Looking at moving from South Fla to the Naperville area (Chicago: homes, established neighborhood)

[woodridgehome]

Saw your posting and would like to comment about checking out Woodridge...it's worth a look for sure. It's just East of Naperville. Well established neighborhoods, great schools and parks, and absolutely a great place to raise a family. Lower prices of homes, usually larger lots and a lot of home for the price.

[rayflow1368]

Originally Posted by acdevane

Just an FYI, although Naperville taxes seem to be high everything is realtive. There are $300K homes in Bolingbrook that have a $10K taxe tab. There are also homes in Aurora, that while taxes are somewhat lower than Naperville's are located in Special Service Areas (SSA's) or high HOA's (homeowner association dues). My point here is you have to look at the whole picture. You must also take into consideration what you get in return for those taxes, and I have to say in Naperville, it's plenty. Fantastic Schools, Awesome Park District programs, Nationally recognized award winning Library, not to mention top notch city services, and great festivals throughout the year. There's more, but you get the idea. You honestly never have to leave Naperville if you don't want to. It's all here.

However to answer your question, yes there are very nice areas surrounding Naperville. Lisle and school dist 202 are excellent choices. Bolingbrook north of Royce and West of Route 59 still attends Naperville 203 schools. A fairly large portion of Eastern Aurora attends Naperville 204 Schools.

Thanks for the information. You're right about the return on taxes. It seems Naperville has always gotten a good rap about their town. I'm sure it's money well spent. I just don't want to get in over my head leaving a place as costly as Miami where I would be getting away from the heavy tax burden. (Even though God knows where that money goes...) to another costly location. I guess I just want to give my children the best opportunity without it costing me more than it has to....Is that wrong ?? lol

[rayflow1368]

Thanks Again to everyone who has taken the time. I appreciate the information and it will definitely help in the process. I am so ready to go someplace that has a sense of community and pride. I feel that this is one of those places. Please feel free to continue "schooling me" on this. I welcome all replies.

[almost3am]

Originally Posted by cookpr

And I dont want to offend anyone, but I would shoot for 203 - the issues facing 204 is that it still feeds into the Aurora area where housing is (was still) going up - so they are still building schools and there has been a lot of shuffling of school boundaries. Many folks not to happy that they are being shifted to the newer high school out on Eola Rd in Aurora.

Yeah, I heard a bunch about the redistricting, but I heard something different...What I heard is that there are people that weren't happy that they were redistricted into Waubonsie (White Eagle/Tall Grass), and I met a bunch of people happy they were redistricted into Metea.

[cgms310]

I just purchased a home in Bolingbrook in an enclave of 25 houses. From the outside, it looks fantastic and the neighbourhood looks the same. It is just off Boughton Road. Is anyone familiar with the area?

My wife and I are thrilled to be moving there and cannot wait to become a part of the new and seemingly growing community.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by rayflow1368

Thanks Again to everyone who has taken the time. I appreciate the information and it will definitely help in the process. I am so ready to go someplace that has a sense of community and pride. I feel that this is one of those places. Please feel free to continue "schooling me" on this. I welcome all replies.

If you want to save some money, look directly north towards Warrenville, especially the areas around Mill St and Diehl Road. Some decent shopping/restaurants over there (Max & Ermas, Red Robin, Rock Bottom Brewery, Potbellys, Target, AMC30 Theatre, Stir Crazy, etc), and an easy 5-10 minute drive to downtown Naperville. If you take Winfield Rd north to Ferry Road and head west (left), turn right on River Rd and there is a nice older neighborhood back there (with several McMansions sprouting up) that runs up to Warrenville Rd. The neighborhood is quiet, full of big old Oak trees, etc. And its eons cheaper/quieter than Naperville!

[JustJulia]

Originally Posted by cgms310

I just purchased a home in Bolingbrook in an enclave of 25 houses. From the outside, it looks fantastic and the neighbourhood looks the same. It is just off Boughton Road. Is anyone familiar with the area?

My wife and I are thrilled to be moving there and cannot wait to become a part of the new and seemingly growing community.

I know the area a little. There are several large shopping centers at Boughton and Weber, and I am there every weekend. It seems nice over there. The houses are newer and attractive. The streets are clean abd well kept ... that's one way I judge new areas. Trashy streets, trashy neighborhood.

[nat03]

Bottom line, when Naperville residents shuffle around it is usually a move from 204 areas to 203 areas. The closer to downtown the more expensive because downtown is the definition of location location location. Lots to do, close to I88, I355 and the train station.

I don't really think there are any bargains in Naperville. There is a reason everything is priced the way it is. 60540 is the downtown zip code but if you sort real estate by zip you will see some homes are less expensive. There is a portion of 60540 that falls within 204 and goes to the new high school which is at least 20 minutes by car so it must be what by bus? And you have to travel really busy roads so not ideal for teen drivers. I will mention that most of the people I know who live in that area send their children to All Saints Academy and are planning on Benet Academy for HS.

[nat03]

Originally Posted by almost3am

Yeah, I heard a bunch about the redistricting, but I heard something different...What I heard is that there are people that weren't happy that they were redistricted into Waubonsie (White Eagle/Tall Grass), and I met a bunch of people happy they were redistricted into Metea.

Agreed the people who were redistricted out of Neuqua and into Waubonsie were NOT happy and the people who got redistricted OUT of Waubonsie were happy.

Personally I think Waubonsie is an excellent school. It just happens to be less excellent than the other 4 Naperville high schools.

[GolfLover2]

Can you give us any clue as to what kind of job/position you are hoping for? Maybe we can help there as well. That may also influence where we suggest moving, as your employment and how close that could possibly be might dictate a location over another. Best of luck to you and your family ... no matter where you land.