Moving to Chicago from NJ (Arlington Heights, Barrington: for sale, apartment, rentals)

[Lookout Kid]

The Metra stop in Park Ridge is right in the middle of a nice walkable downtown area with many shops and restaurants (though they call it "Uptown" for some reason). There really aren't any bad parts of Park Ridge, but the area around Uptown is very desirable. Crime isn't really an issue there. My only beef with Park Ridge is that there are many "teardowns" occuring there, and I don't think the new homes fit in with the existing neighborhoods. Many of them are tacky and showy in my opinion, but Park Ridge is known as a somewhat affluent suburb.

[chitown85]

Park Ridge is also very close to the city and O'Hare. Pretty much can't get more convenient than that.

[Pete MUFC]

Hi again,

Here I am again. I had a chance to check a few apartments last weekend in Chicago area.
I was in Park Ridge, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove and Cary.
Apartments in Park Ridge were somewhat too small for us (2BD/1.1BT) but very pricy, but I have to say it is a beatiful city. However it will be my third choice.

My second choice will be the townhouse I checked in Arlington Heights. It was good, but it was a bit further from downtown.
It is close to Buffalo Grove and the elementary(EDGAR A POE) and middle school (COOPER MIDDLE SCHOOL) are under school district 21 and the area is served by BUFFALO GROVE High School. Can someone tell me more about this area?

My first choice was a duplex in Buffalo Grove, I remember that it was close to two parks:Twin Creeks Park and Prairie Park between N Buffalo Grove Rd and Aptakisic Rd. near Rt.53.
Real Estate agent said that it is perfect area and that the Stevenson School which serves the area is one of the best in the state.
Can someone give me more info about the area as I this was the place I liked most.

At the end we went to Cary where we checked a single family house, which was nice btw, but I just had a feeling that the city itself is too far away from everything.
Maybe I am wrong, but that was my first impression.
The house was just a mile off Metra station. Any info (just in case) about this area?

Thanks for all your replies, your information is so helpfull.

[Pete MUFC]

tyboo - you didn't answer any of my questions.
If you read this thread you should've realize that I am not interested in Aurora or the nearby area.

Originally Posted by tyboo123

This stunning two story home is located in the desirable Fairfield Way subdivision of Montgomery. Situated just south of Aurora and 40 miles west of Chicago, Montgomery is a fast growing community boasting the Fox River and an abundance of park land. Built by Kennedy homes just over a year ago, this home is still practically brand new! The home sits on a comfortable corner lot and backs up to open farm land offering peaceful views and privacy. Features include generous room sizes, walk-in closets, volume ceilings, and oak trim. The exterior includes a covered front porch, maintenance free brick, and vinyl siding. Step inside the front door and you are greeted into the massive living and dining room combo. The room is flooded with natural light and blanketed with cream carpeting in like new condition. Your adjacent family room offers a direct vent gas fireplace with ceramic tile. Around the corner you will find a very nice kitchen offering all the necessities. The upgraded cabinets provide ample storage, and there is notable countertop space. Stainless steel appliances, a large eating area with custom mirrored wall, and a beautiful burnt umber hardwood floor completes the look. Glass doors lead outside to the backyard. The first floor also has an office and bath. Surprises continue upstairs with a comfortable loft that is 11 by 14, and a second family or game room that is 17 by 14! The master bedroom is 17 by 18 with volume ceilings, beautifully painted walls, a 10 by 8 walk in closet with Pergo floor, and a private bath with dual private vanities. Remaining rooms are 13 by 13, 15 by 10, and 12 by 13, all with walk in closets. The home also offers a full unfinished basement with rough in plumbing for another bath!

Property Features

4 Bed 2 Full and 1 Half Bath Single Family Home in Montgomery, IL Immaculate 2 Story Home
Walk In Closets
Backs Up To Farm Land
Custom Mirrored Wall
Large Room Sizes
Oak Trim
Quick Close Okay
Spacious Loft
Jacuzzi

Hardwood Floors Local Schools
Below is a list of schools located near this property. The type of school, grade levels, and distance are also indicated. Elementary School Kaneland South Elementary School
Elementary SchoolPre-K - 4th2.67 miles Fox Chase Elementary School
Elementary SchoolPre-K - 5th3.69 milesMiddle School Washington Middle School
Middle School6th - 8th3.55 miles
PrivateSt Marks Child Development Cen
Private
3.65 milesNorth Aurora Elementary School
Private1st - 8th4.14 milesResurrection Lutheran School
PrivatePre-K - 8th4.14 milesRosary High School
Private9th - 12th4.40 milesAurora Central Catholic H S
Private9th - 12th4.78 miles
Universities & CollegesAurora University
UniversityAurora3.26 milesRobert Morris College DuPage Campus
CollegeAurora9.42 milesNorthern Illinois University Naperville
UniversityNaperville13.93 milesNorthwestern Business College
CollegeNaperville13.93 milesDevry University
UniversityNaperville13.93 milesNorthwestern Business College
CollegeNaperville13.93 milesNorth Central College
CollegeNaperville14.20 milesCollege Of Dupage
CollegeNaperville14.20 milesNorth Central College
CollegeNaperville14.20 milesNorth Central College
CollegeNaperville14.20 milesNorth Community College
CollegeNaperville14.20 milesNorth Central College
CollegeNaperville14.20 milesNorth Central College
CollegeNaperville14.20 milesTrecc University of Illinois
UniversityWest Chicago15.80 milesBenedictine University- Prestigious MBA Programs
UniversityLisle17.79 miles


Central Air/Heat
Fireplace/s
Unfinished Basement
New Construction (1-5) Yrs.
Near Transportation
Custom Home
City Water
Appliances Stay
Professionally Landscaped
Vaulted Ceilings
Take the tour today at Homes For Sale By Owner at BuyOwner.com, Sell Real Estate, MLS Listings. The FSBO Leader Since 1984. and enter C H I 13047.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by Pete MUFC

tyboo - you didn't answer any of my questions.
If you read this thread you should've realize that I am not interested in Aurora or the nearby area.

It's spam, and it's been reported to the mods.

[Pete MUFC]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

It's spam, and it's been reported to the mods.

Ok, thanks Lookout Kid.
Are you familiar with my area interest? I need as many info as possible.

Thanks

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by Pete MUFC

Hi again,

Here I am again. I had a chance to check a few apartments last weekend in Chicago area.
I was in Park Ridge, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove and Cary.
Apartments in Park Ridge were somewhat too small for us (2BD/1.1BT) but very pricy, but I have to say it is a beatiful city. However it will be my third choice.

My second choice will be the townhouse I checked in Arlington Heights. It was good, but it was a bit further from downtown.
It is close to Buffalo Grove and the elementary(EDGAR A POE) and middle school (COOPER MIDDLE SCHOOL) are under school district 21 and the area is served by BUFFALO GROVE High School. Can someone tell me more about this area?

My first choice was a duplex in Buffalo Grove, I remember that it was close to two parks:Twin Creeks Park and Prairie Park between N Buffalo Grove Rd and Aptakisic Rd. near Rt.53.
Real Estate agent said that it is perfect area and that the Stevenson School which serves the area is one of the best in the state.
Can someone give me more info about the area as I this was the place I liked most.

At the end we went to Cary where we checked a single family house, which was nice btw, but I just had a feeling that the city itself is too far away from everything.
Maybe I am wrong, but that was my first impression.
The house was just a mile off Metra station. Any info (just in case) about this area?

Thanks for all your replies, your information is so helpfull.

If the duplex is a rental I'd say go for it -- purchasing a duplex might not be smart as in that area the resale is going to be tough. The agent was correct about Stevenson being ranked very highly, if you want a very very large high school Stevenson fits the bill and does a good job with a large number of students. Other schools that have similar levels of success are generally smaller OR in even more expensive areas.

I would agree with your assessment of Park Ridge as well. Smaller and older are the norm there, which some people are happy with as it is quite convenient to both downtown Chicago and O'hare. It also is (mostly) an exceedingly walkable town with good schools, recreational facilities and a lot of charm.

AH is newer and a bit further west, but it is also a much large town and as you stated if you are in the fringes there is not much to walk to. Some folks prefer BG high, put the numbers are very similar to Hersey, personal preferences factor in...

Cary IS much further out, and would have a different kind of lifestyle. The Metra ride is longer, and you really would be driving a lot further to pretty much everything. If you want a spread out feeling that is NOT what you will get in the closer in NW burbs...

[Pete MUFC]

Originally Posted by chet everett

If the duplex is a rental I'd say go for it -- purchasing a duplex might not be smart as in that area the resale is going to be tough. The agent was correct about Stevenson being ranked very highly, if you want a very very large high school Stevenson fits the bill and does a good job with a large number of students. Other schools that have similar levels of success are generally smaller OR in even more expensive areas.

I would agree with your assessment of Park Ridge as well. Smaller and older are the norm there, which some people are happy with as it is quite convenient to both downtown Chicago and O'hare. It also is (mostly) an exceedingly walkable town with good schools, recreational facilities and a lot of charm.

AH is newer and a bit further west, but it is also a much large town and as you stated if you are in the fringes there is not much to walk to. Some folks prefer BG high, put the numbers are very similar to Hersey, personal preferences factor in...

Cary IS much further out, and would have a different kind of lifestyle. The Metra ride is longer, and you really would be driving a lot further to pretty much everything. If you want a spread out feeling that is NOT what you will get in the closer in NW burbs...

Thanks for the quick reply Chet.
Unfortunatelly that duplex is not available for rent. It is priced very aggressively and there is no assessment fee. It is also FHA approved.
Why do you think it will be tough to resale?
Is that area not safe? I will take a look at other properties listed for sale in that area just to have an idea of the home prices.
What we are looking for now is safe and quite area, and this place looked like it.
Same for that AH area where we went. It really is not to close to Downtown, but is in a reasonable distance (from train too).
I am only not sure of how safe the area is.
Personally, what would have been your choice if you are given these locations?
Just need an opinion.

Thanks.

[chet everett]

Without knowing the specific neighborhood that the duplex is in, but knowing that general area I would worry that you would be competing against townhomes. The townhomes in that area are showing their age and are not selling well, they would be your comps (as attached housing) and I fear they will not hold their value, thus you would suffer even if your duplex is in better shape and MUCH easier to upgrade than a townhouse.

[Pete MUFC]

Originally Posted by chet everett

Without knowing the specific neighborhood that the duplex is in, but knowing that general area I would worry that you would be competing against townhomes. The townhomes in that area are showing their age and are not selling well, they would be your comps (as attached housing) and I fear they will not hold their value, thus you would suffer even if your duplex is in better shape and MUCH easier to upgrade than a townhouse.

Hi Chet,

Here is the address for the duplex in question:
549 LYON Dr BUFFALO GROVE

Is this helpfull? Can you provide more info now?

Thanks a lot