Moving back and moving up - pros and cons of these locations? (Chicago: neighborhood)

[Alsgirl2002]

My husband and two young (3 & 5 yo) are moving back to Chicagoland from DC. I grew up in Hanover park and lived and worked in Elgin prior to moving away. We are much better off now and can afford to move into better towns and closer to the city.

We are considering elmhurst (I went to elmhurst college), oak park, hinsdale, park ridge, riverside, and Evanston, possibly wilmette. Willing to consider Arlington height, but it's on the outer edge of acceptable commute distance.

We are conservative but not closed minded, looking for a family neighborhood that likes to socialize, within close proximity to a nice downtown with restaurants. Obviously, with where we lived before, we aren't afraid of diversity and actually enjoy it. Public transportation is also important to me. I am a working mom so a 'hood not filled with SAHMs would also be nice. A shorter driving commute during peak is also an absolute MUST since my husband will not be able to use public transportation due to job requirements. Top schools are also of high priority.

What are the pros and cons of the towns we are looking at? Any suggestions of locations we haven't considered that fit our criteria? We are in the $400k-low 600s for price points, btw.

[Aleking]

check the burbs forum