Winnetka or Wilmette???

[smdo]

Many thanks. We bid on a house today in Winnetka. We will see.

[nanannie]

Originally Posted by middle-aged mom

Good stuff, Chet.

I have yet to meet a snooty person, anywhere.

I agree. And WHO CARES if someone is snooty? Its America, someone can be a snoot if they choose. Dont hang around with them.

[STL Mom]

I moved to Wilmette last summer, and I love it. We also looked at both Wilmette and Winnetka, and chose Wilmette in large part because the house we wanted was here. I think these suburbs are pretty similar. Wilmette is larger, which has its advantages and disadvantages. My kids go to a K-4th grade school that is wonderful, with 500 students. When they get to 5th grade, all the Wilmette schools combine so it's a big group of kids. The Winnetka schools are smaller, so it's more personal in the younger years, but more of an adjustment when they go on to the giant New Trier high school.
Wilmette is closer to downtown, while Winnetka is closer to O'Hare (because everyone goes west on Willow), but it's only a few minutes difference either way. People in Wilmette shop more in Evanston and Skokie, while people in Winnetka shop more in Northbrook.
I think you would be happy in either place. When people in my neighborhood tell jokes about snooty rich people, the object of the joke is always people in Kenilworth, not Winnetka!

[smdo]

Does anyone know about the schools here? Hubbard Woods vs. Crow Island vs Greeley?
I was not fortunate enough to have such fantastic schools, but I hear there are very different philosophies at all of them? Any insight?

[STL Mom]

I would suggest making appointments to meet the principals and get a tour of each of the schools. I did this at several schools, and would have done it at every one if I hadn't been flying in from out of state. Ask the principals what they think the differences are between their schools and the others. Also ask for a PTA contact, so you can find out what kind of activities and volunteer opportunities are available for parents and families at each school. The office staff can give you copies of recent newsletters, and the PTA may even have a welcome packet with information for new parents. I found the schools to be very helpful, even though they knew that I might not even buy a house in their district. You could also try chatting with people in town who would know kids from different schools - children's librarians, coaches, the staff at the toy store - and ask if they think there are any differences. Good luck! I know it is a hard decision.

[Paige65]

Originally Posted by STL Mom

I would suggest making appointments to meet the principals and get a tour of each of the schools. I did this at several schools, and would have done it at every one if I hadn't been flying in from out of state. Ask the principals what they think the differences are between their schools and the others. Also ask for a PTA contact, so you can find out what kind of activities and volunteer opportunities are available for parents and families at each school. The office staff can give you copies of recent newsletters, and the PTA may even have a welcome packet with information for new parents. I found the schools to be very helpful, even though they knew that I might not even buy a house in their district. You could also try chatting with people in town who would know kids from different schools - children's librarians, coaches, the staff at the toy store - and ask if they think there are any differences. Good luck! I know it is a hard decision.

Great suggestions. +1 for you.

[chiboy7]

Wilmette.

[Sarah H.]

Well, I'm totally late to the party but here's some info about both suburbs. I live in Wilmette and looked at Winnetka and Glencoe. We bought 6 years ago and the market was very different. The house we bought is lovely but not our first choice. We had put in offers for 5 other houses (all in Winnetka- everything in Glencoe was out of our range) and were in bidding wars and either lost or chose to bow out. It was a crazy time.

Wilmette- Bigger town, more Park District facilities (new public pool as of 2002), larger library, more commercial districts and more chain stores.

Winnetka- More mom and pop stores, Community Center (called the Winnetka Community House), higher home prices in 2002 and a faster fall now. Big difference- as far as I know the kids in elementary school go home for lunch. Sounds nice if you're comfortable with your kids walking to and from school or can pick them up- or have a nanny or other household help to do this and make lunch.
I understand that this also gives more opportunities for lunchtime playdates. There is an option to stay at school but my friend, who's step siblings lived there in the 1970's said this was frowned upon as "working mothers" were a new and feared thing back then.

Both communities have lots of parks, kids activities, friendly people (and unfriendly ones, just like everywhere else), beautiful beaches, and great schools. But they each have their own flavor. Since you're temporarily in Wilmette you've experienced it a bit. Going to a park in Winnetka before you move is a good idea. (Dwyer on Elm street is a favorite of ours.)

Another thing to note is that both towns offer reciprocal library lending services and the community classes are open to non-residents. They are so close that going back and forth for dining and shopping is simple enough. We often ride our bikes to Winnetka, have lunch, and go to the park etc.

I hope this is helpful.

Sarah