Relocation to Chicago Suburbs -- which one? (Arlington Heights, Palatine: home, to buy)

[zoebrown]

My husband is considering taking a job in Elk Grove Village, which would require us to relocate from Bergen County, NJ (assuming we can sell our home here). Wondering what suburb of Chicago would be nice -- looking for someplace with access to an actual "town center" with restaurants, shopping and strong community feeling. We are 49 years old, our kids are in college so not worried about schools (although good schools tend to bode well for other community aspects). We also enjoy outdoors, running, biking, etc. Would be looking to buy a smaller home in the $500K range. Any advice on where to start exploring?

[chet everett]

North of Elk Grove Village I would suggest Mt. Prospect or Arlington Heights, south I would suggest Elmhurst or Lombard. All have pretty attractive "traditional town centers" and a fair range of options that should be in your budget.

[cubssoxfan]

For a suburb Arlington Heights downtown is pretty good. There is a running club out of Runner's High, a running and Tri-athelete store in downtown. You can also find safe routes to road bike, going north into Lake county gets you on some very pretty and enjoyable roads and out of the sub-division boredom and cross-street hassles of cycling in the NW Cook Co. 'burbs. Now if you want more country type atmosphere and don't mind driving to the downtown area or "town center" shopping center then Long Grove or Hawthorn Woods may be worth considering. But, taxes are higher and your commute is longer. Also worth considering and close to Elk Grove with walkable, regular downtowns: Palatine, Barrington, Mt. Prospect, Des Plaines and Park Ridge. Prospect heights is close, but has no downtown, no sidewalks, large lots and is less "suburban" because of it.

[SamAndrea]

Elmhurst is a great suburb! There is the Prairie Path for running and biking, Fleet Feet downtown, and the Elmhurst Bicycle Club.

[linicx]

New Jersey is much older than the Midwest, and it is rich in a colonial history that developed long before the American Revolution. You won't feel the east coast vibe, but I think you will pleasantly surprised at what you do find in the city and suburbs from Chinatown to thoroughbred racing. In the City of Chicago you can find 6000 restaurants and one of the oldest zoological parks in Illinois - and its free. Take a trolly tour of the city or a architectural cruise along the shoreline.

If you are the curious type you can find an ample supply of corners to poke in among the 1000 square miles of Cook County. The Village of Arlington Heights is upscale and offers many of the amenities you would expect to find in a community of its size and diversity (approx 80,000). Here's a link:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arling...s#Demographics

Originally Posted by zoebrown

My husband is considering taking a job in Elk Grove Village, which would require us to relocate from Bergen County, NJ (assuming we can sell our home here). Wondering what suburb of Chicago would be nice -- looking for someplace with access to an actual "town center" with restaurants, shopping and strong community feeling. We are 49 years old, our kids are in college so not worried about schools (although good schools tend to bode well for other community aspects). We also enjoy outdoors, running, biking, etc. Would be looking to buy a smaller home in the $500K range. Any advice on where to start exploring?