Cook vs DuPage vs Kane vs Lake (Chicago, Naperville: sales, renter)

[ServoMiff]

I'm evaluating a possible job opportunity in Schaumburg by the Woodfield Mall. When I plug rush hour times into google via some available properties my wife has her eyes on, it appears that areas west and south are the most reasonable commutes for longer distances due to expressway access.

As someone who knows a little (but admittedly not enough) about the Chicagoland area, I do understand Cook is losing tax money (and taxpayers) hand over fist right now. Some articles (can't recall where I saw it, otherwise I'd link) mentioned that Cook might be heading in the same direction as the city of Detroit did (not totally familiar with the bankruptcy there and if it was the city and/or county level or just the city) with regard to super high taxes for poorer amenities. I'd appreciate a brief dialogue on that. Any foresight into whether first responder budgets might become an issue in the not too long term future?

I do know sales and property tax rates are much higher in Cook and Lake - with a 30-45 min commute each way desired, where would your recommendations for living be? My gut says northern DuPage or Eastern Kane, but are there safer, preferred neighborhoods there, and am I wrong about my gut? My wife works from home but might want an occasional loop commute in order to prospect and work with new clients. No need to hold to a specific area due to that though.

Looking < $400k purchase or < $2000 rent for 2/3bed 1.5+ bath, ideally < $300k purchase or approx $1,500 rent.

[knitgirl]

"I do know sales and property tax rates are much higher in Cook and Lake - with a 30-45 min commute each way desired, where would your recommendations for living be? My gut says northern DuPage or Eastern Kane, but are there safer, preferred neighborhoods there"
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously? You don't know anything about the Chicago area if you are asking ARE THERE safe neighborhoods.



If you want some serious help, what are you expecting for your budget? House, condo? How many bedrooms? School aged kids?

[ServoMiff]

Originally Posted by knitgirl

"I do know sales and property tax rates are much higher in Cook and Lake - with a 30-45 min commute each way desired, where would your recommendations for living be? My gut says northern DuPage or Eastern Kane, but are there safer, preferred neighborhoods there"
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously? You don't know anything about the Chicago area if you are asking ARE THERE safe neighborhoods.



If you want some serious help, what are you expecting for your budget? House, condo? How many bedrooms? School aged kids?

I wasn't asking if ANY neighborhoods were safe - I know certain suburbs and even areas of the city are plenty safe. I was asking specifically about the areas I mentioned of East Kane County and Northern DuPage.

No expectations for the budget. I think my wife might even prefer a condo for a rental, but probably a SFH or Multifamily home that we could house hack if we bought. No kids. I mentioned 2/3 br 1.5+ ba in my post as well. Probably a bare minimum of 1200 sq ft.

[deeman7]

The County of Cook does have budget issues but frankly I would say the whole state is in just as bad if not worse shape than Cook County so it really wouldn't matter IMO.


If you need loop access and desire a safe neighborhood, Elmhurst may be worth checking out. Hopping on 290 will get you to Schaumburg in 30 minutes. The prices are going to be near the upper end of your budget though.

[Kmanshouse]

DuPage county is one of the highest income, safest metro area counties you could come across. But some areas are better than others.

Roselle or Itasca might be good choices for you. I wouldn't recommend certain areas of Carol Stream or Glendale Heights. Addison and Wood Dale are working class. Addison has a few spots I'd avoid. But I may be a bit more snobby than you.

I grew up in Bloomingdale, which is fine.

Glen Ellyn and Wheaton are very nice towns.

There are some nice areas of eastern Kane County, but I'd avoid central Elgin - the "inner city" of Elgin has some dangerous spots. Also, traffic heading east into Schaumburg might be worse than you think from there. Doable though.

[BIG CATS]

Algonquin would be another place to look at.

[ServoMiff]

Does it really not matter if we just rent for the first year whether we're in Cook or not? If not, what's Palatine like or surrounding areas?

If we had a choice, we'd like a town that had its own little quaint downtown/village area with shops and restaurants and such, but obviously want to consider the trade off between rent and sales tax as a renter even.

I'm presuming Naperville is way too far of a commute - I hear they have a really nice downtown.

[ToriaT]

Naperville is no farther than Palatine, its just in a different area. Thousands of people commute from Naperville each day. Your best bet is to stick with DuPage County based on your price range. Renting might be a good idea. I'd look into Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Downers Grove, Naperville as areas to start with. You can't go wrong they are all good. If you go to Cook County, it might be okay...but those suburbs in some cases are closer to the city, the homes are older and its not as nice and safe. There are a few exceptions to this. I would scrap Kane County and Lake County. Your budget will not fit on the north shore. You might also look for rentals in Lombard, butterfield Road Area.

[Sunbiz1]

Originally Posted by Kmanshouse

DuPage county is one of the highest income, safest metro area counties you could come across. But some areas are better than others.

Roselle or Itasca might be good choices for you. I wouldn't recommend certain areas of Carol Stream or Glendale Heights. Addison and Wood Dale are working class. Addison has a few spots I'd avoid. But I may be a bit more snobby than you.

I grew up in Bloomingdale, which is fine.

Glen Ellyn and Wheaton are very nice towns.

There are some nice areas of eastern Kane County, but I'd avoid central Elgin - the "inner city" of Elgin has some dangerous spots. Also, traffic heading east into Schaumburg might be worse than you think from there. Doable though.

When did you last visit Elgin, 1995?.
Our police department takes up 1/3 of the entire city budget, and crime rates are at an all-time low.

[ServoMiff]

Originally Posted by Sunbiz1

When did you last visit Elgin, 1995?.
Our police department takes up 1/3 of the entire city budget, and crime rates are at an all-time low.

My wife really liked some of the places she saw in Elgin - what areas would you say are the best suited for two professionals with no kids in an area that's not particularly noisy (since my wife works from home and needs some P&Q)