Arlington Heights vs. Glen Ellyn (Chicago, Wheaton: fit in, renter, lender)

[aka.mama]

Thanks for reading, our family is one year new to the Chicago Suburbs from the Metro-Detroit area. We are in our late 20's, educated, with children and until very soon- resided in Downers Grove. Although we have found this community safe, and schools good we have not opted to purchase our 'rent w/option to purchase' home. I do not feel that is a best fit for our young family (lack of diversity, young families, viewed as 'tear-down occupants').

My husband is now being transferred to Hoffman Estates, I will be attending grad school in the city- and our lease is now up. While we could buy, we are going to wait for the market to 'level' a bit and I go back to work. But we do want to rent either the house we are going to purchase or in the area we are going to purchase. We have found a really nice house in Glen Ellyn. Not a tear-down, but a very well maintained home surronded by new-construction and 'tear-down's'. Frankly I am nervous we may have a Downers Grove feeling though... kids actually asked our daughter when we were going to tear down our house!?

The other home we found is in Arlington Heights- South. Commuting is great but the school scores were not as high (not bad though, still average- above average compared to state scores). I do love diversity- but I was concerned that >40% were limited english and below poverty.

Any thoughts? We have considered other areas- just not found a house that meets our needs with in our short time frame. Most importantly, we want to feel comfortable in our house and 'fit in' within our community.

Thanks!

[Steve-o]

You wont find too much diversity in AH or GE if you ask me. Glen Ellyn is probably more uppity than DG, so you might want to steer clear of it if you dont like the whole teardown craze, same goes for Hinsdale.

[middle-aged mom]

Both communities have a substantial stock of older and smaller homes that are apt to be tear downs, some day. I think however, some day is likely to be out there, due to overall financing and economic issues.

Arlington Heights feeds into several different schools districts and each has it's own strengths and weaknesses. I am curious about the source of your information as it relates to 40% of the population having limited English and/or are below poverty level. I am speculating that you are looking at demographics associated with the Rolling Meadows School District.

[cubssoxfan]

The other home we found is in Arlington Heights- South. Commuting is great but the school scores were not as high (not bad though, still average- above average compared to state scores). I do love diversity- but I was concerned that >40% were limited english and below poverty.

What schools would your child(ren) attend? Where is the home located?

[aka.mama]

Originally Posted by cubssoxfan

What schools would your child(ren) attend? Where is the home located?

Thanks for your response! S of W Central Rd, between Arlington Heights Rd and Algonquin Rd. The elementary that my children would be in attendance at is Juliette Low elementary, district #59.

Junior High is Holmes Junior, #59 and the HS is Rolling Meadows.

[aka.mama]

Originally Posted by middle-aged mom

I am curious about the source of your information as it relates to 40% of the population having limited English and/or are below poverty level. I am speculating that you are looking at demographics associated with the Rolling Meadows School District.

Thanks for your response! I used greatschools.net Juliette Low Elementary School - Arlington Heights, Illinois - IL - School overview and then went to the student stats link. The elementary is Juliette Low and in district #59. The HS our children would attend if we were to purchase this house is Rolling Meadows in District #214.

Best,

[aka.mama]

Originally Posted by cubssoxfan

What schools would your child(ren) attend? Where is the home located?

Thanks for your response! S of W Central Rd, between Arlington Heights Rd and Algonquin Rd. The elementary that my children would be in attendance at is Juliette Low elementary, district #59.

[aka.mama]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

You wont find too much diversity in AH or GE if you ask me. Glen Ellyn is probably more uppity than DG, so you might want to steer clear of it if you dont like the whole teardown craze, same goes for Hinsdale.

Thanks for your response! That was what I was leaning towards... I am familiar with Hinsdale, while I think it is beautiful- we are probably quite honestly just not in the same demographic as far as our age or housing price range. We don't want to be known as the 'tear down occupants' again- and want to feel comfortable inviting neighbors into our home without fear we are going to 'gossiped' about. DG is nice, and we would probably like it if we were a family in our late 30's- 40's with more money to purchase. However, we simply just don't fit the typical family, and diversity is not embraced from my experience.

Persons are cordial, but we aren't invited to poker nites if you know what I mean. Nor are we invited to children's birthday parties on our street since we said we were renting...

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by aka.mama

Thanks for your response! That was what I was leaning towards... I am familiar with Hinsdale, while I think it is beautiful- we are probably quite honestly just not in the same demographic as far as our age or housing price range. We don't want to be known as the 'tear down occupants' again- and want to feel comfortable inviting neighbors into our home without fear we are going to 'gossiped' about. DG is nice, and we would probably like it if we were a family in our late 30's- 40's with more money to purchase. However, we simply just don't fit the typical family, and diversity is not embraced from my experience.

Persons are cordial, but we aren't invited to poker nites if you know what I mean. Nor are we invited to children's birthday parties on our street since we said we were renting...

What about Wheaton? Have you looked into older parts of Wheaton?

[middle-aged mom]

Originally Posted by aka.mama

Persons are cordial, but we aren't invited to poker nites if you know what I mean. Nor are we invited to children's birthday parties on our street since we said we were renting...

There is indeed a renter stigma in most single family, owner-occupied suburban neighborhoods, regardless of suburb.

This can be overcome by getting involved in the schools and community service, what you do versus what you own or not. As an aside, most people do not own their own homes. The lender does.