Moving to Chicago from NJ (Arlington Heights, Schaumburg: sales, apartments, rent)

[Pete MUFC]

Originally Posted by middle-aged mom

I lived in NJ/NY, 3X. What area are you currently living? What do you like/dislike about it?

So much of what might be suitable depends on how much you have for a down payment and how much of a loan you can qualify for versus your own comfort level.

Given the ole bun in the oven thing, you need not be concerned about schools for quite some time. So why not rent something in Chicago and take your time getting to know the area. You might love city living, as opposed to suburban. Living in the city, close to downtown is not like living in NYC.

What do you think "It is not like living in NYC"?
Is it better in Chicago than NYC?

[Pete MUFC]

Originally Posted by tolovefromANFIELD

Don't worry we all hang out at the same bars in the city....when you get here and settled I shall give you couple of names. But you would be surprised who is at the top of the food chain down here You guys aren't even in top three....

And don't be so sure about the Premiership, but the Reds are primarily built for one thing, the European Cup. Soon it shall be 6:3 in that department.

Ok, at least there are some nice places where I can spend the weekends watching the EPL games.
It is the same here in NJ, in Hoboken where I usually go and watch the games, we all hang out together (I was amazed how many Villa and W.Ham fans are out there in NJ/NY).
And no, I am not sure about the premiership (i was sure 3 weeks ago , but not now after the recent slump). However we got the momentum now, after that last gasp win yesterday with more than half a team out (injured or banned). As for the CL, you cannot write off Chelski, especially now with the new coach they have. I think this time Chelsea is going through.
Back to topic now, what places will you recommend that are close to train and not more than 45 min away from downtown?
You will find all my requirements in the previous quotes.

Thanks.

[Pete MUFC]

Originally Posted by Drover

In that case, you may want to rent until you get your income situation more sorted out. That will also give you more time to get a feel for the lay of the land. It will also give you a chance to discern, perhaps with the help of a realtor, how much you can afford to spend on a house because it doesn't sound like you're terribly sure right now.

I'm sure the housing market is less expensive here than NJ, but East Coasters and Californians who assume real estate is a raging bargain everywhere in the Midwest just because it's the Midwest may find it doesn't always work that way, especially in the Chicago area. Any chance you have equity (ha! who does these days ) or some other form of down payment to bring with you?

If you do take up the rental suggestion, I suggest looking in Tinley Park or Orland Park. There is train access to downtown from there and they are mostly shiny newer suburbs which seems to fit your preference/comfort level. Schools are good in those towns too if you decide you like what you see when it's time to buy.

Well, I am not thinking the way many East coasters does, and after a little market research (which I did this weekend) I found out that Chicagoland area is much pricier than the rest of the Midwest. I had a chance to stay in Cincinatti for a while last year and there you can really find some bargains, but I cannot say that for Chicagoland, not even close to that.
However, based on my current salary, and I am also planning to go with 20% down (no, no equity) I would be looking for something not more than $150k.
As I said I did a bit of house market research this weekend and realized that there are some cute townhomes in the Aurora area.
I don't know anything about this city, aside from the fact there is a Metra Station (2 of them) and the commute is around 50 min to an hour, which is Ok to me.
Will you be able to give me more info about this city? Is it worth considering it at all? How's the living there, crime, schools, parks, traffic...?
Are there any "affordable" areas where I can also look?
Thanks.

[Drover]

Aurora is a miniature urban area with stereotypical urban problems of crime and gangs in the inner core while the outer areas, particularly on the east side, are calmer and more suburban in nature. I will say that Aurora schools are not very highly regarded; however, a sliver of eastern Aurora is in the Naperville school district which is highly regarded. Properties in this district typically command a premium versus the rest of Aurora for precisely this reason. Also, you may find that getting a parking permit at the Metra stations will be difficult; there may be a waiting list. I know the waiting list for a permit for the Rt. 59 station in Aurora is years long and permits for that station command quite a premium on the black market. I don't know if it's that bad for the downtown station may be something to look into if your wife won't be in a position to drop you off and pick you up every day. You might also look to see if PACE can get you to the station. PACE is the suburban bus service but their coverage is not very thorough and the frequency of runs isn't that high. Oh, and their website is a PITA too, but here it is: Pace Bus - A Fresh Approach to Public Transportation

[middle-aged mom]

Originally Posted by Pete MUFC

What do you think "It is not like living in NYC"?
Is it better in Chicago than NYC?

I have worked and lived in both cities. They are different.

I take it you live in or near Hoboken. As such, much of the near north side area will feel like home, even better, given the lake and Lincoln Park. It's not too difficult to find and rent a nice condo, right now. You could walk to work or be a short bus or el ride away. Take your time.

Aurora is way out there. The commute is to Union Station, quite a hike to East Wacker Drive. Door to door, best case is probably more like 1.75 hour, each way, all things considered.

[Pete MUFC]

Originally Posted by middle-aged mom

I have worked and lived in both cities. They are different.

I take it you live in or near Hoboken. As such, much of the near north side area will feel like home, even better, given the lake and Lincoln Park. It's not too difficult to find and rent a nice condo, right now. You could walk to work or be a short bus or el ride away. Take your time.

Aurora is way out there. The commute is to Union Station, quite a hike to East Wacker Drive. Door to door, best case is probably more like 1.75 hour, each way, all things considered.

Yes, we like the Hoboken/Weehawken area very much.
And you are saying that north side is even better? Well, I will concentrate on that area then.
As I said in one of my previous comments, we were interested in Aurora (I found some very affordable townhomes) but everything I read so far about Aurora says "Stay away".
Which cities of the North Side will you reccomend?
I don't mind if commute to Downtown is up to 45 min, however I will need to be close to train. And I can afford up to $200k in buying a home (condo or townhome is what we preffer for now). Is there anything decent in that price range on the north side?
Thanks.

[Pete MUFC]

Originally Posted by Drover

Aurora is a miniature urban area with stereotypical urban problems of crime and gangs in the inner core while the outer areas, particularly on the east side, are calmer and more suburban in nature. I will say that Aurora schools are not very highly regarded; however, a sliver of eastern Aurora is in the Naperville school district which is highly regarded. Properties in this district typically command a premium versus the rest of Aurora for precisely this reason. Also, you may find that getting a parking permit at the Metra stations will be difficult; there may be a waiting list. I know the waiting list for a permit for the Rt. 59 station in Aurora is years long and permits for that station command quite a premium on the black market. I don't know if it's that bad for the downtown station may be something to look into if your wife won't be in a position to drop you off and pick you up every day. You might also look to see if PACE can get you to the station. PACE is the suburban bus service but their coverage is not very thorough and the frequency of runs isn't that high. Oh, and their website is a PITA too, but here it is: Pace Bus - A Fresh Approach to Public Transportation

Thanks for your info on Aurora. Looks like I will stay away from this area.
We are concentrating on the north side (and maybe northwest) if we can afford buying something up to 200k there.
What cities will you recommend?
Thanks.

[middle-aged mom]

Originally Posted by Pete MUFC

Yes, we like the Hoboken/Weehawken area very much.
And you are saying that north side is even better? Well, I will concentrate on that area then.
As I said in one of my previous comments, we were interested in Aurora (I found some very affordable townhomes) but everything I read so far about Aurora says "Stay away".
Which cities of the North Side will you reccomend?
I don't mind if commute to Downtown is up to 45 min, however I will need to be close to train. And I can afford up to $200k in buying a home (condo or townhome is what we preffer for now). Is there anything decent in that price range on the north side?
Thanks.

I am suggesting is that you consider renting a condo in the city, on the North Side and take your time getting acquainted with the greater Chicagoland area.

Lincoln Park, Old Town, Sheffield and Wrigleyville are all great areas with good transportation, parks, the lake, local bars/restaurants. Lot's of young families, too.

Aurora is like a mix of Rockland Cty NY, new age/build Levittown and a touch of Patterson NJ thrown in, just for fun. It's waaaaay out there.

[Pete MUFC]

Well, It looks like we set our sights on Barrington-Cary-Fox River Grove area.
I've read so many good comments for these cities at the forum and also did some internet research.
From what I understand so far, they are all bit further from Downtown Chicago (maybe an hour commute) which is not a problem for me.
Schools looks to be good and area friendly and quiet.
Yes we are still in our early 30's but we look for a quiet area.
I also checked the house market and asside from the multi-million homes in the area (especialy parts of Barrington) we've learned that there are some homes (2 or 3 BD-2BT) that are very affordable.
I especialy liked a house which is on a walking distance from Cary Metra station, 3BD-2BT with finished basement and relatively low taxes.
Is the area around Metra station in Cary good?
The houses we are looking are not newer ones, 70's-80's-90's as the newer ones are more expensive and have some special assesments (some of them). Can someone explain why is that happening?

Also how long will be the commute to Deerfield?

Thanks in advance for all your thought and suggestions of the area.

[cubssoxfan]

Pete,
The area you picked is nice. However, you may want to look a little farther "in" at Arlington Heights. It is a little denser, but you are closer to the city and closer to other employment centers as well. Always good to think ahead and make sure that if you change jobs and work in Schaumburg or Oakbrook that you don't set yourself up for a kicker commute. The library, schools, park district, theater and shopping are also excellent. Home may cost a smidge more, but property tax is generally lower than Lake or McHenry county. You can find 2500SF home starting in the 350K range. Lots will be 1/5 acre to 1/3 acre depending on neighborhood. Your commute from Arlington Heights to Deerfield is also a LOT closer than from Barrington or Cary.