which is best chicago suburb for family? (good school, big yard, safe) (Arlington Heights: sales, rent)

[cpm55]

We were in the same situation about 6 years ago. We both grew up in Milwaukee and learned how different the housing market was down in the northern burbs (and that was at the height of the bubble!).

I would get all great ideas of large pieces of land out of your head. I find one of the great things about Lake County are the awesome forest preserves and finding a cute (but pricey) town that has personality, good schools, but small lots.

We used to want to huge land house, but now we would never want anything more than 1/4 acre...

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by cpm55

We were in the same situation about 6 years ago. We both grew up in Milwaukee and learned how different the housing market was down in the northern burbs (and that was at the height of the bubble!).

I would get all great ideas of large pieces of land out of your head. I find one of the great things about Lake County are the awesome forest preserves and finding a cute (but pricey) town that has personality, good schools, but small lots.

We used to want to huge land house, but now we would never want anything more than 1/4 acre...

For as much as folks bicker about north, south, or west burbs we really are fortunate to have significant amounts of large park like forest preserves in good proximity to most residential areas. While water sports are not the best, other kids of uses are pretty well represented , with opportunities to get out and enjoy (as opposed to doing lawn maintenance) just minutes away for most residents...

[momsuz123]

Okay, so we gave up on the idea of 1+ acre lot. I really don't want my husband to have some crazy long commute (trying to keep it as close to 30 minutes as possible - to downtown).
So, now knowing that, and knowing we'd prefer a north, northwest suburb, just because of location to relatives from Wi driving down and us driving up, what do you recommend?
We are really big on wanting a strong school, ours are in a great parochial school right now. We would like a yard big enough to put in an inground pool, and still have some room to play. Want a safe neighborhood, kid friendly area. Is there still a place out there for us? We would like a house close to 3000sf, if possible.
I feel we really need to sacrifice "a lot" to move down there. What do you really feel, if any, are the gains we would see?

[gramirez2012]

Originally Posted by momsuz123

Okay, so we gave up on the idea of 1+ acre lot. I really don't want my husband to have some crazy long commute (trying to keep it as close to 30 minutes as possible - to downtown).
So, now knowing that, and knowing we'd prefer a north, northwest suburb, just because of location to relatives from Wi driving down and us driving up, what do you recommend?
We are really big on wanting a strong school, ours are in a great parochial school right now. We would like a yard big enough to put in an inground pool, and still have some room to play. Want a safe neighborhood, kid friendly area. Is there still a place out there for us? We would like a house close to 3000sf, if possible.
I feel we really need to sacrifice "a lot" to move down there. What do you really feel, if any, are the gains we would see?

There's a part of Hoffman Estates that is north of I-90 that feeds into Barrington schools, but is considerably less expensive. Yard sizes vary, but many are certainly big enough for pools. Since it is about 5 minutes north of I-90, commute is very easy for work and/or WI relatives.

[nanannie]

Hoffmen Estates will give her the commute she does not want(more then 30 minutes) I would certainly choose Barrington and all its amenities over HF for a home town. You can find exceptional homes in the desired price range AND an acre now, BUT the commute time is longer then 30.
You might look into Arlington Hts which will cut down on the train commute a bit. Good schools, nice downtown, good family area.
The further north towards Wisc.you go, you will find the homes/lots but you are expanding the commute. If you can stretch it to a 45-50 minute train ride(they have express runs), I would definitly check out the Barrington area.

Western burbs like Elmhurst,Glen Ellyn, Wheaton will give you good schools, very nice family towns, beautiful neighborhoods and a closer commute to the city, but a bit longer to your Wisc. visits. Dont know just how important that is, but check these towns out. You may just find "home". Good luck

[allen2323]

Wow, you sure can get a whole lot of acreage and house for 500k in barrington these days. After looking at some listing prices, that definitely would be my first choice of an affluent area in the NW burbs for a large home sitting on a lot of acreage. Here is a 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 3 fireplaces, 3 car garage home, sitting on a heavily wooded 6.5 acres in barrington hills listed for 525k.


Home for Sale at 4 Auburn Lane Barrington Hills IL - Real Estate Listings and Details - MLS #07693790 - Realtor.com®


4 Auburn Lane, BARRINGTON HILLS, IL 60010 (MLS # 07693790) | 365 Things to do in and Around Barrington (http://365barrington.com/idx/mls-07693790-4_auburn_lane_barrington_hills_il_60010 - broken link)

[chicagojlo]

Arlington Park has trains that reach the city within 35 minutes, which is about the best you will get. But expect that to increase significantly outside of rush hour.

The next best stop for express trains is probably Deerfield, which is closer to the lake but more expensive.

[nanannie]

Originally Posted by chicagojlo

Arlington Park has trains that reach the city within 35 minutes, which is about the best you will get. But expect that to increase significantly outside of rush hour.

The next best stop for express trains is probably Deerfield, which is closer to the lake but more expensive.

I totally forgot about the north shore area.
A big yard might be hard to find,,but you sure have a big lake. Also wonderful parks, very good schools and beautiful towns and 'hoods. Also, depending which town, a pretty easy commute to the city.
Wilmette,Winnetka, Highland Park, Glencoe etc are very desirable burbs and "up north" as requested. Usually very expensive to live close to the lake,but with this economy, its sure worth a look.

[gramirez2012]

Originally Posted by nanannie

Hoffmen Estates will give her the commute she does not want(more then 30 minutes) I would certainly choose Barrington and all its amenities over HF for a home town. You can find exceptional homes in the desired price range AND an acre now, BUT the commute time is longer then 30.

I disagree. Commute to downtown via 90 is about 30~40 mins (traffic permitting, of course). From H.E. to the Barrington Metra is about 10 minutes. Not much difference at all, plus she can take advantage of the schools for a considerably less price.

[nanannie]

Originally Posted by gramirez2012

I disagree. Commute to downtown via 90 is about 30~40 mins (traffic permitting, of course). From H.E. to the Barrington Metra is about 10 minutes. Not much difference at all, plus she can take advantage of the schools for a considerably less price.

I would not recommend HE With that price range in a house. She can get a wonderful home with the land she requested in a far more desirable and nicer area, with better schools.
Not many homes in that town are in the Barrington school dist.
I am sure our Barrington realty expert (MiddleageMom) can correct me on this if I am wrong.