Algonquin area vs. Geneva area...Is it better to be NW or W of the city? (Chicago: sales)

[kirstie707]

Hi!
I am moving to the area from the east coast, and in a previous thread I mentioned my husband is getting transfered to the area. Since he is in sales (territory Northern Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota) he will drive and fly to travel. Any idea which area is better for traffic, schools, meeting nice people? We are in our early 30s and I am pregnant with our first. We would LOVE some help, advice, and perspective. Is it better to be NW or W of Chicago? How long does it take to get to O'Hare from Algonquin/Geneva? These seem to be places where we can afford the type of home we want and are curious as to which area is better. Any help is MUCH appreciated...many THANKS!!!

[NCorBust]

Congrats on becoming a new mommy!!! I have a 10-month old and being a mom is so incredible...indescribable really!!!

I think both towns are excellent choices for you and about equally far from O'Hare. Both towns are full of young families with very good schools.

We live in the Lake Zurich area now but I used to live near Geneva and in Algonquin. Both are "pretty" towns because they are by the river and are hilly with trees. Geneva has more of a quaint downtown area than Algonquin and St. Charles is a very charming town just north of Geneva.

Are you planning a scouting trip at all? Will you be a stay at home mom?

I think you would definately be able to get a good feel for the towns and what you like best about each by visiting. You could also look into the different social options such as mom's groups, parent/baby activities such as Kindermusik, The Little Gym, etc. that will help you meet new people too.

Also, if you are going to use a day care, visiting the different day care facilities can definately help narrow things down too.

[Footbridge]

Originally Posted by kirstie707

Hi!
I am moving to the area from the east coast, and in a previous thread I mentioned my husband is getting transfered to the area. Since he is in sales (territory Northern Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota) he will drive and fly to travel. Any idea which area is better for traffic, schools, meeting nice people? We are in our early 30s and I am pregnant with our first. We would LOVE some help, advice, and perspective. Is it better to be NW or W of Chicago? How long does it take to get to O'Hare from Algonquin/Geneva? These seem to be places where we can afford the type of home we want and are curious as to which area is better. Any help is MUCH appreciated...many THANKS!!!

Hi,
I have always loved Algonquin. It's the best choice, a hometown feel with a resort atmosphere at the same time. ABout 35 minutes to OHare. Good luck

[FB1977]

I live right on the border of Algonquin/Carpentersville, and I can say that Algonquin is a nice town, very up and coming you might say. So many places to shop...I'd estimate the drive to O'Hare at around 45 min. I think Geneva might even take longer though, but is a very nice area also.

[belushi]

How far northwest? Basically, it's a question of Cook County vs. non-Cook County. Cook is where Chicago is, and it has a reputation for being very pro-development, tolerant of corruption, and tone-deaf to citizens' needs. Northwest suburbs like Schaumburg and Arlington Heights are very dense, urbanized, and somewhat soul-less. Traffic is bad. Kane County, however, prides itself on its pastoral setting and on being the end of the suburbs and front line for smart growth. McHenry, which is northwest beyond Cook, is very nice, but is growing so fast I suspect it might become a Cook-lite like DuPage. But if you live in the northwest suburbs, getting to O'Hare will be a breeze.

[cahos64]

I live in West Dundee, so I'm a bit biased, but W.D. is much more convenient to the tollway and to all things east than Algonquin (and definitely closer than Geneva). Both are equally beautiful river towns with quaint downtown areas. Parts of Algonquin do not have access to the Dundee Township park district, which offers a large variety of programs. I've moved into my third home in West Dundee (trying to sell the last home, in case you're interested), because I don't want to leave!

[gardener34]

Neither of these locations is convenient to getting to O'Hare. Try and pick somewhere that is more central and nearer a main highway.

[rgb123]

Both would be fine. But, it sounds to me like he might do a lot of driving...if his territory is in Wisconisn and Minnesota. I would pick Algonquin just because its a little easier to go north from there on Highway 31 (to wisconsin) and your still close to I-90 if he needs to drive anywhere else, or go to O-hare.

Geneva works too but I think Algonquin, you just have less congestion to the north. Its just...I can't imagine flying to Madison or Milwaukee - you know? so that would be important to me.

[Joe107]

Dupage county is more affluent than Northwest suburbs of Cook. But the taxes are higher in Dupage