Western Burbs - where to live?? (Aurora, Naperville: daycares, home, neighborhood)

[ela829]

We are hoping to move back to the chicago area soon and are concentrating on the western suburbs - I'm skeptical of the prices in Naperville - even in a buyers' market. Plainfield looks tempting online as does North Aurora, St. Charles, etc. Used to be that bolingbrook and downers grove were those to stay away from but maybe that's changed over the last few years.

I prefer new construction to old primarily because of the newness factor of the home itself but I also think people tend to be more outgoing in a new development where no one really knows anyone else but I wouldn't be opposed to an older, well kept neighborhood.

We have two small children - 4 and 2 years and will be looking for good quality daycare that is close by - any good / or bad - daycare centers I need to know about? (also, is it hard to find a spot in daycare out there? How expensive is it?)

Taxes are a concern as they seem to be really high - what burbs are the lowest?

I like the feel of being out 'in the country' a bit but I like the amenities of developments that have running trails, pools, soccer and baseball, etc.

Tell me the perfect place to live - I'm sure a lot has changed in the 9 years since we've been gone! And with a lot of housing on the market, there so much to chose from it's almost overwhelming!

[nanannie]

No one can help you without an idea of your price range.

[sbd78]

Also, tell us what size home you are hoping to get for your price range. (beds, baths, etc.) I can tell you that Plainfield does have a lot of what you are looking for. The housing stock is mostly newer, there are a lot of clubhouse communities where you get the community pool, basketball courts, tennis courts, etc. in your subdivision, and the area seems to attract mostly young families with young children, probably because housing is a bit more affordable compared to the more established burbs. Also, Plainfield still has some open spaces, although that might change in the next 10 years as it is growing like crazy. I can't speak for the quality of the daycares as my child isn't in them, but there are many in the area. St. Charles is a great area you can't go wrong with, but tends to be pricier. I know some parts of Aurora can be shady, but I think North Aurora is nice, I'm not as familiar with that area. Maybe someone who is more familiar with that area can chime in.

Also, Downers Grove is a nice area (I don't know where you heard to stay away from that area), although if you are looking for newer housing stock Downers Grove will be a bit older, and is a bit pricier. Bolingbrook is o.k., some parts are very nice, some parts not as much.

[Steve-o]

As Nanannie asked, we'd need to know a price range you can afford. Downers Grove, St. Charles (some areas), etc, can be very pricey.

[Windy City John]

Try Mill Creek Subdivision in Batavia or Blackberry Creek Subdivision in Elburn.


Here's an example $415,000 4 br 3 1/2 bath 3 car garage

[ela829]

yeah, price would help

$400-$500K is the range but more realistically 400-450 would be ideal.

s.f. - we'd like about 3000 finished square feet and a basement

4 bedrooms is the perferct amount for us and I'm big on having a separate 1/2 bath for guests

Thanks!

[Windy City John]

I don't think you will find a 3000 sf home plus basement of BRAND NEW construction in your price range-- new construction in the burbs is $185 -$225 per sq ft. You might find a home built in 2000-2003 with that sq ft in your price range.