Which North/Northwest suburb for a young family? (Chicago, Arlington Heights: house, safe area)

[tn1171]

It looks like we are going to be relocating from the Phoenix, AZ suburbs to the Chicago area. My husband would be working in Riverwoods. We've been trying to narrow down the best areas to look, but there are so many suburbs in Chicago that it is overwhelming for us.

We have two young boys (2.5 and 3 months) so school districts, or at least elementary schools, would be important, as would activities/playgroups/preschools/etc for young kids. I stay home with the boys, so the ability to meet other moms would be nice. We would like to try to keep my husband's commute within about 45 mins or less to Riverwoods.

As for a house, we are used to living in a larger and newer/more upscale home in a very safe, family-oriented community, but with the market crash, we've lost all our equity, so we would be looking at a budget somewhere in the $300-$500 range, though preferably under $400k. We'd still like something newer or updated if possible in a nice neighborhood. Proximity to Chicago and/or Metra would be a perk, but not a necessity by any means. At best, we'd probably do a monthly or bi-montly visit to the city's museums, restaurants, etc. at most.

Are there any areas that might work? Thanks!

[gramirez2012]

Look at Barrington or Palatine. Both have great schools and meet most if not all of your criteria.

[cubssoxfan]

In proximity to Riverwoods: Deerfield, Buffalo Grove, Northbrook, Lincolnshire,Highland Park, Glenview, Arlington Heights(north of Euclid if poss.)Prospect Heights, Libertyville. All certainly within 40 minutes, some within 30 minutes. Good, safe areas with very good to excellent schools.
Search the threads, there have been a lot of them lately with people relocating to work in Deerfield and Riverwoods.

[chicagoRE]

We just bought a house in Lake Zurich after exhausting all other areas nearby. We had a similar budget ($500) and wanted something that was built in the last 20 years along with good schools and access to shopping, playgroups, etc. I have a 2 year old with another due in Jan so we were looking for the same things you are. I would check out Lake Zurich, Kildeer, Barrington and Hawthorn Woods.The house we ended up with still needs some updating but it is bearable....

[cubssoxfan]

Originally Posted by chicagoRE

We just bought a house in Lake Zurich after exhausting all other areas nearby. We had a similar budget ($500) and wanted something that was built in the last 20 years along with good schools and access to shopping, playgroups, etc. I have a 2 year old with another due in Jan so we were looking for the same things you are. I would check out Lake Zurich, Kildeer, Barrington and Hawthorn Woods.The house we ended up with still needs some updating but it is bearable....

Where do you work? Lake Zurich is a nice area, but Rte 22 is a sucky commute. The towns you mention are all appealing, but going east-west during rush hour to Riverwoods is longer commute IMO than the towns I listed. Maybe your experiences are different and I stand to be corrected?

[pvande55]

Buffalo Grove is good. So is Arlington Heights. I know a few who commuted from Libertyville or Mundelein over to Discover in Riverwoods. A drawback to Buffalo Grove is no train service on weekends but you can drive to Lake Cook Rd, there is always parking on weekends.

[tn1171]

Thanks for the info. We are still waiting for the official offer, but I am looking at all these areas now. Sounds more promising than I originally thought.

Anyone familiar with the Hawthorn Woods Country Club area? That seems to be reasonably close to Riverwoods and they seem to have brand new or newer homes in our price range. The amenities in the Country Club sound appealing as well. Is that too good to be true? Issues with the area or the club?

Thanks!

[cubssoxfan]

Originally Posted by tn1171

Thanks for the info. We are still waiting for the official offer, but I am looking at all these areas now. Sounds more promising than I originally thought.

Anyone familiar with the Hawthorn Woods Country Club area? That seems to be reasonably close to Riverwoods and they seem to have brand new or newer homes in our price range. The amenities in the Country Club sound appealing as well. Is that too good to be true? Issues with the area or the club?

Thanks!

Is that the Toll Brothers development? I have a friend who lives there, it's very nice. But: I believe it is Fremont Elementary district and Mundelein HS, not sure how good they are compared with neighboring communities like Buffalo Grove. He seems satisfied with his kids education. What are property taxes and is there a monthly assesment for the golf course and swim club to add in your budgeting? Driving during rush hour might be a PITA. The east-west routes like Rte 22, Deerfield Rd. and Lake Cook get traffic choked more than the N-S routes do. Commute may be 30 minutes or less or you may find it's longer. I would definitely do it a few times. Case in point, Gilmer Rd. approaching Midlothian in the afternoon rush will sometimes back up only to the EJE/CNN railroad tracks in Gilmer. Other times it will back up all the way south of Darlington and it will take an extra 10 minutes just to get through.

[tn1171]

Thanks, yes, it is the Toll Brother's development. I guess we will just need to get out there and check out the areas and commutes in person, but it is helpful to at least have somethings narrowed down in advance. I appreciate the input!