Two camps: Chicago North suburbs or North. Where do you land?

[rgb123]

you didn't bother me. i'm talking in generlaties about the attiude on the boards, as far as I can tell from what I have read from you we agree on most things, and have similiar preferences. I just prefer to salt my speech with words like "stupid" and I find some things funny that some people dont....so.....

[Sarah_Lynn]

This disucssion is great. It really gives me lots of tips of where to explore and definitely touches on many of the concerns i've been struggling with. Thanks for taking the time to engage. I'm sorry I missed out while it was happening. I'm one of the few who don't have internet yet at home. I will in my new home however.

Nanannie, your concerns about lifestyle and isolation are very much prevelant in my mind. It was my (and my families) key negative for moving. I currently live in East Lakeview and I love it. It could be debatable if I've fully taken advantage but I've definitely enjoyed the lakefront, the museums, the musicals and the food. But, it's a rental, and I feel like I'm ready for more and I think I just can't afford it here. The budget isn't huge 200K capper (so I can stil do fun things like have a social life, and maybe some travel.) I came to the conclusion that I've lived in the city for seven years,and it's time to try something else. Many of my friends are newly married, newly pregnant or newly moving to the suburbs to live closer to their parents (for child-rearing reasons.) I even thought about the "man" factor and I decided that although there are many options in the city, there would be options elsewhere too, and maybe more options with people who may crave the same lifestyle I seem to be after. I guess we'll see! ;-)

I went out this weekend driving around the areas and I LOVED it. Not so much closer to the city like Libertyville (across from Abbott laboratories was down right depressing) but even farther out where i could feel space (like Wadworth) was awesome. The bike trails, the nature, the horses across the street made me feel at home.

RBB123, I do like originality of space and homes but I think I found a townhome area that will be perfect for a young woman on her own and not be too much to bite off for a first home. And Nanannie, as an investment, I can rent it out eventually! After reviewing these posts and speaking with a variety of friends and colleagues, as well as contemplating life over the weekend, I'm feeling confident in my new direction.

Thank you all!

[nanannie]

Great Sarah, certainly understand you wanting to try something new. The city isnt going away and its a great place to just visit. Wadsworth is nice, I was just at a wedding there at a golf resort. I have decided long ago how precious (and rare) space, land, and the option of privacy are. Good Luck to you, I am sure you will find 'home'.

[rgb123]

Great!! I was revewing your other post over the weekend and I noticed I forgot to mention anything about Wadsworth -- I think its great! good luck!

[bitsee]

Originally Posted by Sarah_Lynn

Hello, I'm debating between moving to a townhome/condo the North suburbs like (Lake Bluff, Wadsworth, Libertyville) versus the Northwestern suburbs (McHenry, Woodstock, Crystal Lake.) Where does Antioch fit in? I've read through the forums and it seems that they are similar in commute time to Chicago (just different directions), quality of schools (lots of solid options) and even nature reserves although NW seems to win a bit on this. I'm single, 31, looking for an active lifestyle, love horses, nature, biking. I also like living space and a good investment. I'm not concerned about leaving the city, just want to be sure I understand what I am getting into. The NW does seem to give a bit more space for $. Antioch has good space. Libertyville not so much. McHenry yes. Lake Bluff a bit more limited and the only avails seem to be next to Abbott Labs. What camp do you fall into? Why?

Antioch is not far from the subs mentione above. A really nice place to live is Carey, IL. I know many ppl there, good schools, nice ppl, nice homes, townhomes,etc. Good Luck