Some suburb pics (56K BEWARE!) (Chicago, Naperville: buying, live, airport)

[SteelCityRising]

Thanks, everyone for the very informative answers to my inquiries. I've been desperately wanting to tour the Upper Midwest for a month-long vacation at some point in my 20s, and ChicagoLand will definitely be occupying a week or so of that timeframe. I'm immensely enjoying learning as much as I can about Illinois; you folks live in a very beautiful state (and an added bonus is that it is the home of our next president may I add). LOL!

I have mixed feelings on the teardown issue. If tearing down an older home in Winnetka or Evanston in order to build a new home on the lot will prevent a half-acre of trees being downed out in the newer suburbs, then I'm all for it. However, as a young urban professional I'd be perfectly happy living in any one of those homes that had been labeled as possible teardown candidates, and I'm sure there are many others who share my tastes. My dream neighborhood is like many that were photographed in Evanston---sidewalks, tree-lined streets, curbs, and most importantly grand OLD homes. To me OLD homes have character. You can walk into the foyer and picture it as if a newlywed couple had just been walking into the front door back in the home's first year of occupancy in 1898. You can envision the impeccable craftsmanship in some of those homes that quite simply can not be replicated in today's newer suburbs (I've actually seen vinyl siding falling off of 15-year-old McMansions here near Scranton, indicating the poor quality of many newly-built suburban homes in our nation). You can picture the weddings that were held in the backyards, the birthday parties that were held in the parlors, the funeral gatherings that were held here, etc. Too few people in our nation appreciate our history anymore. "Newer is better" is the common mindset (I just hope my partner doesn't get the same idea when I get all old and wrinkly! LOL!).

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by ScranBarre

Thanks, everyone for the very informative answers to my inquiries. I've been desperately wanting to tour the Upper Midwest for a month-long vacation at some point in my 20s, and ChicagoLand will definitely be occupying a week or so of that timeframe. I'm immensely enjoying learning as much as I can about Illinois; you folks live in a very beautiful state (and an added bonus is that it is the home of our next president may I add). LOL!

I have mixed feelings on the teardown issue. If tearing down an older home in Winnetka or Evanston in order to build a new home on the lot will prevent a half-acre of trees being downed out in the newer suburbs, then I'm all for it. However, as a young urban professional I'd be perfectly happy living in any one of those homes that had been labeled as possible teardown candidates, and I'm sure there are many others who share my tastes. My dream neighborhood is like many that were photographed in Evanston---sidewalks, tree-lined streets, curbs, and most importantly grand OLD homes. To me OLD homes have character. You can walk into the foyer and picture it as if a newlywed couple had just been walking into the front door back in the home's first year of occupancy in 1898. You can envision the impeccable craftsmanship in some of those homes that quite simply can not be replicated in today's newer suburbs (I've actually seen vinyl siding falling off of 15-year-old McMansions here near Scranton, indicating the poor quality of many newly-built suburban homes in our nation). You can picture the weddings that were held in the backyards, the birthday parties that were held in the parlors, the funeral gatherings that were held here, etc. Too few people in our nation appreciate our history anymore. "Newer is better" is the common mindset (I just hope my partner doesn't get the same idea when I get all old and wrinkly! LOL!).

I agree with you, 100%. Old homes are simply fascinating. Sure, they can cost an arm and a leg to keep up with repairs/maintenance, but to me its worth it. I have taken MANY photos of older homes in the area, and havent even scratched the surface yet.

[SteelCityRising]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

I agree with you, 100%. Old homes are simply fascinating. Sure, they can cost an arm and a leg to keep up with repairs/maintenance, but to me its worth it. I have taken MANY photos of older homes in the area, and havent even scratched the surface yet.

Yes. I really do appreciate the variety you've blessed us with in your photos as well. When I first opened this thread I thought "Gee. 21 pages of ostentatious McMansions beside fallen trees, fast-food places, and dead deer. Ick!" However, I was pleasantly surprised with each page that sucked me more and more into wanting to visit ChicagoLand! Judging by how everyone in your photographs is driving a vehicle worth more than my parents earn combined annually indicates to me that as a lowly CPA I'd never be able to afford to reside in any of the cities you featured, but the downtowns in Wheaton, Naperville, Glen Ellyn, and several other communities you photographed blew me away with their high levels of pedestrian traffic, cleanliness, and overall "coolness." One criticism I DO have though is that I wish the downtown districts would feature more independent mom-and-pop types of operations and less Starbucks, Barnes & Nobles, etc. I loved the photos of Evanston; some photos of the immediate downtown area of Evanston (perhaps even an artists' rendering of the proposed "evil tower") would be greatly appreciated. Is Addison a sketchy community? What about Waukegan?

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by ScranBarre

Yes. I really do appreciate the variety you've blessed us with in your photos as well. When I first opened this thread I thought "Gee. 21 pages of ostentatious McMansions beside fallen trees, fast-food places, and dead deer. Ick!" However, I was pleasantly surprised with each page that sucked me more and more into wanting to visit ChicagoLand! Judging by how everyone in your photographs is driving a vehicle worth more than my parents earn combined annually indicates to me that as a lowly CPA I'd never be able to afford to reside in any of the cities you featured, but the downtowns in Wheaton, Naperville, Glen Ellyn, and several other communities you photographed blew me away with their high levels of pedestrian traffic, cleanliness, and overall "coolness." One criticism I DO have though is that I wish the downtown districts would feature more independent mom-and-pop types of operations and less Starbucks, Barnes & Nobles, etc. I loved the photos of Evanston; some photos of the immediate downtown area of Evanston (perhaps even an artists' rendering of the proposed "evil tower") would be greatly appreciated. Is Addison a sketchy community? What about Waukegan?

The towns I live around (not in) are quite affluent, hence the nice cars. Im also a car nut so I often find myself taking photos of sweet rides for my own personal pleasure. Well, if you find yourself in the area, check out towns like Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale, Geneva, St. Charles, Barrington(s), Oak Park, Lake Forest, Winnetka, Evanston, Elmhurst, Western Springs, Wasco, etc, etc. Sounds like you might enjoy them.

[Steve-o]

8 more St. Charles shots from yesterday:















http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee208/illinoisnative/IMG_1758.jpg (broken link)

[Steve-o]

Some from today after work:

At Headwaters Conservation Area near Campton Hills/Elburn area. Thats Elburn way off in the distance (LH corner of the pic):


Heading west on Rt. 38 into Geneva. Note Swedish flags hanging for the Swedish Days Midsommar Festival (highly recommended!!!!!):


Headwaters sign, and parts of the trail:






Part of Prairie Landing golf course in Geneva:


Sergio's Cantina in Geneva:


A few Geneva homes:








Ever-expanding Elburn:

[Steve-o]

St. Charles greenhouse:


Far west St. Charles Post Office:


Ive been seeing more and more Yucca plants used in landscaping around here. Love it!
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee208/illinoisnative/STCyuccas.jpg (broken link)

More western St. Charles development:
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee208/illinoisnative/WestStCharlesdevelopment.jpg (broken link)

[Steve-o]

St. Charles industrial park:



Newer Houlihans in Geneva:


Geneva 'hood:


Windmill in Batavia:


New St. Charles business park:
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee208/illinoisnative/LegacyStCharles.jpg (broken link)

Pete's old hot dog stand in Lily Lake:
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee208/illinoisnative/PetesinLilyLake.jpg (broken link)

New retirement center in Geneva/Batavia border:


The good life?


New Geneva townhomes:

[Stiery23]

as always, great photos steve-o!

still waiting on those lincolnshire pics though...

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by Stiery23

as always, great photos steve-o!

still waiting on those lincolnshire pics though...

Thanks! Im nowhere near Lincolnshire though, maybe someone out that way can lend a hand? Anyone? Anyone?