Working in Itasca...move where?? (Chicago, Elgin: apartment complexes, home, purchase)

[Steve-o]

Id also agree to stay away from Plainfield. The town is nice, but the commute to Itasca would kick your butt and drag you through the mud every day. IOW, its a bad commute, even on 355.

[Jo-Anne]

Any idea what the commute from the Aurora area is like to Itasca? I have read some not so good things about the Aurora area, however, i have also seen some nice housing in that area. Any thoughts??

[sbd78]

I think the commute from Aurora to Itasca would be about the same as the commute from Plainfield to Itasca (around an hour?). Aurora is kind of patchy, it has some nice areas and some not so nice areas. So if you decide to buy there, make sure you are in one of the better areas. I assume you will be coming to the area to check out homes, I suggest that when you do, maybe try doing the commute in rush hour from the towns you are interested in. That way you can see for yourself if the commutes are doable for you. Hope this helps. :-)

[Jo-Anne]

We will definitely be visiting the area, probably in mid November, and will try the different routes during the rush hour, both in the morning and afternoon.
Thank you for the reply )

[tcs1366]

Jo-Anne,

I've lived here most of my life. Housing in Dupage county is pretty costly, though there are a few towns near by where you may find something.

as mentioned; Roselle, Addison, Elk Grove, Bensenville and possibly Wood Dale. Elk Grove is in Cook County, so i dont know much about houseing or taxes.

all of those are 5-10 min drive.

yes, going south you will get more for your money - but then also taking in the commute and gas prices $3+ a gallon and climbing.

the comments about 355 being the best highway/tollway for the drive is correct. I would not go north (Lake County, etc) as mentioned, no good direct route, and the highway from there is horrid. and 355 is a toll way. if you dont get the Ipass, you pay double the tolls, plus you have to stop to pay the tolls as opposed to the electronic pass thing.

feel free to contact me if you have any questions on the itasca area,

tcs.

[Windy City John]

Itasca is not bad-- dont set yourself for a long commute--especially with projected gas prices for next year!

[ASteph3]

Originally Posted by tcs1366

Jo-Anne,

I've lived here most of my life. Housing in Dupage county is pretty costly, though there are a few towns near by where you may find something.

as mentioned; Roselle, Addison, Elk Grove, Bensenville and possibly Wood Dale. Elk Grove is in Cook County, so i dont know much about houseing or taxes.

all of those are 5-10 min drive.

yes, going south you will get more for your money - but then also taking in the commute and gas prices $3+ a gallon and climbing.

the comments about 355 being the best highway/tollway for the drive is correct. I would not go north (Lake County, etc) as mentioned, no good direct route, and the highway from there is horrid. and 355 is a toll way. if you dont get the Ipass, you pay double the tolls, plus you have to stop to pay the tolls as opposed to the electronic pass thing.

feel free to contact me if you have any questions on the itasca area,

tcs.

I currently live in Elk Grove, it's a nice town, but the homes are expensive. Property taxes aren't bad, but you're looking at $250,000 plus for a house here. A friend of mine lives in Addison, from what she tells me it's not a very good town, and the better parts are very expensive as well. I know there are expensive homes in Wooddale also, but I'm not very familiar with it.

[Jo-Anne]

OK..so having done months of research since first posting, I am taking the advice and discounting the Plainfield/Romeoville areas, "the commute to Itasca would kick your butt and drag you through the mud every day." (thanks Steve-O)
Our transfer is now official for June 1, and we will be visiting the area next week (were supposed to fly in yesterday...snow cancelled our flight, anyway,) Our real estate agent has suggested Lombard, Addison and Roselle, we also like the look of Carol Stream. We are looking for a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home preferably with a family room or basement. Our goal is find a home under $250,000. As previously posted, elementary and high school is not an issue as both my daughters are planning to attend college or university.
Thanks for all your comments )

[nanannie]

Originally Posted by Jo-Anne

OK..so having done months of research since first posting, I am taking the advice and discounting the Plainfield/Romeoville areas, "the commute to Itasca would kick your butt and drag you through the mud every day." (thanks Steve-O)
Our transfer is now official for June 1, and we will be visiting the area next week (were supposed to fly in yesterday...snow cancelled our flight, anyway,) Our real estate agent has suggested Lombard, Addison and Roselle, we also like the look of Carol Stream. We are looking for a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home preferably with a family room or basement. Our goal is find a home under $250,000. As previously posted, elementary and high school is not an issue as both my daughters are planning to attend college or university.
Thanks for all your comments )

Of your towns, I like Lombard the best. If you can find a house for that, it would be a great investment. The surrounding burbs are great (Glen Ellyn-Elmhurst etc) Its a nice 'downtown' with parks and good schools for resale, and you have an easy commute when needed to the city via metra. Carol Stream is ok, has some iffy areas. Addison is lots of industrial areas and endless strip malls, again, iffy areas. Roselle-easy commute for you, lots of strip malls/shopping. If there is a 'downtown' area to Roselle,Addison or CS,I am unfamiliar with it.

[purplesky]

If your daughter is school age, I would suggest Roselle or Schaumburg. You would have an easy commute and good schools for your child.