Medical professional working at Loyola hosp. needs advice regarding loctation and purchase vs. renting (Naperville: loan, house)

[Lookout Kid]

Riverside is already 20-30% cheaper than La Grange when comparing similar houses. But you are correct that the real estate taxes are higher. Part of this is the fact that they have recently re-vamped every elementary school, and basically blew out the high school and started over. All buildings are air-conditioned and re-habbed to last for decades. The current group in charge of the school board is more tax-conscious, so I would expect the high rates they are currently paying to stabilize a bit.

I think that Riverside has already seen the price adjustments appropriate for it's "island status". It was once the suburb with the highest median income in western Cook County, but that hasn't been the case for decades, and it's still a really nice place to live. And the supposed "isolation" is really overblown.... In reality it's only ten minutes from the Trader Joe's in La Grange. But I agree it's not for everyone. You kind of have to buy in to it's "Riverside-ness" and be alright with shopping in Berwyn. Not everyone is comfortable going to a Berwyn supermarket at 9:30 p.m.... But of course, those people could always just skip over to La Grange Park's nice Jewel.

Originally Posted by BRU67

And to that I'd add that investing in a community without any supporting retail or industrial tax base is expensive, not to mention risky in the long term (who is going to keep paying those prices for what's essentially an island?). If inclined to consider Riverside, I'd advise Dandiday to look at taxes and compare them to Wheaton, La Grange, or other suburbs with more vibrant business districts. They'll likely be a lot higher. Again, I like Riverside, but for the money, I don't know.

Man, I'm starting to sound like Chet, LOL!

[DandiDay]

Ok, Ok! I'll have to digest what everyone has posted. Lots of great points raised...thank you!

Yes, if we're going to purchase, frugality, value, a good community tax base, great neighborhood, and resale take precedence over anything else (including politics!-although I am an Independent, and am all over the spectrum with regard to specifics...if that matters ). I've lived in very liberal areas, as well as very conservative areas, (including the Bible belt) and have gotten along well with both sides!

Anyway, I DO appreciate the conversation and suggestions!

I've found several great websites to compare various aspects of the neighborhoods, as well as local Chicago articles. One article broke down the neighborhoods (March 2013) into neighborhoods that were good for new buyers vs. "moving up", etc. Hopefully the link will work;
Real Estate 2013: Where to Buy Now | Chicago magazine | April 2013

and this one:

Best Chicago Neighborhoods and Suburbs | Chicago magazine | April 2014


Did you know that Downer's Grove was recently named by MSN as one of the "best" places to raise a family? They took school districts, taxes, and all of the other things we've been discussing into play. However, since these cities and towns change yearly, I take that with a grain of salt.

Downers Grove Named

Niles and Frankfort were also listed recently as well in other similar "ratings".

Probably the deciding factor will be DD- if she lives with us, we'll probably purchase...more room for the $. If not, we'll rent (much smaller sq. ft), and Oak Park should be just fine. I really like the proximity of services of the two apartment buildings previously mentioned there, as well as to DH's work.

True, DH "says" he won't mind a commute - his last commuting time in Texas was about 45 minutes to an hour (depending on traffic) to work, which was about 35 miles away. Having said that, however, he didn't have to deal with snow, nor the increased level of density and traffic snarls that the Chicago suburbs seem to have. So, we may have to adjust our thinking in this regard.

Besides Oak Park (for renting), are there any other apartment complexes near the downtowns of surrounding neighborhoods or suburbs you all can recommend?

Also, can anyone recommend a great/honest knowledgeable buyer's agent who's familiar with all of these areas? Good at sniffing out deals or short sales? If it's against the rules to post specific names, could you DM me? It's difficult to find one without personally interviewing them - but if I have a couple of names, I'll have DH interview them when he starts work in a couple of weeks.

Also, as much as I was hoping to have our last move settle us in the warmer south (Texas Hill Country), after reading the replies to this thread and others, I'm looking forward to living in the Chicago environs...it's going to be an adventure! Having all of the cultural amenities so close at hand will be a huge treat.

Also, I AM looking forward to the different cultures- I had read that there were areas where Swedish, Polish and Ukranian were still spoken amidst certain neighborhoods...I don't remember much of my mother and g'mom's/ family's original languages, but can understand a bit if I'm surrounded by it...maybe can pick some of it up again.(Dare I say I remember the swear words???)!!!

At the very least, I'm looking forward to visiting those cultural/historic museums...I haven't yet been to any institution which highlights my own ethnic roots and cultural heritage. So, this should be a treat!


Thank you all again - your time and input has been so wonderful, and I appreciate it so VERY much!!!
Cheers!

Dandiday

[DandiDay]

PS - I keep trying to rep you guys, but I have to spread it around a bit more, first!
That being said, I'll say here that I appreciate and thank you all for your continuing ideas and posts! Please keep them coming!

Best Regards,


Dandiday

[oakparkdude]

Elmhurst and Wheaton have downtown high-rise apartment complexes.

[DandiDay]

OakparkDude-

Nice to hear from you.

These are 2 very nice areas...I'll check them out. Thank you!

Dandiday

[ToriaT]

I love Riverside and it would not matter to me about the lack of retail because there is so much of it around there its just in neighboring towns. I like the idea its kind of like an island and a throwback to the past. I would not mind living there at all. Few apartments and condos to choose from though.

[Lookout Kid]

Most of the people I know who think Riverside is declining live in Oak Park. Why is that? I think it's an easy target for them, and they want to validate their choice of living in the more "liberal" community. Yet most of the schools in Riverside continue to outperform most of the schools in Oak Park and the crime rate is quite a bit lower.

The young families I know that live in Riverside would never consider living anywhere else. It is just a gorgeous place to live with almost a magical quality to it... The swinging suspension bridge over the river, the water tower, the irregularly shaped public spaces spread throughout the village, the "Long Common" with an ice skating rink in the winter, the fourth of july celebration, the pathways through the surrounding wooded areas, the gas lamps that keep it kind of dark at night... It's really unique and interesting. Unlike any other place in America, really. I think it would be really cool to be a young child there, exploring everything on my bicycle (and you do see packs of children wandering without adults).

[DandiDay]

This is quite interesting...I haven't heard this neighborhood really mentioned or touted before. I'll check into it as well.
I've been spending a lot of time on Redfin...found a host of properties that would be suitable in Oak Park, La Grange Park, Elmhurst, and Glen Ellyn so far...

I may have to ask you all more specifics on areas of these neighborhoods - like the "historic" district, the Harrison St. arts district, etc.

For now, could you share your "best recommendation" for specific areas/streets in each of the neighborhoods we've been discussing?

Thanks!

Dandiday

[ToriaT]

I personally think a lot of people in Riverside don't really want progress. They don't want chain restaurants in their town, they don't want commercialism. And really they don't need it because its just a stone's throw away down Harlem avenue....I like the gas lamps and the fact that its kind of dark at night.

[BRU67]

I heard they sure weren't thrilled when the Title Max went in where the old Sara Lee was on Harlem and Longcommon!