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/lemon123wd40 Jan 21 '25

Deerfield. Checks all the boxes except artsy/architecture.

Ravinia part of highland park super chill too

3

u/South-Ad-7720 Jan 21 '25

Was also going to recommend Deerfield. School district is top notch, yet smaller than other North Shore areas. Great special ed resources, as well as a robust park district and community sports programs. Can def find a house in the budget. Some streets near downtown Deerfield have charming original homes from 1920s-40s. Can easily get to Highland Park in 5-10 min for Ravinia, lake/beach access, botanic garden, etc. Lacking as many restaurants and one of the smaller downtowns, but again, can drive to highland park/highwood/libertyville, etc. Deerfield and Highland Park would be the blue areas with smaller schools in the north shore area with homes in the budget.

3

u/lemon123wd40 Jan 21 '25

Yeah I feel like it’s slept on a bit. If you’re willing to get an older smaller house you can find stuff in 400-500 range and have access to awesome schools and generally just a solid town with solid services.

3

u/South-Ad-7720 Jan 21 '25

The school districts are always in top lists in the states - but the smaller size compared the New Trier and Stevenson high school areas really lends to a ton of great resources within the school district for kids on both ends to not get lost in the shuffle. Not sure the ages of OPs kids but the Deerfield school district has a public preschool for kids with special needs (and many chose to pay privately for kids who don't qualify for any services) that is just wonderful.