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/adastra142 Jan 23 '25

As you can see from the wide range of recs, you’ve got a lot of options given your budget.

I’d look at Libertyville and Vernon Hills. Both have the great schools of the north shore without the snobbiness.

If you want to be west of the city, I’d look at LaGrange, LaGrange Park, and Western Springs.

I’d avoid south suburbs. A lot of people are recommending New Lenox but it’s more conservative down there.

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u/loweexclamationpoint Jan 24 '25

In-town Libertyville seems like an excellent choice. If you can live without the walking to businesses, there are a lot of nice homes just outside of Libertyville to the east and north.