I am completely unfamiliar with this suburb, having lived in downtown Chicago for many years. The houses I've been looking at are in the southeast corner of Bensenville (as far north as Jefferson and as far south as Grand, and west of York Road - i.e., near River Forest Country Club/Legends of Bensenville/Redmond Park). I've perused the Police Beat for Bensenville as well as the village of Bensenville website, but I think the best advice would come from someone who lives in or near Bensenville.

Could you please tell me what the neighborhood is like? Demographics, criminal activity, areas to stay away from, etc. I am aware of its proximity to O'Hare (noise/traffic) and about the O'Hare Modernization Plan. I'd like to know if the 2007 taxes already reflect the increases due to the loss of properties taken by eminent domain or if the taxes are projected to get even higher -- but perhaps that is a question for the village/county. I do not have nor plan to have any children, btw, so schools/child issues are not a concern for me.

Sorry for all the questions, but from the Bensenville posts I've read so far, I can tell a lot of you C-D veterans have a lot of knowledge about this area. Thanks in advance, everyone!

[Tom1113]

Ok well most people who aren't from the area don't know anything about it and will just tell you it's a dump filled with bad areas, which give it a bad rep. While there are some bad areas, most of the town is fine. There are areas with million dollar homes and really nice neighborhoods. The area around Fenton High School is good, they just built a bunch of new houses there, and there are older nice ones. Stay off of Green St and the area around York Road and Irving Park Rd.. The Bensenville/Wood Dale border is good, the area around White Pines is good, it's unincorporated though- I think the area is called Red Oaks or something.

People who don't live in Bensenville complain about the planes more then residents. The plane noise is not even a big deal, and the area they want to get rid of for expansion is mostly that bad area people talk about.

Demographics- there are a lot of Hispanics, but again, they mostly all live in the areas I told you about- around York and Irving, around Redmond Park-which is again around York Rd. Whenever you hear of a crime, which is rare really, it's around there.

There really are a lot of good parts of the town, but they are more hidden, and what people see at face value are the York Rd/Irving areas.

[emmi605]

The area behind the River Forest Country Club is a hidden gem. There is a small area with winding streets, mature trees and very private. The homes are beautiful. I biked through this area a lot this summer and couldn't believe this hidden area was even there. The Bensenville Schools area problem, but if you are not having children, this may be a great option for you. The area is in a section off the runway paths so it really isn't horribly noisy. Redmond park is very nice and safe. There is a walking/bike path and a areas for many sports. The recent floods his hard in that area, though, so be sure you get a good inspector and watch for signs of mold. Good Luck.