First time home-buyer needs HELP PLEASE with Location (Chicago, Arlington Heights: apartment, renter)

[javbyrd18]

I will be a first-time homebuyer. Recently relocated from Michigan several months ago and currently in the market for a new home. However, I'm unfamiliar with certain areas and desperately need help and recommendations with a location.

Here's a bit of info:

Young, single, professional African-American female. Currently residing in Arlington Heights and employed in Northbrook. I'm not too particular about the "city" life. I'm a bit easy-going and prefer suburban living. As long as I can have easy access to the city, that's fine. Would like no more than a 30-minute commute to work. My price is in the 350k range.

I like new construction homes (within last 10 years at least). Currently have a realtor but have been unable to provide much information about a good location for me. Cultural diversity and safety in an area is important for me. I do prefer "cookie-cutter" looking homes in nice subdivisions......if that gives anyone an idea of my preference. Definately learning that homes and property taxes are much more expensive here than Michigan :-) But so far I really like Illinois!! Here's a list of locations that I have narrowed down:

- Palatine
-Arlington Heights
-Schaumburg
-Hoffman Estates
-Lake Zurich
-Buffalo Grove
-Wheeling
- Vernon Hills

Someone suggested that I expand my search to Mundelein and Gurnee. Any suggestions please? Really trying to get a head start in order to qualify for the tax-credit!!

Thanks

[Pete MUFC]

Originally Posted by javbyrd18

I will be a first-time homebuyer. Recently relocated from Michigan several months ago and currently in the market for a new home. However, I'm unfamiliar with certain areas and desperately need help and recommendations with a location.

Here's a bit of info:

Young, single, professional African-American female. Currently residing in Arlington Heights and employed in Northbrook. I'm not too particular about the "city" life. I'm a bit easy-going and prefer suburban living. As long as I can have easy access to the city, that's fine. Would like no more than a 30-minute commute to work. My price is in the 350k range.

I like new construction homes (within last 10 years at least). Currently have a realtor but have been unable to provide much information about a good location for me. Cultural diversity and safety in an area is important for me. I do prefer "cookie-cutter" looking homes in nice subdivisions......if that gives anyone an idea of my preference. Definately learning that homes and property taxes are much more expensive here than Michigan :-) But so far I really like Illinois!! Here's a list of locations that I have narrowed down:

- Palatine
-Arlington Heights
-Schaumburg
-Hoffman Estates
-Lake Zurich
-Buffalo Grove
-Wheeling
- Vernon Hills

Someone suggested that I expand my search to Mundelein and Gurnee. Any suggestions please? Really trying to get a head start in order to qualify for the tax-credit!!

Thanks

javbyrd18, I like the locations on your list, but, without any offense to anyone, I would replace Wheeling with Mt Prospect. Be sure to have a good agent to help you out and don't rush to take advantage of the tax credit. If that is the only thing why are you in the market for a new home, than think twice.
However, if you want, I can recommend the agent that worked with us for 6 months in the very same area that you choose. She has years of experience and knows the area inside out. I can PM her contact info if you are interested.

[javbyrd18]

Pete MUFC: Thanks for the response. The tax credit is NOT the only reason that I'm purchasing a home. However, it is a nice incentive since I will be purchasing one anyway.

can anyone else provide any suggestions?

[chitown defector]

I dont know about taxes as i am still a lowly renter but i have lived in the burbs for a long time and can say the following:

#1. if you want a short commute, dont bother adding mundelein or gurnee.

- Palatine: great downtown area. train and easy highway access for city. close to "everything" while still feeling very much like a suburb.
-Arlington Heights: very similar to Palatine but with more businesses and restaurants. i think it is more expensive in general.
-Schaumburg: lots of apartment living and LOTS of businesses. more hustle and bustle. known for Woodfield Mall.
-Hoffman Estates: like Schaumburg but with more houses.
-Lake Zurich: further away than i think you might be looking for but still within 30 mins to northbrook. not a lot of new construction.
-Buffalo Grove: more new construction. this might be the highest price range/taxes.
-Wheeling: kind of an add ball on this list so i might take it off.
-Vernon Hills: Very similar to Schaumburg but in lake county so the taxes might be different. Known for Hawthorn Mall and LOTS of businesses. toally different area of the burbs than the others.

if it was me, i would lean towards Palatine or Arlington Heights.

hope this is helpful!

[CindyStrahota]

Javbryd,

I lived in Schaumburg about 20 years ago, and I would not recommend Schaumburg to you if you are commuting to Northbrook. Schaumburg has a lot of positives like every retail store and chain restaurant known to man, and a good park district. It has lower property taxes for Cook County because of all the corporate and retail, but the traffic will be a pain for you. (however, recently Schaumburg just imposed the first municipal property tax I read).
You can buy a pretty nice townhouse in your price range I would go north/ northwest of Northbrook a little bit. Buffalo Grove & Palatine would be good choices. Even though you don't have kids, check for good schools. It has an effect on resale.
Good Luck!

[javbyrd18]

Any reviews on Gurnee? How is the commute to Northbrook?

[PewterCamaro]

My advice is to get a new Realtor! A good Realtor should know the areas and be able to help you with all the questions you have asked.

I live in schaumburg and one misconception about it is many people believe Schaumburg = Woodfield mall and nothing else. This is not true.. If you look at a map of Schaumburg all the Malls and business are in the far North East corner of the city and most of the city falls well away from the Woodfield are and is just a normal suburban city. As far as locations for the drive to northbrook... the layout of the Chicago area has no expressways that go from the NW suburbs towards Northbrook so it would be a slow long haul during rush hour. Off the peak hours 30 mins would be fine though. in my opinion it would be better to go farther north Arlington heights, Palatine.. Buffalo Grove as suggested above.

I don't travel much up near Gurnee so I don't know how it would be driving to Northbrook.

Good luck on the house hunt!