Please advise on Park Ridge vs Glenview (Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect: short sale, big house)

[Runway]

Hi
We have been researching for a while for a nice suburb to raise a family. We are now down to Glenview and Park Ridge. We do like Glenview a lot but it looks like its more expensive than Park Ridge. Ideally, we would like to find a 3 bed, 2 bath home with an extra room or a basement for a home office (I work from home). We are not looking for a very big house but having 2 kids and a possible 3rd in few years, we want something, we don't outgrow in couple years. The price we can afford is 300-360K. I know, it's not going to get us much but we might find something we like, I hope.
In Park Ridge there are few homes that sell for around 350k. they are not big or super updated and are older, but at least there are some homes in this price range. In Glenview, on the other hand, there are just a few split level homes with little to no potential unless to tear down and build which is not in our plans or budget. Why Park Ridge is more affordable? Or is it just a wrong assumption on my part?
Is it because Park Ridge is so close to O'hare?
Are schools better in Glenview?
Will Park Ridge values go down because of the expansion of O'hare?
I read few people are running away from Park Ridge, while others say that Park Ridge does have alot more to offer than just proximity to airport and will be a nice suburb for years to come.
Please advise if we should look for something in Park Ridge or we will be better off in a smaller but more potential (home value wise) in Glenview.
Also, it might not be our last home. What if we will be selling the house in 5-6 years? i would hate to loose money on it. Not planning for values to sky rocket either but, after living through a short sale, we do want to be a little safer this time around.
Thank you!

[cubssoxfan]

I would expand your search to include Arlington Heights and Mt. Prospect. If you buy in the right school boundary zones, you will get a LOT more house for your dollar and excellent schools truly comparable to those in Glenview and Park Ridge.

[plates]

It just is cheaper. Both Park Ridge and Glenview are getting more affluent as the years go on. In the city limits there is more to Glenview than Park Ridge, but I personally think that Park Ridge is in a better location than Glenview. Glenview also has unincorporated areas that Park Ridge does not have and a wider range of housing prices. However, since you are unsure if you want to stay put, I would not buy in the unincorporated area of Glenview which probably would not be good for the short term (long term is another story). And actually, if you find the right place, you can get a lot of home for that price. I personally would house hunt in both and just pick whichever you like more. And not to ignore the suggestion of Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect because they are very good places as well and worth a look.

[Crede's Crew]

I don't think Park Ridge value will ever go down. The southern part of town is much more affordable because nobody want to live so close to O'Hare. But northern part is still pretty affluent. I'm very Park Ridge bias because I grew up there. However, I really think Glenview is a wonderful choice as well.

[sbkim]

just be aware of airplane paths in Park Ridge.

[MSchemist80]

I live in Niles bordering Park Ridge and the airplane noise is an issue. Some days it is OK others you can't have a conversation with neighbors in the backyard because it is one loud jet after another.

[Marie24]

I'd agree to include Mt. Prospect.