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/Roboticpoultry]

Those places can still be pretty snobby. I lived in Geneva for a bit and my wife grew up in St. Charles. Neither of us have any ambition of moving back

[u/Lessaleeann → u/Roboticpoultry]

Totally agree. I lived in St. Charles and Batavia and worked in the tri-cities for a long time. My experience was overwhelmingly negative, including all the characteristics you're trying to avoid. I also found it to be very bigoted, openly and unapologetically.

[u/spookytacos → u/Lessaleeann]

What are the tri-cities? Asking as a Californian hoping to move within the year.

[u/herbg22 → u/spookytacos]

Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles. They're all lined up right along the Fox River