Moving need information on hawthorn woods PLEASE (Chicago, Libertyville: realty, houses)

[nanannie]

I can comment as I have lived in Barrington for almost 20 years.We live in the "Hills" now,and our kids went thru the schools. You have a choice of many areas with acerage--1acre and up.I have never,repeat NEVER had anyone or known anyone 'looking down" on people for living in South or North or Lake etc.I think these are assumptions people make of any "well off' area. We moved from out of state and were always treated warmly as were all our kids.I still have one in school here.There are many many year round sports,clubs,year round park dist family events,4th of july parade,fireworks,great public pool etc ,it has a nice town with older,well kept village homes or sub divisons with an acre or more,golf course communities,many lakes,and rolling countryside.We moved here from the west coast and found it (for us) the nicest place we visited and we searced areas and looked at homes from Naperville,to Lake Forest.I'm afraid some of those "snob" stories may be spread by people who are jealous or "know someone "who had experienced something.There are snobs,rude people,and ol' horses "arses" no matter what the town.Its up to you who you associate with,,I really dont run into them..I think Hawthorne Woods is nice,country,many larger lot sub divisions,but it doesnt have its own "town" per se...I like Barrington more then H.Park(which is VERY nice and has a great town,schools,homes,close to lake)just because we wanted more land and space and enjoy a really nice view of rolling hills and trees .Pm me if I can answer any specific questions.Good Luck wherever you decide.You have some nice choices it sounds like..PS Lake Zurich has plenty of strip Malls, shopping,resatraunts,everything you need in the "consumer" area and is close to Hawthorne or Barrington--its just a little to crowded for me to live in.

[outsider1]

In Barrington it's not so much "keep up with the Jones". Much rather it's "us and them" mentality - "oldtimers vs. newcomers", "old money of Barrington vs. new(and bigger) money of North, South, Tower Lakes". A very small number of lifelong Barrington residents believe that despite having less financial means than wealthier folks from North or South Barrington, they somehow have more class. Well, their whole life revolves around this... what can I say, it's sort of a lifejacket that keeps them afloat... All in all, this whole "rivalry" is rather subliminal and harmless at best, it definitely shouldn't be overplayed.

Will you be effected by this? If you socialize very extensively around downtown Barrington, you might notice it, although very rarery. As long as you assume a "live and let live" attitude, it won't bother you a single bit.

Will it effect your kids in any way? I strongly doubt it. What I've just talked about really applies to the 40+ folks. It's not something evident in schools, recreation activities and anything else that they choose to be involved in.
Besides, if you live outside of Barrington proper the kids will generally socialize with their peers within the neighbourhood. It's very likely that they will have common background/family cituation/etc. So don't let this alter your plans.

Now, getting back to Highland Park - none of that exists there. An average Highland Park resident usually dedicates his free time to rather intellectually-inclined hobbies. And the life and finances of his neighbours don't quite fall into that category. Also, if you like downtowns, you'll certainly enjoy the one there. I guess for you Highland Park will be better. For the kids? Well, in my opinion, when you compare HP and Barrington kids, HP kids seem a bit more "subdued but more thoughtful". If you can afford it, it would be well worth it to take your kids to both places and let them choose. By the way, do yours like beach? If they do, this may be a decisive factor in Highland Park's favor, as there are two very nice beach parks there.

[nanannie]

I think you are very very wrong to make such a blanket statement about an entire large community.It preposterous to think EVERYONE follows your stated rules of the town..I have never experienced what you are talking about .I know many many people here and our friends and social circles are from all over the place..my kids best pal is from Carpentersville,,they go to school together...Its really ridiculous...I am sure there are SOME that follow your line of thought,,,but where you came up with this is a mystery to me, ,oh well,,,live and let live

[rcovph]

Both your comments are well taken and your input very valuable. I really believe at this point I ca't go wrong with either place.Outsider 1 we do LOVE the beach !! But honestly, can you go in the water or is it too cold even in August? Nanannie I totallt understand what you are trying to convey to me, and absolutly as an adult I can assocoiate with whom I want and let the other be, however so you both get a feel for what I'm trying to avoid with my children.. Here The kids have $400 coach backpacs for school, coach sneakers for gym class, if they are not dressed from head to toe in Abercrombie, American Eagle... and of course the juciy jewlery and sweats (you get the picture) they get made fun of. If you don't live in a certain area, drive a certain car, the presure on these kids to be perfect and have it all here in unbelievable to say the least.So if we are making a move absolutly I want a nice place to live but I'd like my children to be around different types of children where all this materialistic stuff isn't the focus of life to them.

[nanannie]

I'm afraid you will find those kinds of kids in alot to towns,I dont feel its the "norm" here,there are kids with fancy pants brands and kids with hand me downs ,my favorite place for kids clothes has always been 'Tarj'et

[MayMove]

Hawthorn Woods is a beautiful area. I am a Chicagoland native. Currently in a southern burb and don't care for the "city like" setting.

We are in to horses, golf, boating, etc. Again, HW is a great fit. Have considered a move that way. Lake Zurich Schools service HW. Great district. You may want to expand your search a bit for North Barrington. Still LZ schools.

Find it coincendtial you are moving from NJ. Have an opportunity in NYC. Considering Montgomery Township in NJ. Specifically, Princeton, Skillman, Montgomery, Rock Hill. Noted your comment about people being rude. Not the first time I heard this. We are really down to earth people. Not interested in the "keeping up with the Jones" syndrome. Great family area and schools are on the top of the list. low crime, etc. Oh yes.....and horses!

Good luck to you in your search!

[rcovph]

maymove, I looked up more info on the area and got to see pictures of Hawthorn woods, the aquatic center, movies in the barn. It does seem just what I am looking for. When I looked up some real estate they added long grove and another area to my search, are they also parts of the same school district? As far as your impending move to NYC, those areas you mentioned are all very nice. Princeton is the nicest a beautiful downtown, A LOT of old money. Expect to pay at least 1.3mil for a home and the taxes are very high. Skillman has really become an extention of Princeton, only in the sense that no more can be built in "Princeton" so skillman is really just a lot of developments. It does not have a down town but more afforable then PRINCETON. I have good friends that live in both areas. Princeton schools are really good as well as Skillman, however one hugh draw back to Skillman is that it is growing so fast the schools are having trouble keeping up with the demand.Unfortunatly both those areas are very much "keeping up with the Jones". If you love horses look intoTewsbury,Gladstone, Peapack beautiful areas great schools, estalished neigborhoods, have a direct line to NYC and Tewksbury is known as Horse country. Princeton is a far commute into NYC,
these other areas are also but a bit shorter. Good luck

[ahava]

Originally Posted by rcovph

When I looked up some real estate they added long grove and another area to my search, are they also parts of the same school district?

A portion of Hawthorn Woods is in Long Grove's school district and the Stevenson high school district, as is Kildeer (which I'm guessing is the other area added to your search). All three towns share Lake Zurich's zip code.

[MayMove]

rcovph,

Long Grove is a wonderful established historic town. Many of the stables are between Hawthorn Woods, Long Grove and Kildeer. Adjacent to Long Grove...Kildeer would be another option. Certain parts of Kildeer share Long Grove schools as well as the Lake Zurich school dist. You can't go wrong with either district. Long Grove's HS (Stevenson) is actully located in Lincolnshire. Top notch and highly rated. Great shopping alternatives. Deer Park off rt. 12, etc.

Thank you kindly for the information on NJ. If you don't mind...I may have a few more questions for you at a later date. Please don't hesitate to ask if you would like further info on IL. I think we could use the PM through this forum if you wish.

All the best.

[dee352]

We are looking at relocating to Lake County area and I am leaning towards Lake Zurich, however, still need to research more. Coventry Estates in Lake Zurich is a new development with new homes in your price range (that's where we are looking). The elementary schools and middle school rank extremely high. They are also zoned for Stevenson H.S. which I believe is ranked #2. There is the metra North Central service in Buffalo Grove and I heard the regular metra service is offered in many surrounding areas. Lake Zurich is also in the process of revitalizing its downtown area as well as the promenade along the lake. Which is suppose to increase revenue and boost home values upon completion. With the development of Hawthorne Woods nearby that should help with increased ammenities in the area once it is completed. I liked Hawthorne Woods also, however, the golf and country club community by Toll Bros. only had lots in Lake Zurich district directly across the street from the park. The other lots were zoned for Mundelin H.S. which didn't score nearly as high as surrounding area schools. Also heard Hawthorne Woods new subdivision had one of the highest property taxes. Good luck.