Ok where to move now after Winnetka? (Chicago, Arlington Heights: fit in, how much)

[smdo]

I have recently lived in Winnetka and was not very happy. For me there was too much homogeneity. I really wanted to make it work for my family as there was so much to offer, but I found myself venturing to Evanston all the time. Here is the dilemma I have two young children. I want some diversity, walkable, train to city and under 40 minute commute to North Chicago. Houses from 1920-30.
My current thoughts are: Wilmette (worried about NT and too much like Winnetka?) Evanston (worried about schools and frustration with taxes etc) and Arlington Heights (worried I will become bored)

I probably sound like a boar, but I liked the amenities of Winnetka, but would love something more down to earth. Maybe this is impossible. I just don't want to make the same mistakes. Any suggestions would be very welcomed.

[middle-aged mom]

Am thinking Evanston is your best bet.



Frustration with property taxes is common in all areas of greater Chicagoland.

[pvande55]

Arlington Heights has really built up its downtown core so I don't think you will find it boring. It has a lot of the amenities of Winnetka, but not the lake. However there is no train service to North Chicago.

[Frank the Tank]

Evanston probably fits your criteria the best, albeit closer to the lake/Northwestern.

I do have to always chuckle at the oft-repeated desire for a "down to Earth" neighborhood and then those people throw out a list of some of the priciest suburbs in the Chicago area. When you move to possibly the most expensive town pound-for-pound on the North Shore (one of the highest income areas in the entire nation) or, frankly, any other affluent area with highly-ranked schools, there's simply going to be a "keeping up with the Joneses" factor at some level. In most cases, it's more about how much you let it bother you than anything else if you choose to live in those areas (because even in places like Winnetka and Kenilworth, not *everyone* is like that). I don't know why a lot of people seem shocked that upper class towns typically act like... upper class towns.

[smdo]

Thanks. and I agree with you. I am always swayed by the charming homes. That is my problem. I want the amenities and not the snobs. Is that so wrong?

[shamrock847]

Do you think it might be different/better when your kids are a little older?

Is there an easier solution such as changing your social circle rather than changing where you live? Seems like the issue is with some of the people around you rather than something geographic.

[chicagojlo]

You want to live in an area that requires rich residents to fund it, without the rich residents!

You might consider Libertyville. I think it's a close cousin to Arlington Heights with a much shorter commute (although by car). If your budget allows perhaps consider Lake Bluff which is somewhat more down to earth than Winnetka.

[Chummy Waters]

After living in Winnetka, you cannot possibly downgrade. Your only options are Glencoe, Wilmette, and maybe Highland Park.

[Rlest8]

Originally Posted by shamrock847

Do you think it might be different/better when your kids are a little older?

Is there an easier solution such as changing your social circle rather than changing where you live? Seems like the issue is with some of the people around you rather than something geographic.

This is very good advice. In the 20 years I have lived here I have felt the way you do at times, especially when my kids were small. There are going to be people in any town that are not enjoyable to be around.

If you do decide to move, Evanston is fabulous but personally I would worry a lot more about ETHS than NT. Feel free to pm me if you want to. Good luck.

[css9450]

Originally Posted by smdo

worried about NT...

Originally Posted by Rlest8

I would worry a lot more about ETHS than NT...

What's all this "worry" about NT? Concerned your kid won't fit in because he doesn't have the right sort of high-end European SUV?