Buffalo Grove (Lake Co. vs. Cook Co.) vs. Vernon Hills (Wheeling: sales, townhome)

[JulieBoilerUp]

At 23, I'm looking to buy my first place (townhome). I'm looking at Buffalo Grove and Vernon Hills. I know people may be tempted to suggest more places, but based on my work location, I'm set on these two.

I'm having trouble deciding on (1) a place in Buffalo Grove in Cook Co., (2) a place in Buffalo Grove in Lake Co., and (3) a place in Vernon Hills. In terms of size and price; (2) is the smallest and most expensive, (1) is in the middle for both, and (3) is the cheapest and largest.

I'm looking any general advice.

Thanks!!!

[chitown85]

Go with BG Cook County especially if you don't have kids. However, property values will probably rise much faster in Vernon Hills since its still up and coming. The property taxes in Lake County are MUCH higher than in Cook. Also, to avoid the higher sales tax in Cook, just cross Lake Cook Road and shop in Lake.

[cubssoxfan]

Originally Posted by JulieBoilerUp

At 23, I'm looking to buy my first place (townhome). I'm looking at Buffalo Grove and Vernon Hills. I know people may be tempted to suggest more places, but based on my work location, I'm set on these two.

I'm having trouble deciding on (1) a place in Buffalo Grove in Cook Co., (2) a place in Buffalo Grove in Lake Co., and (3) a place in Vernon Hills. In terms of size and price; (2) is the smallest and most expensive, (1) is in the middle for both, and (3) is the cheapest and largest.

I'm looking any general advice.

Thanks!!!

What are your recreational pursuits? If you love the library, check for differences there. Check out differences in Park District activities. If you like walking, which one is in more enjoyable area to walk? I looked in both sides of BG and in Arlington Hts. when I bought my townhome 17 years ago. I chose Lake Arlington because the association dues were the lowest, provided more services and were well funded AND because I was a block away from a 2 mile running/biking path AND because the unit was fairly priced, newer (at the time), sunny, didn't look right into a neighbor's place and had the nicest landscaping and trees.
So try to make a sound decision, but also make sure you're evaluating and listening to your emotional side as well.

[edsg25]

Originally Posted by cubssoxfan

What are your recreational pursuits? If you love the library, check for differences there. Check out differences in Park District activities. If you like walking, which one is in more enjoyable area to walk? I looked in both sides of BG and in Arlington Hts. when I bought my townhome 17 years ago. I chose Lake Arlington because the association dues were the lowest, provided more services and were well funded AND because I was a block away from a 2 mile running/biking path AND because the unit was fairly priced, newer (at the time), sunny, didn't look right into a neighbor's place and had the nicest landscaping and trees.
So try to make a sound decision, but also make sure you're evaluating and listening to your emotional side as well.

as for the libraries, both Indian Trails (Wheeling/BG: Cook) and Vernon Twp (BG: Lake) are pretty good. BG's public recreational complex is excellent but very expensive for a public facility. BTW, fully agree with you about recreational offerings at Lake Arlington which are incredible and certainly more easily accessessed from BG/Cook than BG/Lake. That said, pretty good forest preserve natural area in BG/Lake near intersection of Arl Hts Rd and Lake Cook....although unfortunately far hillier than the flat trek around Lk Arl.

[Around Town]

Originally Posted by chitown85

Go with BG Cook County especially if you don't have kids. However, property values will probably rise much faster in Vernon Hills since its still up and coming. The property taxes in Lake County are MUCH higher than in Cook. Also, to avoid the higher sales tax in Cook, just cross Lake Cook Road and shop in Lake.

Is the Walmart in Buffalo Grove on the Lake or Cook County side?

[chitown85]

The Walmart south of Lake Cook road is in Cook County, but is actually located within the village of Wheeling. Target which is north of Lake Cook Road, is in Lake County Buffalo Grove.

[middle-aged mom]

BG/Lake County feeds into Stevenson HS. This is reflected in property taxes and holds back property values.

I too am an advocate for Lake Arlington which seems to be holding value better than many townhome communities, taxes are relatively reasonable and it's well mnaged.

As for Vernon Hills, a portion of this town also feeds into Stevenson and the property taxes tend to be killers.