Hello! We just found out that we are going to be relocating to the Chicago area for hubby's job. I am very excited about this, but have only been to Chicago once and only for two days. We know ZERO about the area. My husband will be working in the downtown Chicago area. We are interested in buying a house right away... don't want to waste any more time on renting an apartment. Looking to settle down with nice back yard, so our toddler can play! We've heard that it is almost near impossible to find a newer, affordable home close to the city. My husband says he doesn't mind a 30-45 minute commute from a nearby suburb. Anyone know of any nice suburbs not too far from Chicago? We are looking for a single family home. But most importantly, a safe area with great schools and not too far of a commute to drive or take metro. Please respond if you have any advice about Chicago and surrounding area.
You should change your mamasource file to a chicago zipcode so you can ask people in Chicago! I am sure you will get much more responses that way.
Dear K.,
My brother and his family live in Downers Grove (about a 20 minute ride to downtown). My brother directs the Fox Channel News. He has a wife and 2 active boys. They love Downers Grove and it is very affordable. It also has EVERYTHING you could want including good schools, all the large stores (Old Navy, Gap...etc). If you send me a private note, I can hook you up with my sister-in-law and she may be able to help you with the process. All the best. D.
hello
I have a dear friend who lives in Chicago & is selling her house! Her hubby has already re located ( cause of his job) to CA. House is in barrington ( I beleive) could be a little off on location....If you'd like to talk with her send me your email or a #?
good luck Brooke
Her name is Dia, I will tell her about you! WHat is your price range?
Hi K.!!!
Small world :) We just moved from Chicago to here. I miss it every day and would move back in a heart beat if I could!!!
I don't know how far you are willing to live from the city but we were in a town called Elk Grove Village. It was AWESOME!!! Close to 90 and 294. We were in walking distance to 2 grocery stores, blockbuster, movie theatre, boston market, pizza hut,panera bread, and mexican eatery (and starbucks!!) I know a commute to the airport took us about 15 minutes (o'hare) but they also have a rail system like VRE but it runs all of the time (even weekends. just like the metro here. They call it Metra). Were were about 10 minutes from the Itasca station and about 15 from the Arlington Heights station. It drops off at Union station downtown.
There is also a big park - Busse Forrest Preserve with almost 9 miles of trails and a little lake. The housing seems to be pretty affordable (by chicago/Cook county standards) and all of the homes in the area have a decent sized back yard. Most of them are a little older (think 1970s and up) but there is a lot of variety!! Raised ranches, ranch, and 2 story homes. (we were considering buying as well before we ended up relocating back to D.C)
Elk Grove Village also boasts one of the best school systems in the area and the best Park Districts in the county. http://www.elkgroveparks.org
Please feel free to email me: ____@____.com if you have any questions or anything :) There are some nicer areas closer in to the city but still in the burbs but there are also some that you want to be weary of :)
Best of luck!!!
Hi K.!
Did you ever find a place here in Chicago?
