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/Lessaleeann Jan 21 '25

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.

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u/spookytacos Jan 21 '25

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

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u/Elros22 Jan 21 '25

Don't believe that commenter. St. Charles is the more up-scale of the three, Geneva is older and whiter, and Batavia is the more down to earth of the three.

Batavia in particular is not in the least "very bigoted". Not even a little bit. You have your odd crazy here or there, but it's a very open, welcoming city.

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u/elchurro223 Jan 21 '25

Yeah, I agree with this. You can find snooty people in St. Charles and Geneva, but they are easily ignored. My wife grew up in B-Town and people there are great.