Chicago area - possible move suggestions? - Page 2

[Bridie's Mama]

Southwest burbs (not west) are going to be your best bet then (accd. to your specific needs). I will tell you though, a 150-250 range isn't going to get you a whole lot, but it will get you a whole lot more than if you move anywhere worth moving in the city of Chicago or the northwest/western burbs...all have great areas but have very highly priced homes.

FWIW, we're in the sw burbs (Tinley Park) and my husband works about 20 min. northeast of Midway (still on the south side though)...sometimes his commute is 1 hr--1 hr 10 min. It depends on his hours. Even in the 'good' sw burbs you might only be able to get a "fixer upper"...or maybe with the market you'd get a great deal, who knows. So from living here currently and being raised in the south burbs here's what I recommend you check out: Lemont, Palos Heights, Orland Park (but more likely you'll be able to afford Orland Hills), Tinley Park...I wouldn't go further south than Tinley, just b/c it would be too long of a commute. Someone mentioned Frankfort and while it's a lovely town, it'd be a far commute. All of those towns have good schools and homes that might fit your price range and are all safe. PM me if you have specific questions. Good luck!

[almadianna]

Diversity: I don't care one way or the other....but I would like safe and with other families with similar values, incomes, etc.

Can you specify what you mean by this mama?

[mmhinton]

Regarding my previous post: I would like to clarify what I meant regarding diversity as it has come to my attention that I may not have been clear! First, I HONESTLY meant NO offense and if any was taken I sincerely apologize! Second, I will try to explain what I mean: to me it is more important to have safety, family values etc. in a city. I firmly believe that it does not make any difference what race a household is as long as there are family values; therefore, the "race" make up of a city is not important to me. And, yes, I do realize that there is nowhere that is 100% safe.

This is really what I want and what I meant: I would like to live in a city (or at least neighborhood) similar to the one we live in now; where I can feel comfortable letting my boys play in the yard; where the neighbors are friendly and will "watch out" for one anothers' kids and homes, pets, etc; where I don't have to feel like I have to have a home security alarm and be inside the house with it alarmed all the time.

I hope this is more clear.....and if not, please, let me know!!

[gingerstar]

Originally Posted by Bridie's Mama

Southwest burbs (not west) are going to be your best bet then (accd. to your specific needs). I will tell you though, a 150-250 range isn't going to get you a whole lot, but it will get you a whole lot more than if you move anywhere worth moving in the city of Chicago or the northwest/western burbs...all have great areas but have very highly priced homes.

Someone mentioned Frankfort and while it's a lovely town, it'd be a far commute.

Agree with the first paragraph.
It would probably be about 45 min, but depend on his shift and traffic. OP, you need to know what an acceptable commute would be, and look within that area.

[ellah]

Originally Posted by mmhinton

We are still not sure of a job....but IF he does get it, DH would be working at Midway airport.

Spend: we have a pretty low budget (approx. $150-$250K)
Space: 2-3 bedrooms ... BUT we have to have a yard - our two boys are used to a big yard and I would go crazy if they couldn't get their energy out outside!!!

I would recommend Tinley Park, Orland Hills, Alsip, Crestwood and Oak Forest to start. Sometimes if you are closer to the city (like in Hickory Hills, Palos Hills) you are going to pay more for the same house you could get in Tinley just because of the shorter commute. You may be able to find something in Oak Lawn or Chicago Ridge also. You can find older homes that may need some work in your price range in these towns. I really love Tinley park, it has a cute downtown and a neighborhood feel. Believe me, I just spent a year house hunting in this area.

[mmhinton]

Thanks for the input!!!

We had thought the matter (of possible move) was finished and not gonna happen..... BUT all that changed and now it is even more likely that we will be moving up there.....

The thought of is right now is beyond overwhelming - DH would likely have to be up there within 2-4 weeks, which would mean I would be here to pack AND sell the house by myself with 2 boys (and a dog) who are not much help with either keeping house clean (for "showing") OR packing!!!

Beyond that, nearly all of my family is here (we live NEXT door to my mom and dad....which is wonderful actually) and the thought of my boys not being able to see their Mema and Papa whenever they want to just breaks my hear

With all of that said though, I do know that such a move as we are contemplating will bring about lots of new opportunities!! But, we are no closer to knowing where up there to move

[ellah]

Originally Posted by mmhinton

Thanks for the input!!!

We had thought the matter (of possible move) was finished and not gonna happen..... BUT all that changed and now it is even more likely that we will be moving up there.....

The thought of is right now is beyond overwhelming - DH would likely have to be up there within 2-4 weeks, which would mean I would be here to pack AND sell the house by myself with 2 boys (and a dog) who are not much help with either keeping house clean (for "showing") OR packing!!!

Beyond that, nearly all of my family is here (we live NEXT door to my mom and dad....which is wonderful actually) and the thought of my boys not being able to see their Mema and Papa whenever they want to just breaks my hear

With all of that said though, I do know that such a move as we are contemplating will bring about lots of new opportunities!! But, we are no closer to knowing where up there to move

If he gets the job, will it be Midway for sure? Have you been checking realtor.com or had a realtor check listings in the area? If you want you can always PM me with a town/area and I can tell you if it is decent area or not.

I understand how rough it would be to move away from parents. But you're right...it's a whole new opportunity!

[*Eva*]

If you're going to be moving by Midway please feel free to PM me. I live literally right around the corner from there and know a lot about the area and schools over here. Hope everything goes well for you guys!

[Mama2Tristan]

We live in Woodridge, which is just east of Naperville, south of Lisle, west of Downers Grove. We are within a mile of a highway (I-355), which is right between I-88 and I-55, which is convenient if commuting to airports. My husband travels every week for work, and has no issues from where we are.

This is a great suburb, with large backyards, and open spaces....Woodridge prides itself on it's walking/running/bike paths. We live 2 blocks from one and it's gorgeous...

Not a well known suburb, but we live within 1.5 miles to the library, post-office, and have a Montessori nearby that my kids go to. The number of crunchy mamas keeps growing, and I have made some really good friends from meeting mamas moving to Woodridge from other cities through Mothering's forum.

You will definitely get a house for within the budget that you need and will definitely get a safe neighborhood...and great schools - about 20 kids per class, compared to the 27-30 kids per class in Naperville.

So many families on our block...and we all watch out for each others kids...
Our parks are actually used too!

Check us out:
http://www.vil.woodridge.il.us/

[haleyelianasmom]

We just moved to Bloomingdale in the summer and so far we're happy with it.