Commute to Palatine? (Chicago, Schaumburg, Evanston: fit in, transplants, renting)

[pixiemama]

Hi! My husband and I are currently renting in Palatine, but hope to buy a house in about a year. Does anyone have suggestions for Chicago suburbs that fit the following preferences?

1. Within 40 minutes commute of southern Palatine (where we work)
2. Within a budget of 200-250K
3. Good schools (daughter is now 2)
4. Has a walkable downtown area, preferably quaint (not like Schaumburg)
5. Has easy access to nature
6. Accepting of liberal political views (we are transplants from Northern California--vegetarian, environmentally concerned, embracing of diversity. We cannot afford the money or commute time to move to Evanston, Oak Park, or Chicago. No, we don't have any illusions that there is a perfect haven for us out here...we just want our daughter to fit in )

A few additional thoughts...

West Dundee: We were initially interested in West Dundee...then we read about how horrible Dundee-Crown High School is. Does anyone know what the outlook is for schools in Dundee over the next few years? Given the quality of the high school, does the area attract people who are less concerned with education? Do people send their kids to private schools? (My husband and I are both are teachers with advanced degrees.)

Barrington: We were initially interested in Barrington, but aside from it being out of our budget, we are also concerned about the "keeping-up-with-Joneses" mentality that we have read about online and heard about directly from people who have lived there. I'm not sure we would fit in.

Algonquin: We have only driven through it--seemed cute but we have read that the rapid population growth has caused some growing pains.

Palatine: We live here and it is fine. It may end up being the best fit for us, especially given the great schools (Fremd HS is tops)... but it is really expensive and not as quaint as we would like.

Many thanks for any suggestions!!

[nanannie]

Originally Posted by pixiemama

Hi! My husband and I are currently renting in Palatine, but hope to buy a house in about a year. Does anyone have suggestions for Chicago suburbs that fit the following preferences?

1. Within 40 minutes commute of southern Palatine (where we work)
2. Within a budget of 200-250K
3. Good schools (daughter is now 2)
4. Has a walkable downtown area, preferably quaint (not like Schaumburg)
5. Has easy access to nature
6. Accepting of liberal political views (we are transplants from Northern California--vegetarian, environmentally concerned, embracing of diversity. We cannot afford the money or commute time to move to Evanston, Oak Park, or Chicago. No, we don't have any illusions that there is a perfect haven for us out here...we just want our daughter to fit in )

A few additional thoughts...

West Dundee: We were initially interested in West Dundee...then we read about how horrible Dundee-Crown High School is. Does anyone know what the outlook is for schools in Dundee over the next few years? Given the quality of the high school, does the area attract people who are less concerned with education? Do people send their kids to private schools? (My husband and I are both are teachers with advanced degrees.)

Barrington: We were initially interested in Barrington, but aside from it being out of our budget, we are also concerned about the "keeping-up-with-Joneses" mentality that we have read about online and heard about directly from people who have lived there. I'm not sure we would fit in.

Algonquin: We have only driven through it--seemed cute but we have read that the rapid population growth has caused some growing pains.

Palatine: We live here and it is fine. It may end up being the best fit for us, especially given the great schools (Fremd HS is tops)... but it is really expensive and not as quaint as we would like.

Many thanks for any suggestions!!

I agree, I like Dundee , wonderful old homes and a cute village, maybe there is a school option other then Crown, I cant help you with that,but a private school may be worth checking out. Its a shame,and I'm afraid its because of the downfall of Carpentersville. How about Lake Zurich ? You may have some luck considering this market and the bargains to be had. I also like Arlington Hts, keep the market in mind,its buyersville out there. Algonquin (old part of Alg) is nice, I dont care for the cookie cutter/strip mall-itis that has happened to much of it, but some charm still remains. I live in the Barrington area, I think all affluent suburbs are always accused of "keeping up with the Jonses" and sadly, you will find this in ANY town, even the less affluent,( Who ARE these Jonses anyway? ) Your price range does limit you ,, but check out these towns as well as Buffalo Grove or Fox River Grove and Cary for DEALS, tis the time for DEAL> good luck. Welcome to Illinois

[pixiemama]

Thanks, Nanannie, for the suggestions--I'll check into some of the areas you mentioned.