Family-friendly suburb/moving from upstate NY (Chicago, Naperville: good schools, live, bus)

[boygirlmama]

I'm Illinois born and raised, but haven't lived there for 12 years at this point. I grew up in Wauconda. Currently, my husband and I and our two children (6 years & 9 months) reside in upstate New York (Adirondacks). My husband is applying to Physician Assistant schools in several states, but because I have family there, a return to Illinois is my top choice.
Now I just need to get some suburb recommendations based on what we are looking for.

-Rental between $1000-$1500/month 2-3 bedrooms
-Good schools
-Safe, family-friendly area
-Access to the train since he may be commuting

I love the Northwest suburbs, but we are really open to anywhere. We'd actually like to be a little closer to Chicago if at all possible.

Can you give me a range of suburbs to look at that fit these needs/desires?

Thanks in advance!

[ToriaT]

Arlington Heights, Mt. Prospect, Glenview, Park Ridge, Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Naperville, for starters. There are others. People will mention Evanston and Oak Park which are more ubanized and city like. I personally would look at the above I think all have access to metra where he can take the train in and then a bus to wherever he is going. Of course there are many more to explore but I have listed some I think are nice.