Moving to chicago suburbs- need help (Arlington Heights, Schaumburg: apartments, rentals, condo)

[vidkal]

Dear friends,
We are moving to chicago and would like to know a good suburb to move into. My husband works in hoffman estates. Would like to know a good suburb with metra connection close to hoffman estates. I dont have a job yet but I want to have the flexiblity to travel to downtown if I end up with a job there. Would also be helpful if somebody can list few very good montessori/private schools for my 3 year old son. The school will be the top priority. Any suggestions on quality montessori school is appreciated.

Thank you

[chitown85]

Palatine, Barrington, South Barrington, Schaumburg. Basically any NW suburb. Let us know your price range so we can provide more of an answer. The variations in price between suburbs and even within suburbs are staggering.

If you are set on montessori/private schools, they are expensive and where you live isn't as much of an issue because you won't have your child attending public schools. There are a few Catholic schools in the area as well if you are Catholic.

[vidkal]

Would like to rent a condo 2 bed 2 bath for 1000-1300$. Not looking at catholic schools. Just a good private school with PK through atleast 1st grade.

[chitown85]

Downtown Palatine has a plethora of apartments in that price range and a METRA station. Downtown Arlington Heights is possible if you find the right place based on the price.
Barrington will probably be out of the price range.
Unforunately, I don't know about the Montessori schools. There is one in Long Grove, but that is not around the corner from downtown Palatine or any of the above listed areas.

[nanannie]

My kids went to Montessori School in Barrington thru kindegarten (Barrington rd. ) Also, went to Montessori. Childrens House (North Barrington) for toddler/mom program. Was very pleased. He is in Middle school now here,so its been awhile but they are worth checking out.
There are rentals in your price range here. Very nice community. Metra downtown,Easy commute to HE.

There is also Montessori School in Long Grove that goes to I believe, 6th grade. I am sure there are plenty of rentals to choose from in next door Buffalo Grove (also a Metra) if you cant find one in LG.

A very good private school in Palatine is Quest Academy. I believe its 1st-8th.

[cdapel]

Not sure on the schools except Palatine has a gifted school called Quest Acadamy. Very expensive though.

I'm not sure what the rent prices are now but there are options availble due to the housing crunch almost anywhere. If you want a downtown feel, there's Palatine and Arlington Heights. Both also have suburban neighborhoods that are great for families.

Schaumburg is an option too but I didn't like living there very much. Traffic is bad on the east side where the mall and buisiness are. The west side isn't very nice IMO. Parts of Hoffman Estates are good too. The Barrington towns are quite expensive.

[tasser]

Arlington Heights is a fabulous community right on the Metra line. There is still a small community feel even though its grown so much, and the downtown area is fabulous.

Their public schools are excellent, but if you are set on the Montessori, I know they have those too.