will work in Shaumburg. where to live? (Chicago, Arlington Heights: real estate, big house)

[pdxmommy]

My husband may be getting a job in Schaumburg and we beginning to research where we might like to live. Ideally we'd like to be 30 minutes or less from Chicago and my husband would like no more than a 30 minute commute to Schaumburg. From what I've heard about Schaumburg, we're not exactly interested in living there. The places that seem interesting from what I've read on this message board and looking on the map (without having ever visited Chicago or any of the suburbs yet) are:
Arlington Heights
Palatine
Prospect Heights
Harwood Heights
Highland Park

They seem like nice communities with good schools, quaint downtown areas, easy access to Chicago, airports, etc and reasonable housing (~$500k).

Evanston, Lake Forest and places like that sound great but a lot more expensive.

Am I correct in my judgements? What other areas should we consider? What else can you tell me about the places I've mentioned (i.e. taxes, crime, schools...)?

We'll probably be looking in the $500k range. We'd love to spend even less but don't want to compromise on area. We have 2 small children and a big dog. We don't need a big house. ~2,000 sqft. 3 bedrooms. We're the type that would rather have a smaller house in a nicer/desirable area than a large house in a not as nice area.

Thanks!

[purplesky]

Elk Grove Village is a very nice area which would be a very short commute. However, before you rule out Schaumburg, please actually go there. There are some nice houses in that price range on the west side of Schaumburg. There are great bike trails and fishing in the forest preserves off Barrington Road. Roselle has also been revamping their downtown.

I wouldn't go to Harwood Heights. The houses are probably more expensive because it's closer to the city with the Harlem bus connecting to the El to go downtown. The traffic is bad (Harlem ave is always congested). I grew up around there, there is nothing quaint about it. It actually seems rather rundown everytime I go back.

[pdxmommy]

Thanks Purplesy. You're absolutely right that I should go there first. I actually did visit their website and thought it looked like a nice place. But then I had a conversation with a friend that lived in Chicago for 6 years and actually also lived in Schaumburg, she was not a fan. But I didnt ask specifics as to why. We will check it out before we rule it out.
Thanks.

Originally Posted by purplesky

Elk Grove Village is a very nice area which would be a very short commute. However, before you rule out Schaumburg, please actually go there. There are some nice houses in that price range on the west side of Schaumburg. There are great bike trails and fishing in the forest preserves off Barrington Road. Roselle has also been revamping their downtown.

I wouldn't go to Harwood Heights. The houses are probably more expensive because it's closer to the city with the Harlem bus connecting to the El to go downtown. The traffic is bad (Harlem ave is always congested). I grew up around there, there is nothing quaint about it. It actually seems rather rundown everytime I go back.

[Steve-o]

Schaumburg is a congested, shopping mecca. If thats your sorta thing, youll be in heaven. If not, it will be an utter nightmare. Id also suggest that you visit to get some solid first-hand opinions. Best of luck.

[purplesky]

I just thought of Schaumburg being congested streets with Woodfield Mall before I lived here. I hate shopping, and I might go to Woodfield Mall once or twice a year.

I live off of Schaumburg Road west of Roselle Road but east of Barrington Road. Most of the houses have big yards with a lot of mature trees in my area. The houses are older 1960s-1980s, but easily updatable, especially with all the land.

The library is the best Suburban library I've every been to and I've lived in other parts of the country.

The streets aren't bad in the area where I live, and I drive to work to Skokie (about 22 miles away), although I work in a hospital so I don't have the standard 9-5 commute.

I wouldn't want to live anywhere near Woodfield, but I couldn't afford it anyway. Most of the homes near there are your standard McMansions.

Taxes are still relatively cheap compared to surrounding areas, and the There are also bike trail lanes on a lot of the streets here. I frequently bike ride with my 3 year old daughter on my bike. Therere is a great baseball team (the Schaumburg Flyers) nearby. The park district is also wonderful.

Schaumburg and JB Conant high schools are rated 10/10 in the Greatschools.net website. My son had a speech delay and Schaumburg has one of the better early child education programs in the area. He was receiving free preschool (2.5 hours a day) with other kids at Campanelli School. I was told that a lot of other towns would just send a speech therapist over once a week.

I don't mean to ramble, but I would suggest contacting the Chamber of Commerce in each town you are considering, and maybe going to a few open houses to check out the real estate. I hope this helps!

[emmi605]

Arlington Heights is beautiful. It is family friendly and has a train system to the city for days you just want to explore. There is housing that fits your criteria and the downtown area has a lot to offer. Have you also checked out Itasca? That is just east of Elk Grove Village. I have friends that are very happy there. Best of luck.

[nanannie]

I would first check out Arlington Hts or Palatine first.

[tcs1366]

AH and Palatine are MUCH bigger towns than Itasca. we are a lil town, but very nice. i've been here most my life. VERY quaint downtown, though there isn't much of it.

we have metra rail, very close to Ohare and 290 is in our back yard... they always say, location,location,location... yes we have that.... but housing isn't cheap, and neither are the taxes. [almost 2% IE house 500k = 9,600+ in property tax] but you will probably find that in most the Chicago area.

we do have great schools, and that is one reason why people like living here.

you also mentioned HIghland Park... that is pretty far east, and i believe more than a 30 min commute... and i also believe you wont find much for 500k there.

there are plenty of really nice towns in the Schaum area, including schaumburg.

happy hunting.

[Windy City John]

Schaumburg or Roselle