Which locations (distance no object) have plenty of nature and are near train line? (Chicago: crime rate, houses)

[cubssoxfan]

Originally Posted by tomdeme

Thanks for the feedback so far. To answer questions about our situation, we could make the move two to five months from now. As for price range, I prefer not to rule out options, since I would hope I'm willing to pay for paradise. That said, we plan to live well below our means and have simple tastes.

To clarify the desired acreage, anywhere from 1/2 to 2 acres is enough, and I can have a flexible concept of greenspace.

Try Prospect Heights, specifically neighborhoods that attend Dist 23 and Hersey HS. Nice 1/2 to 1 acre lots, lots of mature trees, yet close to shopping and 2 Metra lines. Also close to O'Hare yet far enough so jet noise is not aggravating. It's a suburb with a small-town rural feel.

[aztoga]

I'm enjoying reading along on this thread. We, too are considering a move to Chicago and are a bit freaked out by the density. We'd love some space--about as much as the OP indicated--and I am learning that to get that (without paying more than a million for a home), there will likely be at least an hour commute to/from downtown by train. Does this sound accurate?

One poster said that the train would be expensive from someplace as far out as GEneva. Hhow expensive? Can someone elaborate on that? It's factor that we're not used to considering.

Thx!

[knitgirl]

Tickets The ticket prices are based on the zones traveled. This site has just about everything you could possibly want for commuting info.

[sgresident]

metra station is in elburn. the elburn, sugar grove, maple park, kaneville areas are all very rural. lots of open space and farmland. the areas outside of elburn can be to the train station in 15 minutes. there are a variety of housing sizes, prices...from town homes to million dollar mansions.

[pvande55]

Train tickets are not that great a burden. From zone H (35-40 miles) it costs $152.55 monthly. Zone J (45-50 miles) is $178.20. The cost per mile generally goes down the farther out you go.

[cookpr]

While you will not get a farm setting here...all these areas have Metra hubs and great park ditricts/preserves and would be consider popular west suburban locatoins. While pricey, the downtown quandrants of Naperville have a fabulous nature setting, yet cosmopolitan downtwon for the wife.

Naperville
Downers grove
Wheaton
Glen Ellyn

[deechee]

Originally Posted by cookpr

While you will not get a farm setting here...all these areas have Metra hubs and great park ditricts/preserves and would be consider popular west suburban locatoins. While pricey, the downtown quandrants of Naperville have a fabulous nature setting, yet cosmopolitan downtwon for the wife.

Naperville
Downers grove
Wheaton
Glen Ellyn

Out of those, I'd suggest Wheaton. Just cosmo enough, but still beautiful and safe with lots of mature trees and nature otherwise.

Great suggestion

[ToriaT]

Wheaton fits part of the bill. Lots of green space, parks, trails, etc. No farm or orchard but you could have a big garden and some trees depending on the lot. Also look into Winfield or Warrenville. They are closeby but have somewhat more of a rural feel to parts of them. All near the UP train line and transport into Chicago.

[deechee]

Originally Posted by ToriaT

Wheaton fits part of the bill. Lots of green space, parks, trails, etc. No farm or orchard but you could have a big garden and some trees depending on the lot. Also look into Winfield or Warrenville. They are closeby but have somewhat more of a rural feel to parts of them. All near the UP train line and transport into Chicago.

I love Winfield. That would be a great place to raise kids...

[eli499]

Parts of Barrington are not as expensive as you think. We actually moved to over an acre in a beautiful green space for a good price. Lots of express trains to Barrington. PM me if you want more info.