Is Schaumburg a "driving" town or can you walk to places? (Arlington Heights: for rent, houses)

[Cinema]

Yes, it's me again, unfortunately still trying to make that final decision between Oak Park and Schaumburg. Are there neighborhoods/subdivisions in Schaumburg that are within walking distance to places like grocery stores, ice cream parlors, book stores, etc without having to cross major streets. I'm only familiar with the Streets of Woodfiend and the stores along Golf Road. I know, I really need to take a day and just drive around the area, but given the price of gas, I'd like to know which areas to look for.

TIA for any input.

[ahava]

I'd say it's a "driving" town. Aside from Woodfield, Golf Rd, and all of the office buildings, Schaumburg is mostly residential. There are stores on the corners of some major intersections, so theoretically if you lived nearby you could walk to them, but only if it's somewhere worth going. My sister lives in Schaumburg within walking distance to an Aldi and a Burger King, but she doesn't shop at Aldi or eat at Burger King. Walking to either Woodfield or the stores/restaurants on Golf from the nearest neighborhoods involves crossing a major street.

[Julie Ferenzi]

Oh, I love Oak Park! If you are looking for a town that you can walk up and down the streets on... there's no comparison between Schaumburg and Oak Park.

Oak Park probably has more of what you are looking for. Oak Park has the taste of the city with a neighborhood feel. Schaumburg is a great suburb but it's definitely a driving city. Hope that helps!

[Cinema]

Thanks for the input laides.

Julie, I grew up in Oak Park and moved back as as an adult for a while. That's one (of many) things I like about Oak Park, that you can be within walking distance of the downtown area and grocery stores, but still be "insultated" from the congestion. Plus if my hubby misses the METRA he can hop on the EL. The only thing that's keeping me from definitely going with Oak Park is that you get more land in Schaumburg. The houses in Oak Park are so close, they're paractically kissing each other, at least the ones we could afford and even the ones we can't afford don't really provide "breathing room" from the house next to it!

Right now we'd have to rent and I'm not finding much under $2000 and the ones I do have 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom (not good for 4 people trying to get ready for school/work). On the other hand, I've seen some huge 4 bedrooms 2-3 bathrooms for rent in Schaumburg with large yards and under $2000. That's pretty much my delimma.

[nanannie]

Schaumburg is a mall,with many strip mall off springs.Aside from chains,subdivisions,and more strip malls,thats it

[gardener34]

Yes, schaumburg is definitely "shopping" centric. You NEED a car. Not much if any public transportation, although I heard rumblings last year about a train from downtown to schaumburg area, and never heard anything about that since. Anyone?
I think it's a typical suburb otherwise though.
Oak park is definitely like a "mini" city experience. More urban.

Comparing apples to oranges.

[hk94]

Hmm... maybe a good compromise between Schaumburg and Oak Park would be Palatine, Arlington Heights, or Mount Prospect? All of them have really revitalized their downtown areas by the METRA stations. Fun restaurants, shopping, etc. You may not get as large of a plot of land as you would in Schaumburg, but not as on top of each other as Oak Park.

[Cinema]

Thanks for the additional input. I think Oak Park is going to be our destination. The school district is what I want (curriculum and racial mix) so I guess I'll have to deal with the claustraphobic housing.

[oakparkdude]

Best of luck, we've been here two years and we love it.

[trinity7774]

Oak Park definitely is better for walking!!! Schaumburg is great for just a bunch of houses and parks and families. And taking a drive down Roselle Road in traffic