Schools in the western suburbs (Naperville, Batavia: house prices, school district, living)

[chet everett]

I agree that the OP will need to make some decisions. They want a new house with 3000 square ft, the want a small school, they want top notch athletics and academics. They have $350k. Something has to be compromised...

Personally I would have zero reservations about HC in the OPs case - the staff is experienced, the coaches are supportive and talented, they have advisory sections specifically organized to help transfer students, kids are VERY much clued in to balance of demanding courses & high level athletic competitiveness.

If the OP wants best academics and best athletics that won't happen at smaller school in region...

[Lookout Kid]

I just don't think Hinsdale Central is within their budget for the type of house they desire. Heck, it may even be a stretch further west. Chet pulled up a handful of houses in their price range, none of which were particularly nice or large. People shopping for a house generally want more than a handful of listings to view.

I'll say they should consider the HC area if they find a house they can live with by some miracle, but I will say that a couple of years ago I saw nothing but deeply flawed houses in that area, and looked at anything under $600k. Granted I was a bit more picky about location, but still...

I think looking in the Fox Valley area could make sense for this family, and will also go back to Wheaton, Naperville, and northern Downers Grove.

There are some real bargains on large, new homes out by Plainfield, Mokena, etc (southwest, not west)... But you may sacrifice some school quality to be in those areas. I know some of the the Lincoln-Way high schools are smaller than 2000 students, and they are generally well-regarded.

[aga412]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

I just don't think Hinsdale Central is within their budget for the type of house they desire. Heck, it may even be a stretch further west. Chet pulled up a handful of houses in their price range, none of which were particularly nice or large. People shopping for a house generally want more than a handful of listings to view.

I'll say they should consider the HC area if they find a house they can live with by some miracle, but I will say that a couple of years ago I saw nothing but deeply flawed houses in that area, and looked at anything under $600k. Granted I was a bit more picky about location, but still...

I think looking in the Fox Valley area could make sense for this family, and will also go back to Wheaton, Naperville, and northern Downers Grove.

There are some real bargains on large, new homes out by Plainfield, Mokena, etc (southwest, not west)... But you may sacrifice some school quality to be in those areas. I know some of the the Lincoln-Way high schools are smaller than 2000 students, and they are generally well-regarded.

And if they are working in "Metro West" (whatever that means), Fox Valley wouldn't be a bad area either. D204, Batavia or Geneva would not be bad, but D204/Batavia would give better transportation access generally.

Plainfield/Mokena can get dicey. And some Lincoln-Ways are pretty good, but I've never been a fan of the south burbs.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by aga412

Plainfield/Mokena can get dicey. And some Lincoln-Ways are pretty good, but I've never been a fan of the south burbs.

That's why it's cheaper! Plenty of "non-dicey" areas in both towns, though.

[aga412]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

That's why it's cheaper! Plenty of "non-dicey" areas in both towns, though.

True! If I looked in Plainfield though, I would look into areas feeding into Plainfield North, I believe that one gets the best rep.

Still, I don't think you can beat FV in this scenario. Batavia/Geneva can get pricey, but I think there are homes in both towns for that amount.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by aga412

True! If I looked in Plainfield though, I would look into areas feeding into Plainfield North, I believe that one gets the best rep.

Still, I don't think you can beat FV in this scenario. Batavia/Geneva can get pricey, but I think there are homes in both towns for that amount.

I'd strongly consider it in their position, if they can afford the taxes.

[chet everett]

Honestly, depending on the likelihood of long-term stay in the region / seniority of position I would really hesitate to recommend towns further out...

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by chet everett

Honestly, depending on the likelihood of long-term stay in the region / seniority of position I would really hesitate to recommend towns further out...

For fear of having to change jobs later and getting stuck with the choice either a horrible daily commute or uprooting the family?

That's one reason I picked a location where easily commuting downtown was always an option...

[Trodgers]

Does anyone know about Oswego area? I will looked into Fox Valley. We can afford more for a house, but my husband wants to pay cash and not have much of a mortgage. I am willing to pay more. I love all of the help and anymore will be great!

[aga412]

Oswego built on the cheap and it's not doing well, both high schools, especially Oswego East, are not too desirable, mainly due to spillover from the not-so-nice part of Aurora. Just across the border in DuPage Co. is D204, Waubonsie. Further north is Metea, and west of there, Batavia. There might be more housing variety near Metea than Waubonsie, but I would still recommend Batavia. It's smaller, more community oriented, but does come with a bit of a price tag. Geneva a little moreso.