Des Plaines Neighborhoods Home (Mount Prospect, Park Ridge: homes, purchase, elementary school)

[househunter198]

Hello! Long time visitor, first time poster. We were looking for some feedback regarding Des Plaines neighborhoods as far as first-time home purchase is concerned. We're looking for a 3+BR close to downtown and with some character. We really like the Des Plaines neighborhood south of downtown between Mannheim and River Rd, and from downtown to Oakton, and are aware of the flood zone areas.

However, we're also interested in areas west of downtown. Specifically, we were wondering what anyone thought about the neighborhoods between Wolf and Graceland, south of Northwest Highway, and north of Algonquin. Any comments regarding the area - general feel of the neighborhood, comparisons to the previously-mentioned area south of downtown, any sketchy parts, property values, etc. would be appreciated. How has that area fared during previous economic downturns (2007/2008)? Is it a nice family-friendly area?

Also, any info about further south toward Oakton would be great, too. Thank you!

[Logic87]

That area you are describing is probably the nicest part of Des Plaines and some of the homes feed into Central Elementary School which is highly reputable.

Overall the areas near downtown Des Plaines are nice and generally safe. I’ve lived in this area for over 7 years and there hasn’t been a time I felt uncomfortable or at risk. Some benefits include it being family friendly area, close to O’Hare, close to 294 and 90, Des Plaines is close to Rosemont and you have the option of taking the blue line, bike and walking trails and if you are close to downtown you are in walking distance to restaurants, metra, grocery store, pharmacy etc. (Downtown has improved with more restaurants opening up downtown but it still has many vacant buildings.)

With that said, Des Plaines is fine but it falls short to its’ neighbors Mount Prospect and Park Ridge which have better school systems overall, better amenities and are generally nicer overall but these other places also come at a higher price point in both home values and property taxes. Also if you have children I would recommend the other suburbs because the high school in Mount Prospect and Park Ridge are some of the best in the state.

In terms of property value Des Plaines has fared similar to the other NW Burbs and most homes haven’t recovered to the 2008 levels.

[househunter198]

Are you referring to the area south of downtown as probably being the nicest in Des Plaines? It looks like that area feeds into Central and it does seem very nice. Your points about Mt. Prospect and Park Ridge are valid, but it seems like Des Plaines is a good value and Maine West isn't too bad.

We were wondering more about west of downtown - between Northwest highway and Thacker, both from Graceland to 1st and 1st to Wolf. If you or anyone else knows anything about that neighborhood it would be greatly appreciated.

[Logic87]

Originally Posted by househunter198

Are you referring to the area south of downtown as probably being the nicest in Des Plaines? It looks like that area feeds into Central and it does seem very nice. Your points about Mt. Prospect and Park Ridge are valid, but it seems like Des Plaines is a good value and Maine West isn't too bad.

We were wondering more about west of downtown - between Northwest highway and Thacker, both from Graceland to 1st and 1st to Wolf. If you or anyone else knows anything about that neighborhood it would be greatly appreciated.

Yep I was referring to the area south of Northwest Highway near the downtown area which includes the area you are looking at. The area has a nice mixture of homes, tree lined streets and is very walkable.

The schools and the flooding (which is a bigger issue the closer you are to River Road) are the main drawbacks to Des Plaines. As long as you are ok with these issues then it’s a fine place. Others also complain about airplane noise but I don’t think it’s a big issue.

[pvande55]

Generally the south end of Des Plaines is where the airplane noise is a problem. Another issue is a busy railroad that acts as a Chinese wall, running north-south between Wolf and Mt Prospect Rd. Generally safe, close to OHare and many employers.

[ToriaT]

Check out the flooding in Des Plaines now. Its really bad there.