Which locations (distance no object) have plenty of nature and are near train line?

[Maas]

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[Demi1]

I just wrote about this community in another post. It's called Highland Woods in the west end of Elgin (Burlington Schools) and while it's in the suburbs, it's not a suburban type community -- it has rolling hills and lots of open space. This is a clubhouse community with its own biking trails, pool, tennis courts, etc. It's just on the fringe of suburbia, so you're close to everything, but right next to the farm world. The Metra train from Big Timber road is just to the northeast, about a 5-10 minute drive. Here's the link: Highland Woods :: A Crown Signature Community

[dacas1]

Homer Glen's motto is "Community and Nature in Harmony". The average lot size is probably around half an acre, and there are many in 1-2 acre range. A good portion of the lots are wooded as well. Homer Glen's motto really does hold true as there is a riding stable within sight of a Home Depot as well as a dog park/ mixed use walking-equestrian trail right down the street from a restaurant. Houses range from modest split-levels for 250k to sprawling estates in the 5 million dollar range.

You really feel like you are in the country, yet are within 45 minutes of downtown, 30 minutes to Oak Brook and right next to Orland Park and it's shopping and have probably 8-10 quality golf courses within 15 minutes. You have very quick access to the brand new I-355 extension which connects I-80 and I-55.

Homer Glen also just passed Lake Forest as having the lowest crime rate per capita of towns with 25,000 or greater. It really is worth looking into.

For some reason, this website has it listed under the town's previous name of Goodings Grove. You should check out the demographics. I've tried to contact the adminstrator about this, but I have yet to get a reply.

Good luck in your search!

[dacas1]

And, btw, the closest train station is most likely Orland Park's 153rd st stop, which is about a 5 minute drive.

[Chicago0304]

My Aunt lives on a couple acres in St. Charles (The farther west side, near LaFox Rd.).. Geneva has the metra

[OwnerOfSt.AnneLand]

I just discovered this thread, although it was started in January 2010. Most of the suggestions concentrate on the north or west suburbs. The southwest suburbs are also a great place to live. My husband and I live in Manhattan, IL, which is 6 miles south of New Lenox. Yes, Metra does serve this area - in fact, we are the last stop on this run, which goes through New Lenox, Mokena, Frankfort, etc. Manhattan is still a farm town, though it has grown considerably in the last 10 years. We are part of the Lincolnway School District, which has excellent schools. Many of the homes in this area are on acreage - from one acre and up. Prices are still quite reasonable, particularly in the present housing market. Ever since the 355 extension was completed (within the last 5 years) it is easy and quick to get from here to both the western suburbs and the northern suburbs. We are also convenient to I-55, 294, 57, and 80. There is plenty of shopping close by, along with everything else one would expect in a Chicago suburb. The difference is, there is plenty of wide-open space here, and farms all around. It is a very peaceful place to live, and also quite safe. My husband and I also own land in St. Anne, which is close to Kankakee, IL.