North Chicago Suburbs best for me? (Evanston, Highland Park: loan, houses, schools)

[BirdyinPink]

Hi! Me and my hubby currently live in the City. But my 4 year old daughter is going to start Kindergarten in a year and I really dislike the city. We would like to move to the north suburbs because he works on the northern side of the city. We are looking for a clean community, great schools and spacious houses. Our annual income is about $450000 if that helps at all. Thanks a lot.

[chet everett]

Annual income of $450k gives a "sky's the limit" range of options -- so long as the OP can comply with a minimum downpayment of a an appropriate loan homes approaching three million should be in their technical affordability index. Unless their desire is to have a mansion on the water that opens up basically all of the North Shore. If they don't mind a longer commute they could get a lager piece of property along with the home inland in Lake Co areas....

If the commute situation requires driving a north side location (like Lincoln Park or Lakeview) commute trains may not be a good option and I would stick to Cook Co -- Evanston, Winnetka, maybe Kennilworth.

Zion is not a good choice, it's industrial past / legacy of poorly thought out water front power plant(s) has resulted in despressed values. Look drive too.

[skontoller]

Originally Posted by chet everett

Annual income of $450k gives a "sky's the limit" range of options -- so long as the OP can comply with a minimum downpayment of a an appropriate loan homes approaching three million should be in their technical affordability index. Unless their desire is to have a mansion on the water that opens up basically all of the North Shore. If they don't mind a longer commute they could get a lager piece of property along with the home inland in Lake Co areas....

If the commute situation requires driving a north side location (like Lincoln Park or Lakeview) commute trains may not be a good option and I would stick to Cook Co -- Evanston, Winnetka, maybe Kennilworth.

Zion is not a good choice, it's industrial past / legacy of poorly thought out water front power plant(s) has resulted in despressed values. Look drive too.

Chet is usually right on the money . . . . . but how does one afford a 2.4 million dollar loan (assuming 20% down on a $3 million dollar home) on a 450k salary?

I also think it's a little unfair that the OP has been ridiculed by other posters. Yes she has an upper middle class income but it doesn't mean she doesn't need help. She doesn't know the suburbs and needs some guidance.

Play nice in the sandbox

FWIW I'd look at Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Kenilworth, Highland Park and Lake Forest.

SK

[gramirez2012]

This is not about discussing the OP's income. It's about recommending her the best suburb she can afford based on her criteria. That said, OP should check out the North Shore burbs like Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, etc..

[linicx]

Fox Valley has a town of upscale houses and large. large lots where one can own a horse. It might be a bit of overkill, but I can't imagine an upscale spacious home on a tiny lot with no room for kids to play. I would rather err on the side of living space and a great yard service.

The only issue might be time and distance. .

[linicx]

I just deleted seven snide, rude, uncivil, Off Topic posts. The is a RELOCATION Forum. It is not an after-school hangout for bored pre-teens. If you can't say something helpful, move on!