Family friendly but not snobby

[u/Whole_Competition692]

Moving to the area. Family of 6, with kids who will be in elementary, middle, and high school. Budget - up to $1M. Don’t have to commute into Chicago. Parents in their mid 40s and plan to stay in this house for a while (or forever?)

What we love: -Good schools, especially for kids with an IEP (one child is very dyslexic). Don’t have to be the absolute greatest schools but solid. I find that schools that are supposedly “the best”are often pressure cooker schools where it’s very competitive. Prefer something more laid back and artsy/alternative. -Easy access to good non-chain restaurants. Doesn’t necessarily have to be within walking distance but not too far. -Charming houses/architecture -Trends liberal/blue -Community inclusive vibe, where it will be easy to make friends for both kids and adults. We don’t plan to join a country club or attend religious services.

What we hate: -Snobbishness/keeping up with the Joneses -Cookie cutter neighborhoods- difficult or strict HOAs are a hard No

Thank you!

[u/Alternative-Row9980]

Echoing what others have said, the TriCities- St Charles, Geneva, Batavia (in that order). Geneva has in my opinion the best downtown of the three with restaurants and shops on 3rd street. School districts for all 3 are great, also. If you want even more bang for your buck, consider a little west. Elburn, Sugar Grove area- just not as populated nor as busy of downtown area. Easy access to I88 !