FBI Husband - looking for balance of commute and good housing opportunities (Chicago: best suburbs, house)

[MovingUs]

Hello,

My family will be moving to Chicago this winter. My husband works for the FBI and I stay at home with our young kids so his commute is the one we need to consider. The FBI building is downtown (on Roosevelt Rd) which I gather is sort of south of the city and has limited public transportation options. We'd like to keep his driving commute to less than 45 minutes.

Other things important to us are a house in the 300's, a neighborhood full of other families, parks, (other good family things), safety, and great schools. A downtown to walk around would be nice but not as important as the things listed above.

We are totally unfamiliar with the area and would love any feedback on cities to focus on as well as neighborhoods in those cities. Thank you!

[mr roboto]

How flexible are you on the price of house?

[ToriaT]

Since your housing budget is low I would look at Brookfield. 300 k for a house is pretty low in Chicago and it does not buy you much. I would say Oak Park but you are unlikely to find something at that price point. (you could look-taxes are high but schools are good).

If you lived in Brookfield it would not be that hard to get up to Roosevelt road and drive in. Other options are Forest Park and Berwyn but the schools are not that good, although if you are planning on sending your children to private schools it might be do able.

You will not find a modern house with all the bells and whistles in these places but might find a charming older home that suits your needs.

examples- there are more that are somewhat over 300 to look at. I recommend using Redfin for your searches.

https://www.redfin.com/IL/Brookfield.../home/14065879
https://www.redfin.com/IL/Brookfield.../home/14069317

[JJski]

La Grange Park - get close as possible to La Grange's downtown...

[ToriaT]

La Grange or La Grange Park is good idea too.

[MovingUs]

It doesn't seem like La Grange is possible for mid 300's? (We'd love four bedrooms.) Am I wrong? Also, is Brookfield safe? good schools? What's the reason the housing is cheaper? Thanks!

[holl1ngsworth]

Here's a great one in Wheaton:

https://www.redfin.com/IL/Wheaton/15.../home/18128185

The commute will be longer than from La Grange, but far from intolerable. Wheaton ranks as one of Chicago's best suburbs and checks all your boxes.

[4122]

Originally Posted by MovingUs

It doesn't seem like La Grange is possible for mid 300's? (We'd love four bedrooms.) Am I wrong? Also, is Brookfield safe? good schools? What's the reason the housing is cheaper? Thanks!

It's very difficult to find a 4 bed home for your budget. Brookfield is safe and schools are good. I think the lower prices are because there's a very small downtown vs towns like La Grange, Wheaton, Elmhurst, etc. I think it's in a great location; close to Chicago, but not too hard to get to.

[OakBrookMom]

Brookfield definitely hits the budget. It feels more like the residential parts of the city than suburbs with smaller lots than other suburbs. Some parts, especially by the river, can get hit particularly hard with flooding. It usually only happens with record rainfall so not every storm. But it definitely does happen. There are many in the west suburbs that commute into the medical district which is directly north of your office. North Downers off of Ogden near Fairview or off of I-55 in Darien would keep the commute in that 45-1hour range if you are looking for a more suburban option with a larger lot. Downers probably won't be a 4 bedroom option but that area would support an addition in the future while Darien might allow for a nicely rehabbed 3 bedroom or 4 bedroom needing work at 300K with plenty of reasonable move-up options within each school district in the future.

[ToriaT]

Brookfield is cheaper because the homes are smaller and less expensive and geared towards a more post WW2 type of home style although there are some that were built earlier. La Grange is oomprised of gracious vintage and more modern homes of a larger size and was always an upscale suburb.