Need Help Moving From Nyc To Illinois (Chicago, Aurora: real estate, property taxes)

[gne]

jenrik2714 evidently has never been west of the Fox River to the other half of her city. This is pretty common with people who describe their location as "Far East" Aurora. They can't afford Naperville and so live near it.
I have lived here for 30 years and wouldn't dream of living in the "Far East" of Aurora. Housing is mostly poorly constructed, overpriced (but declining gradually) it's congested, aspires to the worst aspects of Naperville while it turns its back to the advantages of the rest of this city.
You need to take a look at the stunning neighborhoods around Aurora University with its period revival architecture, shady lots, or Cherry Hill, or San Souci. My kids went to West Aurora HS and their teachers did well by them. My daughter and her large, mixed group of friends achieved exceptional grades in their AP classes while their other classes were extensive, challenging without the cutthroat competition that's so stressful. WAHS attitude is that education is a way of life not a means to an end. Her SAT scores were outstanding (with not one prep class) and she's currently in her second year of college which is covered by a scholarship because of the cultivation she got from us, from her friends, our neighbors and her teachers.
If Movingoutof NYC wants high quality, affordable housing, with good schools, she could do no better than to look in the area of Aurora around Aurora University. Freeman School is terriffic, associated with the university, housing is solid, substantial and reasonable. The train to Chicago from the "roundhouse" has plenty of parking and you get first pick of the seats!

If Movingoutof NYC needs any more (true) information about Aurora, I can help. I live in Aurora, and I know ALL of it.

[jenrik2714]

Originally Posted by gne

jenrik2714 evidently has never been west of the Fox River to the other half of her city. This is pretty common with people who describe their location as "Far East" Aurora. They can't afford Naperville and so live near it.
I have lived here for 30 years and wouldn't dream of living in the "Far East" of Aurora. Housing is mostly poorly constructed, overpriced (but declining gradually) it's congested, aspires to the worst aspects of Naperville while it turns its back to the advantages of the rest of this city.
You need to take a look at the stunning neighborhoods around Aurora University with its period revival architecture, shady lots, or Cherry Hill, or San Souci. My kids went to West Aurora HS and their teachers did well by them. My daughter and her large, mixed group of friends achieved exceptional grades in their AP classes while their other classes were extensive, challenging without the cutthroat competition that's so stressful. WAHS attitude is that education is a way of life not a means to an end. Her SAT scores were outstanding (with not one prep class) and she's currently in her second year of college which is covered by a scholarship because of the cultivation she got from us, from her friends, our neighbors and her teachers.
If Movingoutof NYC wants high quality, affordable housing, with good schools, she could do no better than to look in the area of Aurora around Aurora University. Freeman School is terriffic, associated with the university, housing is solid, substantial and reasonable. The train to Chicago from the "roundhouse" has plenty of parking and you get first pick of the seats!

If Movingoutof NYC needs any more (true) information about Aurora, I can help. I live in Aurora, and I know ALL of it.

All you have to do is look at the report cards for East and West High Schools..they are terrible! Waubonsie is the best school besides IMSA in Aurora! I have been to west aurora. I won't live their because the schools are terrible. The houses are old, they don't keep up their houses. There are affordable houses in Aurora near the Naperville border. There is more crime over there. Stay near Naperville, you will be better off and you won't regret it!

[disappointed]

Hi,

I am going to jump right in since you state you live there. How is the traffic in Aurora in the morning, is it as bad as Naperville?

Thanks in advance.

[jenrik2714]

Originally Posted by disappointed

Hi,

I am going to jump right in since you state you live there. How is the traffic in Aurora in the morning, is it as bad as Naperville?

Thanks in advance.

Traffic is a problem especially on Rte 59 during rush hour and Eola Rd also could be trouble. It also depends on what time you leave in the morning. I leave around 6:30 a.m., it is not that bad compared to when I used to leave later.

[rrah]

Somewhere further down there is another thread about Aurora. I would suggest reading it for further opinions. I have to agree with gne regarding the far east side of Aurora. Traffic is also MUCH worse in that part of town and taxes are higher. The west side of Aurora offers a larger variety of housing options in many price ranges. Because one poster has chosen to overgeneralize based on some limited experience in that part of town don't let it scare you. There are several Catholic churches throughout the city and several Catholic schools. There is also far more diversity and more of a big city feel west of the Fox River.

Regarding the public schools--study after study has shown that scores are directly related to socioeconomic backgrounds. Naturally the more economically advantaged school districts will have higher scores--look at Lake Forest or Wilmette compared to inner city Chicago scores.

My suggestion for a job would be to focus on the Catholic schools. Public schools in Illinois don't like to hire people with experience because they are paid more.

Finally the Chicago area in general has more Catholics than other parts of the Midwest. In Chicago it's not unusual to be Catholic. In my new small Midwestern town, far from Chicago, it's a bit unusual and there are definitely some misconceptions about the religion.

Best of luck to you and your family.

[CoachTom]

I don't know if you have made your move yet but you should consider Grayslake, it's a far northern suburb, much smaller than Aurora (pop. 20,000). There are many large employers in the area including Abbot, Baxter, Cardinal Health, All State, Walgreens, Motorola, Hewitt and Kraft.

This is a great town to raise a family. No crime or gangs. Lots of activities for children. Baseball, soccer, football and basketball leagues for kids. Beautiful, public aquatic center, big library and skate park. Parks in almost all subdivisions with bike paths connecting the town. Two large county forest preserves in town.

At present there are four public grade schools, three private religious schools, two high schools, a junior college and a new university.

St Gilberts is the local parish. The church was recently remodeled and is beautiful, it seats over 1,000 for Masses. The parish has over 2,500 registered familes. There are many parish organizatons, including a Knights of Columbus Council, Womans Club and Leisure Club for Seniors.

The school has kindergarten to 8th grade, with three classes in every grade. Nearly every child from 5th grade to 8th participate in team sports. The schools chess team competes on a national level and places consistently. The Math team competes on the state level and regularly does well.

The local Catholic high school is Carmel in Mundelein. This school is on par with the best high schools in the state.

[LadyI]

Originally Posted by MOVINGOUTOFNYC

Hi everyone!!!
My family and I have decided to move to Illinois....Don't know anybody there...Don't know the city....But we are very religious (catholic) and we prayed it over..It looks like the Lord wants us out of New York.....
Have been searching different areas..Aurora seems like a good choice...Not to far, not to close to the main city..
Please advice in terms of......you know, the general, schools, jobs, rent, houses, transportation; etc
How long does it take to get to chicago by public transportation...Is it expensive?
Will it be a good idea (Is it common there) to live in Aurora and work in Chicago???
Food,,,cheap or expensive???
Would like to find a job in the schools (GC.)
My husband is a computer instructor.....
Please help!!! Any information will be appreciated.
God Bless you!!

Good morning....it must have been devine intervention that I even noticed this as I'd signed on this morning for a different purpose entirely. I don't know if you're committed to living in Aurora but if you'd like another option consider looking into Green Oaks, IL....

It's about 30 miles north of Chicago, easy access to I-94 (tollway) taking you either north to Milwaukee or south to Chicago or if you need public transport Metra (train) has a station in Libertyville (1.5 miles away) and it takes you directly into Chicago (one hour travel time). We are leaving the area to take care of aging parents and need to sell our home. We live two blocks away from a nationally acclaimed K-8 school (Oak Grove) which feeds into Libertyville High School. Shopping is abundant everything from Walmart to gourmet foods after New York I'd have to say prices on everything would be median, primarily Christian area with St. Joseph's Catholic School and Church about one mile away with continuing education at Carmel High School (also Catholic), job availabilty for computer instruction ranges from the numerous grade and high schools in the area (Oak Grove has just the one school but Libertyville is awash in them) there are also colleges in the area, College of Lake County, Robert Morris, DeVry and a bit farther Northwestern.

If there's any interest let me know I've set this to allow you to obtain my email address. If not good luck and Godspeed.

Regards,

Irene Stephens

[rgb123]

I'm still confused about the first person who responded calling Aurora a small midwestern town...

I know its different than New York City, but Aurora is hardly to be compared to a small mid-western town, like, say Pocohontas or Pontiac or something like that.

Aurora is a a fairly large city compared to other suburbs. It also has its fair share of city problems.

If I were moving here from another area Aurora would definitley not be my first choice. But I just wanted to dispell the notion that it is a small mid-western town where Catholics are a rarity! That is just false.

[llama214]

Well, there is MUCH MORE in Illinois than this Aurora/Naperville conflict that seems to engulf this site so frequently! These areas are overpriced, overrated, and VERY uncomfortable to say the least. You can do way more than these cheap alternatives, that are nothing more than extensions of the crime and mismanagment of the city. Look downstate to find a much more comfortable and better quality of life with money to spare. Now coming from New York, our 'big' cities are going to be a complete awakening, but try us out and I'm sure you can find something that you will like.

Bloomington/Normal(Twin Cities) are exceptional!!, and can beat out most of the suburbs anyday! Some of the best, and most historic primary and secoundary eduaction in the state! And the best part is we don't pay that much for it! A brand new Catholic highschool! A great reccession proof, job market, comprised of mainly State Farm Insurance(the biggest insurance company in the nation), several smaller insurance agencies(ex. Country), Mitsubishi(lots of braches to choose from), Illinois State University, Illinois Weslyen University, Heartland Community College, two hospitals, and many others. Everything you could think of in the way of shopping, dining, and cultural activities. The city is always young, and has a very clean, and secure feel to it. If something is new and great, you will find it in great abundance here! There are dozens of parks and trails, a new Children's Musuem, new homes(that won't break the bank), a new Collesium, and just classic all mid america feel that the suburbs are starved of.

Other places to look into would be CHAMPAIGN/URBANA!, the northern parts of Peoria, Springfield, and maybe even Rockford, and Moline/Rock Island. There are also amazing trully small towns here, and if interested I could compile a list for you. But I would stick to a Bloomington or Champaign. These towns are going to seem small enough for you!

[Drover]

What is it with all these months-old threads getting revived out of nowhere?