Where to live? (Chicago, Arlington Heights, Palatine: townhome, safe neighborhood, purchase)

[robinorul]

I feel like I'm going around in circles - lol!

We're moving from San Francisco to Chicago. My husband will be working in Chicago (right by the Ogilvie metra station). We are trying to find a suburb with a 40 minute or less train commute. We have two children (a toddler and newborn) and want what everyone else does (safe neighborhood, good schools, etc). We would like to purchase a starter home (most likely a townhome?) for around 250k, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1800 sq ft.

Where would you recommend?

[19782009]

Originally Posted by robinorul

I feel like I'm going around in circles - lol!

We're moving from San Francisco to Chicago. My husband will be working in Chicago (right by the Ogilvie metra station). We are trying to find a suburb with a 40 minute or less train commute. We have two children (a toddler and newborn) and want what everyone else does (safe neighborhood, good schools, etc). We would like to purchase a starter home (most likely a townhome?) for around 250k, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1800 sq ft.

Where would you recommend?

Check Arlington Heights.

[gramirez2012]

Originally Posted by 19782009

Check Arlington Heights.

I second this. Also check out neighboring Palatine.

[Vlajos]

Oak Park

[thePR]

Both Arlington Heights and Palatine can take more than 45 minutes, they are a stretch in distance although they do fit otherwise. Although Des Plaines might work as it is right on the edge time-wise and fits your budget.

I would suggest the Western suburbs.

[Pete MUFC]

Originally Posted by thePR

Both Arlington Heights and Palatine can take more than 45 minutes, they are a stretch in distance although they do fit otherwise. Although Des Plaines might work as it is right on the edge time-wise and fits your budget.

I would suggest the Western suburbs.

Arlington Hts : Express trains to/from Ogilvie ~ 30 min (plenty during rush hour)
Local trains to/from Ogilvie ~ 45 min

Great family oriented place, excelent schools, vibrant downtown, lake, a lot of parks, close proximity to many employers...

[Vlajos]

Skokie, Morton Grove and Niles might be good choices as well. You don't want to go too far out there!

[cubssoxfan]

Although your children are still young, pay attention to the quality of schools. That way you're not "forced" to move when your kids start school because you bought in a mediocre school district.

[megi09]

Skokie, Niles and Morton Grove arent good choices anymore. All the dirt moves here slowly from the city. More up north you choose, better for you. Palatine or Lake Zurich would be ok. i dont think you can find a good, safe and clean town with a quick commute to the city. you have to compromise and pick one. As a mother I'd suck up the extra 15 minutes for the sake of the little ones. Just my opinion. Good luck.
BTW- as far as finding a house in your price, you have more chances in Lake Zurich since its not Cook county all the way, like Palatine which rips people off on almost everything!!! People are nicer up north and very helpful.

[knitgirl]

Originally Posted by megi09

Skokie, Niles and Morton Grove arent good choices anymore. All the dirt moves here slowly from the city.

The dirt????!!!!!!