First time home owner. Want something close to "home" and work. (Orland Park: rent)

[8d2t3fvr]

Hello!

I am about to move out very soon. My current home, where my family is, is in Frankfort, IL. My job is in Hodgkins, IL. I want to stay somewhat near the both. Right now, I am looking at Alsip, Palos Hills/Park/Heights, Orland Park/Hills, and Tinley Park. Are there others I should add to the list?

As far as me personally, I am a quiet loner that isn't too picky. I don't care about the politics of the area. I don't care about the racial makeup of the area. I just want a nice, quiet, safe place. A condo.

My plan is to go conservative with my budget... I want to stay around 100k or less but will shell out more if the property is worth it.

Thanks in advance.

[cdc3217]

How about Oak Forest? There's condos there, a little less pricey than Tinley/Orland - and a little easier to get on I-294.

[chet everett]

100K is probably too small an amount to budget for a first home. Save up. Rent if you have to. You are extremely unlikely to get much return on a place that sells for 100K unless it is in very poor condition.

[GolfLover2]

8d2t3fvr: I've read the thread here and want to suggest that you get pre-qualified for a loan, if that is the direction you are wishing to pursue. If you have already accomplished that and are educated about the price-point home you can consider, congratulations on taking that step. If not, please consider taking this extremely important step first ... before you start a home search. It will make your search more focused and effective ... and give you a true idea of your housing options.
Best of luck to you .. and if you need further info ... please write!

[Chi-City Kanye]

Im not a fan of the south suburbs not that nice of neighborhoods. I live in the west suburbs and they r great

[8d2t3fvr]

@cdc3217: Thanks. I will add it to the list!

@chet everett: I don't agree. There are plenty of places in the areas I mentioned around that price. Most of them are nice as well. But you are probably right in that I will probably get a very small return when I decide to sell it.

@GolfLover2: Yep Yep. I am approved for a certain amount already. I made sure I got that taken care of first. I don't want to set my heart on a property only to learn it is out of my grasp.

@Chi-city Kanye: I could understand that. There are definitely some problem areas. But most of my family is out that way and I don't want to move that far away... not yet at least.

Thanks for the suggestion, good people!