Move to... Northern Lake County OR Kane County?

[Hiruko]

I would not expect a same-sex couple to have any significant issues in any Chicago suburbs. However, there is really not a visible LGBT presence outside of Evanston, Oak Park, Berwyn, and maybe a couple other inner-ring suburban areas. Frankly, the visibility is something that has really only become apparent within the last decade or so. If your social circle revolves around sexuality, I think you would probably be better off in one of those suburbs or in the city. Have you had issues in the southwest suburbs?

As far as resale, Illinois real estate values haven't kept up with inflation in the last few decades. Appreciation is in the bottom five of the fifty states. Buy a home here because you need a home, not because it's an investment.

[Sunbiz1]

Originally Posted by Hiruko

However, there is really not a visible LGBT presence outside of Evanston, Oak Park, Berwyn, and maybe a couple other inner-ring suburban areas.

What do you mean by visible?, why there aren't any parades; it's plenty visible here in Kane county.

[FoxValleyTrotter]

Originally Posted by Candeunited

Hello, my wife and I are looking into moving from the southwest suburbs to either Northern Lake County (Grayslake, Lake Villa, Volo, Lindenhurst area) or possibly out Kane County (Batavia, North Aurora, Carol Stream, St. Charles). We're looking for a nice LGBTQ+ friendly area with great resale value and good schools. Which area do you guys think will provide us with this? Property taxes seem to be pretty much the same for both counties. We could get a nicer newer house in Northern lake County but its also pretty rural. I'm torn and it's a big decision.

Northeastern Kane County includes Algonquin, Carpentersville, Sleepy Hollow, West Dundee, East Dundee, Elgin, South Elgin, and the Tri-Villages (St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia). These quintessential suburbs with a small-town feel house vibrant 19th-century downtowns, victorian architecture, ample forest/nature preserves, and many water-recreation activities on the Fox River. Children living here usually attend schools within District 300, District 303, District 304, and District U-46 boundaries, which include some of the best schools in the nation. You can find outdoor malls and lifestyle centers on Randall Road, a major regional shopping destination running through all these towns. Housing prices range from $200,000 to $1,000,000+ with the average price being $250,000 in Elgin. This area also has a strong LGBTQ+ scene but many towns lack diversity (excluding Carpentersville and Elgin).

Though this area is almost perfect for a family, it doesn't come without its problems. For one, the housing market is highly competitive. This fact isn't surprising considering that Kane County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state, even surviving the mass exodus most counties in Illinois face. Eastern Kane County doesn't have as much room to grow as the rural west side causing house prices to be higher as well. For example, Elgin struggled with the decline of being a rust-belt city in the 80s' causing many white residents to leave the city in droves (otherwise known as "white flight"). Today, Elgin is a Latino-majority community struggling with these same people moving back and gentrifying the housing market. What used to be ample affordable housing is now surrounded by expensive subdivisions and McMansions, and this is happening all over the Fox River Valley.

Nonetheless, these quintessential Fox River suburbs are appealing options for those with families and a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Resale values are great and the public school system is strong. Young adults and families can also find many things to do at bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues all being only 45 minutes northwest of Chicago.

(P.S. Growing McHenry/Lake County and being a Kane County native, people tend to be much more LGBTQ+ friendly in Kane County).

[FoxValleyTrotter]

Originally Posted by FoxValleyTrotter

Northeastern Kane County includes Algonquin, Carpentersville, Sleepy Hollow, West Dundee, East Dundee, Elgin, South Elgin, and the Tri-Villages (St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia). These quintessential suburbs with a small-town feel house vibrant 19th-century downtowns, victorian architecture, ample forest/nature preserves, and many water-recreation activities on the Fox River. Children living here usually attend schools within District 300, District 303, District 304, and District U-46 boundaries, which include some of the best schools in the nation. You can find outdoor malls and lifestyle centers on Randall Road, a major regional shopping destination running through all these towns. Housing prices range from $200,000 to $1,000,000+ with the average price being $250,000 in Elgin. This area also has a strong LGBTQ+ scene but many towns lack diversity (excluding Carpentersville and Elgin).

Though this area is almost perfect for a family, it doesn't come without its problems. For one, the housing market is highly competitive. This fact isn't surprising considering that Kane County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state, even surviving the mass exodus most counties in Illinois face. Eastern Kane County doesn't have as much room to grow as the rural west side causing house prices to be higher as well. For example, Elgin struggled with the decline of being a rust-belt city in the 80s' causing many white residents to leave the city in droves (otherwise known as "white flight"). Today, Elgin is a Latino-majority community struggling with these same people moving back and gentrifying the housing market. What used to be ample affordable housing is now surrounded by expensive subdivisions and McMansions, and this is happening all over the Fox River Valley.

Nonetheless, these quintessential Fox River suburbs are appealing options for those with families and a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Resale values are great and the public school system is strong. Young adults and families can also find many things to do at bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues all being only 45 minutes northwest of Chicago.

(P.S. Growing McHenry/Lake County and being a Kane County native, people tend to be much more LGBTQ+ friendly in Kane County).

I also forgot to mention the LGBTQ+ festival in West/East Dundee