help with Western suburbs (Naperville, Cicero: house, to buy, good schools)

[robin74ca]

My husband and I are considering moving out of the city. I work in Naperville and have commuted out there for 5 years, and he works downtown. We would like to be closer to my job, but still on a metra (preferably) or El line for him. We are looking for someplace with a great downtown, not too far from the city by public transportation, with good schools, and preferably relatively diverse and politically liberal. So far, we have focused most on Oak Park/River Forest area, but are finding it a bit overpriced for the quality of the homes (while we do love older homes, the ones that are in good shape and somewhat renovated seem pretty pricey still). Are starting to branch out our search- any thoughts on La Grange, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Downers Grove, or others?? Thanks!

[chet everett]

The path you are on is well worn. For those you MUST commute to a non-Loop location Oak Park has some distinct advantages with ties the CTA, but for those that are utilizing general Metra flow to the train station there can be much better value in other towns.

Schools with good numbers exist in most towns along the BNSF west of Cicero, and the UP W line from DuPage Co through Kane...

I really have no idea about how to accurately measure "politically liberal" though I saw PLENTY of Obama yard signs and bumper stickers in those areas... Racial diversity is probably more even / common in some of the south suburbs than it is along either of the western train line past Oak Park...

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by robin74ca

My husband and I are considering moving out of the city. I work in Naperville and have commuted out there for 5 years, and he works downtown. We would like to be closer to my job, but still on a metra (preferably) or El line for him. We are looking for someplace with a great downtown, not too far from the city by public transportation, with good schools, and preferably relatively diverse and politically liberal. So far, we have focused most on Oak Park/River Forest area, but are finding it a bit overpriced for the quality of the homes (while we do love older homes, the ones that are in good shape and somewhat renovated seem pretty pricey still). Are starting to branch out our search- any thoughts on La Grange, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Downers Grove, or others?? Thanks!

La Grange and Elmhurst aren't that much cheaper than Oak Park. Glen Ellyn and Downers Grove do offer more house for the money than the other places you have mentioned, but they aren't exactly affordable suburbs either. Out of all of the towns you have mentioned, La Grange is the most appealing to me as a nice, walkable town with ammenities... Though it doesn't offer the diversity and concentration of liberals that Oak Park does. If that's a deal breaker for you, you'll have to buy a fixer upper in Oak Park. Or you could always join the Berwynites (but then you lose the good schools).