Moving to Chicago (Arlington Heights, Palatine, Wheaton: real estate, chapel, homes) - Chicago Suburbs - Illinois (IL) - City-Data Forum

AG9114 · 08-31-2011, 10:09 AM

My husband and I are contemplating a move to Chicago for work related reasons. While we have travelled quite a bit, we have lived in the South for most of our lives. I am quite conservative when it comes to family values. (Meaning I don't drink, party or cuss - and I am a strong Christian) BUT I could care less about anyone's race or sexual preference.
I am interested in some opinions about what area would fit us best. We LOVE the outdoors, and we're very athletic (running and cycling). We have 2 young children who are involved in competitive dance and gymnastics. Finding a protestant church with activities for the kids is important to us. Good public schools are a must.
Clearly "night life" doesn't matter to us, but we like to eat out.
We plan to buy a home spending no more than $300k, and I prefer newer homes. My husband will be working from home and travelling to Deerfield for occasional meetings. He wants a commute that is less than 45 minutes - if possible.

chicagojlo · 08-31-2011, 12:25 PM

My first instinct is Wheaton, simply because you mentioned religion.

sunnyandcloudydays · 08-31-2011, 12:35 PM

Second the previous poster
Wheaton would be a wonderful option for you

Has pretty much everything you described and is a great place with a nice selection of homes. Good schools and of course close to preserves for outdoor activities

good luck

soulful · 08-31-2011, 02:39 PM

There are many suburbs within 10 (or even 5) miles of Deerfield. You may want to mapquest and pull up the real estate listings (realtor.com is a good source) for the suburbs on all sides of Deerfield.

Wheaton College (a Christian university) is located in, guess where, Wheaton. It is technically about 35 miles from Deerfield. However, in bad traffic who knows

You did mention that your husband would have to go there infrequently. So perhaps the distance is ok with you?

I think you have a lot of good options closer to Deerfield. I know schools are important to you. I can't speak for which suburbs near Deerfield have good school systems. Hopefully someone else on the forum can address this for you.

good luck.

chicagojlo · 08-31-2011, 07:04 PM

I suspect that the competitive dance/gym and church with kids activities will be more of an issue for you than schools. Perhaps you would be better off focusing on finding those first and then identifying which suburbs in that area have the best schools. Have you asked at the children's current training locations for recommendations? I'd say the same for schools too.

666northstate · 09-01-2011, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chicagojlo

My first instinct is Wheaton, simply because you mentioned religion.

A 45 minute commute to Deerfield ain't gonna happen from Wheaton.

chicagojlo · 09-01-2011, 05:34 AM

But it could be under an hour. Better to spend a few extra minutes on your occasional commute and live somewhere you are happy right?

knitgirl · 09-01-2011, 07:23 AM

Also consider areas around Willow Creek church. That is sooo not my scene, but it is one of those mega churches with a lot going on. Check that out and maybe even talk to people there to get some ideas. It's a lot closer to Deerfield than Wheaton is.

cubssoxfan · 09-01-2011, 07:29 AM

Couple of items on OP list makes it hard to suggest towns. First is under $300K. 2nd is not to be a minority with your beliefs and values. Buffalo Grove, Northbrook and to an extent Highland Park are quite Jewish. In my experiences, good people in these towns, but if you are looking for a large pool of neighbors with similar views- probably not. Not sure how Deerfield fits in demographically.
Going to a more demographically mixed area like Arlington Heights is possible. Not sure if housing under $300K will be desirable. Mt. Prospect and Palatine are worth a look as well. Some sections of Wheeling are a good value. Wheeling HS is decent; but the area is over 40% hispanic, is more blue collar and has some sections to stay clear of. I am not familiar enough with Grayslake and Gurnee as far as schools and exact neighborhoods; but they may be worth a look.

cubssoxfan · 09-01-2011, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knitgirl

Also consider areas around Willow Creek church. That is sooo not my scene, but it is one of those mega churches with a lot going on. Check that out and maybe even talk to people there to get some ideas. It's a lot closer to Deerfield than Wheaton is.

There are many other choices in evangelical oriented christian churches. Harvest Bible Chapel has a large congregation and shares similarities with Willow Creek. It's main campus is in Palatine off Northwest Highway and Rte 53.