Looking to move to close Chicago suburb or within city limits (Peoria: middle school, colleges)

[amac7983]

HI all -

My family and I (3 kids + hubby) currently reside in Grayslake, IL. We both work in Chicago and have had enough of the commute. We want to move closer to the city but we are only familiar with northwestern areas such as Glenview, Northbrook, Buffalo Grove, etc. Plus we are finding that we won't get a lot for our money in those areas.

We are looking for a 3-4 bedroom home, ~2000 sq ft, safe, good schools with a cute downtown area and near big box stores like Target, etc, within the 450k price range (preferably 400 max but we would be willing to extend our budget for the right location and home).

My husband drives to the southside for work every day so a close proximity (within 30 mins) would be ideal. He has gotten stuck in 6 hours of traffic driving back to Grayslake when there is snow so a close distance for him is necessary. I work in the loop so I can take the EL or metra.

We were just looking at areas like Oak Park and Tinley Park, but again are not overly familiar with the areas. I know Tinley has been in the spotlight a few times, but is it really a bad area overall? Would these be areas to consider? We would also consider being within the city limits - Rogers Park? But am not sure we want to deal with CPS.

Any advice or direction you could offer would be much appreciated!

[3Series]

Where in the south side? Oak Park is a fine choice. I'm not sure what you'll get in your budget, but the commute downtown is decent.

[cubssoxfan]

Rogers Park to southside is dubious in under 30 minutes during rush hour; and then add the byzantine nature of getting into the best CPS schools and I say-stay in the suburbs. I would suggest a close-in SW suburb like LaGrange.

[nikitakolata]

I agree with the advice to stick with the suburbs. There's no way I'd live in Rogers Park if I had to be on the south side daily. I used to live near Western and Division and it takes about 45 minutes to get to Evanston if there is any traffic. It would take at least that long to get to the south side of the city from Rogers Park and it is annoying stop and go traffic.

What about Westmont? There are parts of Westmont that feed into the Hinsdale schools and Westmont is much more affordable. Oak Park is a good option, but as someone else mentioned, I'm not sure how far your budget will go there. I think you may have the same issue (budget) in LaGrange, but that is not an area I am super familiar with.

[chet everett]

Rogers Park does not make sense if you need to get work on the "south side".

Is work in Hyde Park or even further?

I'd suggest Lagrange before Oak Park but if work is "south Loop" either would be accessible via Metra...

[amac7983]

Southside is off of Peoria and 43rd Street. There isn't much public transit there so he drives daily. I've been looking into La Grange a bit as others have mentioned it as well.

I will look into Westmont - I am not familiar with that area.

[cubssoxfan]

when looking at Westmont, avoid Proviso HS district!!! You may also want to consider towns that feed into Brookfield-Riverside HS.

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by cubssoxfan

when looking at Westmont, avoid Proviso HS district!!! You may also want to consider towns that feed into Brookfield-Riverside HS.

"WestCHESTER" is served by Proviso

Westmont is most served by its own unit district though parts feed into Hinsdale High schools or Downers Grove High schools...

I am not sure the drive to 43rd & Peoria is gonna be doable in 30 mins from Westmont.

Lagrange or Brookfield are smartest bet for shorter commute.

[cubssoxfan]

Originally Posted by chet everett

"WestCHESTER" is served by Proviso

Westmont is most served by its own unit district though parts feed into Hinsdale High schools or Downers Grove High schools...

I am not sure the drive to 43rd & Peoria is gonna be doable in 30 mins from Westmont.

Lagrange or Brookfield are smartest bet for shorter commute.

I am usually "Rand McNally", but brain cramped this one. Thanks for the clarification. What are your thoughts on communities served by Brookfield-Riverside HS? Is La Grange Park or LaGrange highlands still worth considering as a possibly less expensive alternative?

[chet everett]

Lagrange Highlands is served by Lyons Township high and has its own very high performing elementary / middle school. Prices tend to be only a little lower than Westen Springs.

Lagrange Park is also served by LT and is served mostly by Lagrange Schools. A better value in some arts than Lagrange itself, but a little further from the core of Lagrange...

R-B is a pretty decent high school by the numbers. They offer a good range of courses, have good participation in AP tests (a key metric and one the administration has pushed ...) nice facilities, decent range of atheltics / clubs. Some of the kids are not coming from as "enriched" a background as in wealthier areas but the trade off makes a lot sense for folks that themselves cannot afford an affluent area but still want their kids to have good shot at success in selective colleges...