What is the difference (culture, people) North versus West of Chicago? (Aurora: prices, affordable housing)

[wheregirl]

Hello, now the wonderful help here I see there is green farmland about an hour north or west of Chicago. So the next question is: what is the differences in people, community, and culture between the areas to the North of Chicago, such as Mettawa and Buffulo Grove, versus the areas to the West of Chicago, such as Geneva, Aurora, etc?

Also, what is the differences in the land and weather? I can see in some of the photos that the North seems to be more lush with more trees and West seems to be more flat with just grass or corn fields, is that true? Is Aurora area warmer than the Buffulo Grove area?

Also how does the traffic on the highway to the North versus West compare?

Thanks a lot.

[middle-aged mom]

Areas closer to the lake have a tendency to be slightly warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Regardless, cold is cold and hot and humid is uncomfortable.

I cannot think of a more disparente combo than comparing topography, cultures and people in Buffalo Grove versus Mettawa versus Geneva versus Aurora. Is there some reason you are doing so?

In terms of traffic, it all depends where you are and where you are trying to go and at what time of day.

[SJaye]

I was always under the impression that the north suburbs, especially the ones along the lake from Highland Park to Evanston were more likely to be old money, and (sorry for the stereotype) elitist/establishment type thinkers, while the west suburbs, especially central Dupage county towns like Glen Eyllen and Woodridge, are more likely to be new money and individualist. In both areas there are major differences across towns. Traffic, I think, will most likely suck no matter which direction you go. This is why I take the train.

[middle-aged mom]

The stock and housing markets of the last ten years have blurred old and new money. Only thing certain is that most folk do not have as much as they used to have.

Of all the places mentioned, Aurora has the most affordable housing. Aurora is the second largest city in Illinois with a diverse population of about 170,000. In contrast, Mettawa has less than 500 people. How does one compare the two places?

[Anthera]

Originally Posted by middle-aged mom

The stock and housing markets of the last ten years have blurred old and new money. Only thing certain is that most folk do not have as much as they used to have.

Of all the places mentioned, Aurora has the most affordable housing. Aurora is the second largest city in Illinois with a diverse population of about 170,000. In contrast, Mettawa has less than 500 people. How does one compare the two places?

I cannot imagine anyone comparing them either. They are in completely different prices brackets.

[Venom]

They all have atleast a suburban ghetto.

[Anthera]

Originally Posted by Venom

They all have atleast a suburban ghetto.

Where is Mettawa's ghetto?

[middle-aged mom]

Originally Posted by Venom

They all have atleast a suburban ghetto.

Too funny.

[wheregirl]

Thanks. I was just wondering whether similarly-minded people tend to flock to a certain area. Just the general north direction versus west, but I guess you are right that things change too much even from block to block so north versus west is too general. I wonder whether more technical/computer type prefer west and the more media/political type prefer the north.