Moving from New York to Chicago (Naperville, Evanston: daycare, house, neighbourhoods)

[ElGales]

I am very impressed by the calibre of responses that I have seen on these discussion forums, and was hoping someone maybe able to help me.

We will be moving (myself, my wife and 14 month old daughter) to Chicago in the next two months. We both work and really need to be within bearable commuter distance to downtown Chicago (say 35 min train ride).
We have heard that Naperville is a lovely environment with nice downtown area, good daycare options and a 35 min train ride to downtown Chicago.

We would be reluctant to spend more than $450,000, are would love to better understand our options in what I understand to be a beautiful city.

Looking for neighbourhoods that are fun (good retaurants and bars), safe, daycare, good train line (35 mins from downtown).

[Steve-o]

Naperville is pretty nice, but there are nicer towns IMO. However, I think Naperville's downtown is one of the best in the suburbs, its very busy, especially on the weekends (it has LOTS to do). Id recommend Geneva and Glen Ellyn as well. You also might want to look into Hinsdale too.

[ahava]

It does sound like Naperville is the perfect place for you! Just be aware that only express trains from Naperville are 35 mins to Chicago. Trains that make every stop (or almost every stop) will be a little over an hour. You can peruse the train schedule here: http://metrarail.com/Sched/bn/bn.shtml.

[mycomfortcorner]

Originally Posted by ElGales

I am very impressed by the calibre of responses that I have seen on these discussion forums, and was hoping someone maybe able to help me.

We will be moving (myself, my wife and 14 month old daughter) to Chicago in the next two months. We both work and really need to be within bearable commuter distance to downtown Chicago (say 35 min train ride).
We have heard that Naperville is a lovely environment with nice downtown area, good daycare options and a 35 min train ride to downtown Chicago.

We would be reluctant to spend more than $450,000, are would love to better understand our options in what I understand to be a beautiful city.

Looking for neighbourhoods that are fun (good retaurants and bars), safe, daycare, good train line (35 mins from downtown).

I was born and raised in Chicago. Illinois is a beautiful state. I moved from Melrose Park (western suburb a few minutes outside of Chicago) to Indianapolis last October...it's May, and I hate it here. There's no place like Illinois. You and your family are going to be very pleased to have started a new life there. I'll be moving to Savannah Georgia next week, but still have many regrets about leaving the place where I lived for all of my life.

My 9 years-old son misses it too. Illinois is probably one of the better states in the country to live. TRUST ME!

[ElGales]

This is some teriffic feedback. I have looked into Hinsdale and it looks like a great area in our price range and closer into the city. Are there any downsides to Hinsdale?

Also are there any other locations such Hinsdale (closer into Chicago), that are well established and safe?

Thanks.

[Steve-o]

I cant think of a downside to Hinsdale other than the outrageous home prices.

[ahava]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

I cant think of a downside to Hinsdale other than the outrageous home prices.

Agreed. There aren't many homes in Hinsdale for under $450k. I also suggest Western Springs, La Grange, and La Grange Park, which are east of Hinsdale and therefore closer to the city. Western Springs and La Grange each have a downtown area with a Metra station. All are very safe, especially Western Springs which is the 13th safest town in the Chicago metro area.

[ElGales]

Thanks for the responses. Certainly Hinsdale, La Grange and Western Springs appear great from a location perspective, while if one is prepared to commute longer, Naperville, Glen Ellyn and Gurnee give you more bang for your buck.

I understand that the housing market, like many other cities around the US, are soft currently. Which of these areas (or any others) really appear to offer value for money? Not necessarily the cheapest, but in regards to proximity to Chicago, safe neighbourhoods, and appreciation potential.

Thanks again.

[Frank the Tank]

Originally Posted by ElGales

Thanks for the responses. Certainly Hinsdale, La Grange and Western Springs appear great from a location perspective, while if one is prepared to commute longer, Naperville, Glen Ellyn and Gurnee give you more bang for your buck.

I understand that the housing market, like many other cities around the US, are soft currently. Which of these areas (or any others) really appear to offer value for money? Not necessarily the cheapest, but in regards to proximity to Chicago, safe neighbourhoods, and appreciation potential.

Thanks again.

As for best bang for your buck, I'd still go with Naperville. It's certainly not cheap, but when you consider that the attributes and amenities (particularly the extremely high quality schools) are as good or better than any of the most expensive suburbs in the Chicago area, the amount of house that you'll get with proximity to the city is about as good as you'll get anywhere. Neighboring Wheaton is also similarly priced. I don't know if Glen Ellyn is quite a "value" place, but the homes are definitely beautiful there.

I wouldn't put Gurnee in the same "peer class" as Naperville or Glen Ellyn - there's nothing wrong with the place, but Naperville and Glen Ellyn are definitely more upscale in atmosphere (which could be good or bad). The more comparable north suburbs would be Libertyville and Vernon Hills, which are probably the best values for what you're looking at in that area.

[homewifeev]

You can try Evanston, Oak Park, Wilmette, or Skokie for decent homes with even shorter commutes. Although the prices can be very high. Skokie and Oak Park are the most affordable of the four. If I were you I would look in Evanston and Wilmette. They both have good schools vibrant town centers. Great lakefront parks and stately lakefront homes. The downside of Evanston and Wilmette is that they are both part of Chicago's affluent North Shore region, known as being among the wealthiest and most expensive locations in the United States. Other nicer farther out train suburbs are Kenilworth, Winnetka, Glencoe, and Highland Park. For a typical 4 bedroom 2.5 bath home will run you at least $600,000 in any of the recomended suburbs.

I hope this helps!