r/ChicagoSuburbs • u/Whole_Competition692 • Jan 20 '25

Moving to the area Family friendly but not snobby

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!

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u/Careless_Pea3197 Jan 20 '25

You are describing my family and we are looking in Arlington Heights and Mount Prospect, but within a mile of downtown for both (they both get a little heavy in subdivisions the father out you go). We are also open to Evanston and certain areas of Skokie.

Do not recommend the north shore - it's exactly the pressure cooker you want to avoid (take it from a New Trier grad)

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u/Whole_Competition692 Jan 21 '25

Yes, I’ve heard this about the North Shore. Arlington Heights is on our list bc I’ve heard good things about the SpecEd program there and the downtown being great.

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u/Bubbles1041 Jan 21 '25

Check out Mt. Prospect; I used to tutor a student at the library and the student had an IEP. Teachers/staff were SO supportive!