Living on the water (Chicago, Naperville: school districts, price, versus)

[NekkidFish]

I have been looking at the Fox Lake area, as I think that would be an okay commute for hubby into Chicago.

What other areas should I look into? (We're in So Cal and I've never been to IL except 2 small visits to Naperville.)

We'd want to be on the water, and ideally want to spend around $300K ... but up to $400K.

We don't have 2-legged kids, so school districts aren't an issue.

We do not mind rural, although walking into a little town wouldn't be bad either.

Thanks bunches!! Jules

[pvande55]

Fox Lake sounds about perfect. Reasonably priced, and is the terminal of the Milwaukee North line. Schools weak, but since you have no children, not a concern.

[knitgirl]

Originally Posted by pvande55

Fox Lake sounds about perfect. Reasonably priced, and is the terminal of the Milwaukee North line. Schools weak, but since you have no children, not a concern.

For commuting into Chicago? That'll be a long day for him.

[linicx]

Lake in the Hills, for instance, that borders Algonquin, is 45 miles NW of Chicago. This is at least 90 minutes in good weather. Hubby isn't going to like spending 4-5 hours on a train every day -- IF there is even a connection into the loop. Chicago is a BIG place. If he is not working downtown/Loop area the work location is another set of problems to consider.

Waterfront on Lake Michigan is not the same as the beach at Malibu or Venice on the worst day. This Great Lake does not have a 700 miles of shoreline in Cook County. And like all inland waters in Illinois when conditions are right river banks overflow and cities floods. So does Chicago.

It is one thing to have a great lake view and quite another to own it. Most people don't appreciate this statement until they've cleaned up 100 feet of shoreline after the first flood.

[reppin_the_847]

If your husband is ok with a long train commute, that budget can certainly get you a very nice place in Fox Lake. The Chain Of Lake area is certainly quite an attraction in the summer for those into water recreation, boating, etc.

[NekkidFish]

Thanks everybody!! We don't know yet where the downtown office will be ... we're waiting on the call that they want him to fly him in for a face-to-face.

We currently live East of LA so he is used to commuting. But, out here he has to drive everywhere ... and the idea of being able to take the train is very exciting for him. He can work while riding, versus being stuck behind the wheel of the car.

linicx ... I wasn't talking about living on Lake Michigan, but on another small body of water inland ... such as the Fox Lake area.

pvande55 ... I hope this isn't a stoopid question ... what is "the terminal of the Milwaukee North line" ... is that the train?

Thanks bunches everybody!!! Jules

[JacksonPanther]

Get on the train at 6:30am, be downtown by 8:00am.
Coming home, be on the train about 5:30pm, be at Fox Lake by 7:00pm.
It's basically an 11 hour day. Will hubby be able to work out once he gets home? Don't want to endanger his health. What about preparing dinner? Household chores?

It's not the worst commute in the world. Although I don't know about this "he can work on the train" thing. What kind of work does he do that can be done on the train? I would be more likely to fall back asleep in the morning, maybe could do some work in the evening commute. But phone calls are tough because it's noisy. Doing any real work on the computer might be tough because of the shaking... Reading is fine, of course... And beer.

Get familiar with the Metra website - http://metrarail.com/ - and look at the schedules for the Milwaukee District North line. Fox Lake to Union Station.

If hubby's job isn't walking distance to Union Station, then this plan might fall apart. Keep that in mind!

[NekkidFish]

Originally Posted by JacksonPanther

Get on the train at 6:30am, be downtown by 8:00am.
Coming home, be on the train about 5:30pm, be at Fox Lake by 7:00pm.
It's basically an 11 hour day. Will hubby be able to work out once he gets home? Don't want to endanger his health. What about preparing dinner? Household chores?

It's not the worst commute in the world. Although I don't know about this "he can work on the train" thing. What kind of work does he do that can be done on the train? I would be more likely to fall back asleep in the morning, maybe could do some work in the evening commute. But phone calls are tough because it's noisy. Doing any real work on the computer might be tough because of the shaking... Reading is fine, of course... And beer.

Get familiar with the Metra website - domain disabled - and look at the schedules for the Milwaukee District North line. Fox Lake to Union Station.

If hubby's job isn't walking distance to Union Station, then this plan might fall apart. Keep that in mind!

Great information JacksonPanther!! And yes, you are right about the office being near Union Station. Since we don't know that yet, I know I am putting the cart before the horse.

We are from Louisville KY and moved out to So Cal 8 years ago. Hubby was recruited out here and it has been a great ride ... but we are both so ready to move back closer to the family and grandkids!!! So, needless to say, we're both very excited about the idea of being just a car ride away from family!! Close, but still far enough away. ROFL

Hubby works via computer, Crackberry, etc. He currently is up at 5:00 a.m. and sometimes doesn't finish working until 9:00 pm. So, he is used to that sort of schedule. Chores? My job. Cooking? It's just the two of us, and we wing it. LOL

So ... if everybody could cross your paws, your eyes, whatever ... and hope he gets the call! We are ready for the move and change!!!!

[pvande55]

Originally Posted by NekkidFish

Thanks everybody!! We don't know yet where the downtown office will be ... we're waiting on the call that they want him to fly him in for a face-to-face.

We currently live East of LA so he is used to commuting. But, out here he has to drive everywhere ... and the idea of being able to take the train is very exciting for him. He can work while riding, versus being stuck behind the wheel of the car.

linicx ... I wasn't talking about living on Lake Michigan, but on another small body of water inland ... such as the Fox Lake area.

pvande55 ... I hope this isn't a stoopid question ... what is "the terminal of the Milwaukee North line" ... is that the train?

Thanks bunches everybody!!! Jules

Yes, Fox Lake is at the end of the line. Anyone still on will be woken up and taken off the train.

[NekkidFish]

Originally Posted by pvande55

Yes, Fox Lake is at the end of the line. Anyone still on will be woken up and taken off the train.

Got it! LOL