Suburbs in Chicago that resemble Geneva? (Elmhurst, Brookfield: foreclosures, low crime, homes)

[coolmamma73]

I have read all the threads about Geneva, and it would take me all day to read threads about suburbs of Chicago, since I dont know anything about any of them.

I really like Geneva, Il, though it is a little further from the city than I had hoped. My questions is...is there any suburb of chicago or beyond that is within 30 min of downtown that has low crime, good schools, maybe a downtown, and housing is reasonable (250-350's)? Maybe comparable to Geneva?

We are moving soon and I would like to have a few places in mind to check out.

Thanks!!!

Jennifer

[chet everett]

MOST suburbs in the region have very low crime.

MANY have schools that are at least as good than Geneva.

DOZENS have downtowns that are as bit as vibrant as Geneva, though few with the sort of combination of quaintness and crowdedness of Geneva.

The MEDIAN value of homes in Geneva was about $347K in 2007, the upper end has slipped more than the lower, and the impact of foreclosures has not been uniform. I doubt there is a huge range to choose at the low end of your range there and even LESS closer in to Chicago...


If the primary driver for search is the price (and that is NOTHING to be ashamed about as that is a very handsome amount to spend on a home) I would suggest that you look in Brookfield due west of Chicago on the BNSF and perhaps DesPlaines to the NW. None of these have all the same features of Geneva, but that cannot be found in the price range you mentioned and the distance you prefer.

[chitown85]

It is tough to find that rural of an area only 30 miles from the city. Generally you will need to be at least an hour out to have a more rural atmosphere.

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by Gioobag

Western Springs

check it out

And even then for under $350K in WS the lots are not plentiful. Median home price is over $588K...

[nanannie]

Check out Elmhurst. Its much closer to the city then Geneva and has the charm,old homes,good shopping, schools, parks family activities etc.Also, easy metra to the city,. There are homes in your price range. Also, Arlington hts for all the above reasons.

[coolmamma73]

ok, tell me about Brookfield! Got Elmhurst, any others? Dont neccesarily need the rural aspect of Geneva

[ihynes]

Originally Posted by Gioobag

Western Springs

check it out

Yes, you are right, Western Springs.

[chet everett]

Brookfield is an older town that has a mix of housing. Portions are heavy on the brick bungalows and cottages that were thrown up around WWII, but there is a smattering of homes that have a lot of charm from earlier times. The eastern portion, nearest Brookfield Zoo, is particularly nice as its curvy streets mimick those of much pricier adjacent Riverside, with which Hollywood shares an elementary district.

Throughout town you can find some homes with character, though it is rare that a whole block is uniformly showcases the most attractive homes.

Good Metra service is a real plus, as is a walkable downtown with resturants. In addition to the Zoo the town has nice family friendly parks and youth sports as well as good access to other locations for regional shopping / entertainment/ employment / health care.

In you price range you will not have much luck in towns like Elmhurst or Western Springs.

[Lookout Kid]

La Grange Park (if you stick close to downtown La Grange). Western Springs is a budget buster, but you might find a deal.