Where would you move? (Chicago, Arlington Heights: condo, loan, houses)

[outtachicago]

Hi everyone,

I'm native to Chicago and have been here my whole life. We currently live in Arlington Heights, in a condo. We have a baby, so it's time to get outta here and buy a house.

While the market is great for buying, I'm depressed...I still can't believe some of these home prices! And the taxes are just insane. I love AH, but I know that we can't really afford it.

So if you're in my shoes, with the following stipulations, where would you consider moving?

Nice yard (MUST-I hate cookie cutters with two inches of space between houses)

3 bed, 2 bath

Excellent schools

Taxes under 4500 (if we're lucky)

325K max

Basement would be nice, but the areas that are not as expensive don't have basements (like EGV).

Hubby works downtown so the Metra closeby is a must (within 2 miles).

Parents are in Roselle, so need to be within 15-20 miles of them. I want a nice established community.

So, where would you move?

[Manigault]

I'd move to Evanston or Oak Park.

[HollyhockGarden]

Hello --
Old town Lombard is nice. Good schools, beautiful parks, Metra to downtown Chicago, the Prairie Path for hiking. You get a lot of bang for the buck! Good luck.

[ccjarider]

Are you sure AH won't work for you?
There is some ok stuff ther ethat meets your description.
I agree, not ostentatious by any means, but such a great location and such a fun, convenient town.

We purchased similiar to what you are looking for: 3 bd 2 bth, nice yard, quite street, 2 1/2 car garage, full basement for just under $300. Taxes are $4500.

[cubssoxfan]

Check out Palatine, Mt. Prospect, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg and EGV.

[gardener34]

Now that the market is soft, I am sure you can find something in that price range. Just check realtor.com in the zip codes you want to find something and see what comes up. You may be surprised.

[johnm68]

Get approved for a loan, and get yourself to a realtor. In today's market, the average realtor will be delighted to go the extra mile for you. Just give them your criteria and let them do the work. I also think you should be able to find what you are looking for in the AH area--nothing spectacular, but a decent house with a decent yard.

[BJT83]

I would say Hoffman Estates, north of I-90 in the Fremd district. Subdivisions are older with mature trees, bigger yards, etc. However, the closest Metra station is Palatine. Not within 2 miles, but still probably less than a 10 minute drive. Why 2 miles, by the way? Does he walk or ride a bike there?

[Chinolala]

Des Plaines, Lombard, Roselle, Rolling Meadows, Bloomingdale, Hoffman Estates

[BRU67]

Originally Posted by Manigault

I'd move to Evanston or Oak Park.

"Taxes under 4500 (if we're lucky)

325K max"