Relocatiing to SW Chicago Suburbs or NW Indiana? (Plainfield, Frankfort: real estate, renting)

[klgarback]

Hi, my husband may be relocating to work in Elwood, IL. this summer. We have never been to that area. We are currently living in Virginia. Just by looking at the online maps and other posts, looks like NW Indiana may have some good cities/lower taxes that we could commute to Elwood? We have 2 young kids and I stay at home with them. One will be starting kindergarten in the Fall 09, the other preschool. So schools are at the top of our priority list as well as safety, family oriented neighborhoods, etc. My husband probably wouldn't like to commute more than 30-45 min one way. Is Chesterton or Valp or Lowell too far? Are those nice areas? Our price range to purchase a home would be $350K and less.
Looking for at least 4 bed, 2.5 baths. Any advice on suburbs in IL? Read posts about Plainfield, Minooka, etc. Prefer to be as far away from d'town chicago as possible.

Thank you!!

[domergurl]

The problem with living in NW Indiana is that there isn't a good straight shot from anywhere on the Indiana side to Elwood ... you'll be jockeying up and over ... I don't know, it's a lot of car travel.

[Chuckity]

Chesterton & Valpo are probably about 75+ miles away from Elwood & Lowell is probably 50. It's way too far, IMHO, to drive on a daily basis.

[rrah]

Even if you moved to St. John or the Dyer area, it's going to take more than 30-45 minutes. The issue is that the shortest routes are on back roads--slower speed limits and lots of lights.

I don't even know that I would consider Elwood a suburb of Chicago. It's close, but not quite there yet in my opinion. You might look into Frankfort and Channahan. I recall hearing good things about those places.

[Mamama Mia]

Elwood is very close to Joliet, I think I would consider Shorewood, west of Joliet, lots of beautiful homes for reasonable prices and there is much new construction.
You are looking at an hour commute, minimum, from northwest Indiana.
I just did a random search...here are a few listings of what you get for your investment in Shorewood:
http://www.realestatechicago-bw.com/...earch+New+Site

[klgarback]

Thanks for y'all's help! Just from looking at the yahoo maps, it didn't look like there was a good way to get to elwood.

[klgarback]

Originally Posted by Mamama Mia

Elwood is very close to Joliet, I think I would consider Shorewood, west of Joliet, lots of beautiful homes for reasonable prices and there is much new construction.
You are looking at an hour commute, minimum, from northwest Indiana.
I just did a random search...here are a few listings of what you get for your investment in Shorewood:
Real Estate Search Results U

Thanks for the info! Those homes are beautiful!

[Mamama Mia]

Originally Posted by klgarback

Thanks for the info! Those homes are beautiful!

You're welcome! Best of luck with your search and move.

[brialon3]

It may be hard to find a straight shot to Elwood. But I would certainly check into the St. John and Dyer areas if you would like Indiana.
I have lived in St. John for 10 years and have loved every minute of it. Close to Illinois and Downtown and a pretty easy access to anything NWI.

[LIS123]

Don't underestimate the toll (and potential danger) of such lengthy commutes in areas with long, cold and snowy winters (and some other tough weather outside the winter: rain storms, etc) I'd agree with others and recommend living as close to your husband's work as possible (and within financial means). That area has been growing quite a bit recently so, unfortunately, you're 'late to the party' in terms of moving to the Will County area before the masses. That said, it's still better to live nearby than commute from NWI. Maybe you can try renting first.