are the Chicago burbs just too expensive for us? (Arlington Heights: houses, established neighborhood)

[steph410]

i am just starting to research the Chicago suburbs as a place for my husband and I to raise our 3 boys (ages 3, 2 and 3 months). my husband grew up in Buffalo Grove. I am from out of state, so I don't know much about the suburbs here.
anyways, we want to live where there are good schools and plenty of activities for the kids & things to do like parks/trails and good diverse places to eat. we need a 4 bedroom house with room for a home office. my husband will work from home and I will stay home with the kids. if the high end of our budget is around 400K, is there any suburb where we can get a decent house? i like evanston, park ridge, arlington heights & western springs. but it seems they are all too expensive...

[SloopyJ]

I doubt you'll be able to find what you're looking for in the suburbs you mentioned. Options would include going farther away from the city (obviously) or considering some southwest suburbs like Palos Hills (or Palos Park or Palos Heights), Tinley Park, or Orland Park. While you won't find great restaurants down that way, you might really enjoy being surrounded by forest preserves for the outdoor activities you describe.

[cubssoxfan]

I saw plenty of listings under $400K in Buffalo Grove and Arlington Heights. Now many of these are 1970'-80's built, not new (10 years or younger). Just be careful in Buffalo Grove because property taxes are higher in Lake county. I would also look in Palatine (schools decent but not as good as AH & BG) Mt. Prospect and Prospect Heights. If you find a house with a finished basement you can make an office there.
There should be MANY choices. Some factors are: how close to the city? How urban vs. rural? Established neighborhood with trees or new construction "moonscape"?
Remember to look at homes in the low 400's.The market is still falling and has not hit bottom. It's a buyers market and you might be able to negotiate a $400K purchase price on a $420K listing.

[chet everett]

I agree with cubsoxfan, if the decision is about the "total package" then you have to really have an open mind, and with 3 kids not yet school age and a budget up to $400k there are LOTS of options.

I have seen some fantastic homes that would have sold for much more than their current listing price just a short time ago. Everything from "move in ready" places to older homes in historic areas that need some TLC are BEGGING for a buyer like your family.

The key is to understand that if you just look at listing that are "gorgeous" you are not going to get what you want even in this market -- the desirable towns have simply NOT had a major fall off in value!

If you expand you search to include the homes that need some work OR the areas that are slightly less desirable you WILL get a gem when all is said and done.

There is no reason to ONLY have Western Springs on you list of in west Cook / Eastern DuPage -- there are similar homes from Riverside through Downers Grove, all on the BNSF line and all an equally great commute from the Loop due to express trains. Even if husband will work from home the commuter train factor will LOCK IN value!

You want Park Ridge? Check out the "so old it is hip again" rumpus room with South Seas theme in this gem: 1808 S VINE Ave, PARK RIDGE, IL 60068 | MLS# 07138937

Found that in 10 seconds!

There are some great propeties available at terrific prices!

[SloopyJ]

Originally Posted by chet everett

You want Park Ridge? Check out the "so old it is hip again" rumpus room with South Seas theme in this gem: 1808 S VINE Ave, PARK RIDGE, IL 60068 | MLS# 07138937

I'm sure the OP would love that house once they get Grandma's smell out of the carpet.

When the OP listed a bunch of 'burbs and expressed the opinion that they wouldn't be able to afford those, I assumed that they'd looked through listings enough to mean they couldn't afford the type of house they wanted in those suburbs. Sure, you can buy a $400K house in Park Ridge, but it hasn't been updated in 40 years. And if $400K is at the top of your range, how are you going to update it?

[steph410]

i would like something closer to the city, a more established neighborhood with a more urban feel.

Originally Posted by cubssoxfan

There should be MANY choices. Some factors are: how close to the city? How urban vs. rural? Established neighborhood with trees or new construction "moonscape"?

[chet everett]

If "urban feel" is what you are after there are lots of terrific deals in Chicago itself. Of course getting your kids into an acceptable school is a bit of challenge, but you have at least a little time to do so...

In my experience the few blocks of towns like Arlington Heights or Park Ridge that are truly walkable to downtown are not enough to give the whole area an "urban feel" any more so than could be said of Geneva, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Elmhurst or dozen other towns that have traditional "Main Street" lay outs.

There are lots of other threads that describe the good and bad of Oak Park and its surroundings.

More affordable digs can be had in Brookfield and other towns, again the development pattern that follows the railroad tends to have a lot more traditional feel than areas further out.

If you currently live in a community that is very walkable that may influence what are looking for -- similarly if you current home requires a car/ minivan to do anything you may be able to afford more by simply eliminating a vehicle.

Lots of options...

[ManheimMadman]

Originally Posted by chet everett

You want Park Ridge? Check out the "so old it is hip again" rumpus room with South Seas theme in this gem: 1808 S VINE Ave, PARK RIDGE, IL 60068 | MLS# 07138937

Found that in 10 seconds!

There are some great propeties available at terrific prices!

A-W-E-S-O-M-E!

I live for quirky stuff like that. That room is a solid conversation starter!

[trailerguy]

Please consider Lake County. Gurnee and Libertyville have plenty of nice houses for half of what you want to spend, excellent schools and all the amenities you could desire. The Metra runs frequent trains to Chicago in little more than an hour.

[Sarah H.]

Originally Posted by chet everett

You want Park Ridge? Check out the "so old it is hip again" rumpus room with South Seas theme in this gem: 1808 S VINE Ave, PARK RIDGE, IL 60068 | MLS# 07138937

That is the coolest "rumpus room." Love the shuffle board. Thanks for linking it.