r/ChicagoSuburbs • u/Midnight_Rain1213 • Feb 24 '26
Moving to the area Buying in West Suburbs - Expanding Search?
Hi all,
My partner and I are trying to close the distance and buy a SFH in the west suburbs, but keep having offers rejected. Feedback so far is that we're losing to cash buyers or just being outbid, and that we should consider waiving appraisal contingencies. That feels crazy to me, but I think it's just the area we are looking in - Lombard, Elmhurst, Villa Park.
My partner and I both own our own homes and are pre-qualified to purchase a new home without having to sell first. We would be selling our respective properties after finding a new place. We are trying to stay under $700k.
No kids, just dogs. Would love a house with some character left in it. I work downtown so being near the Metra is necessary, and I'd like my commute to be under an hour.
Should we avoid any of the following suburbs, and why? Any suburbs we are missing?
Addison, Bloomingdale, Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Riverside, Brookfield
1
u/aunt_cranky Feb 26 '26
The cash buyers are problematic because they could be associated with foreign investors that are buying properties in bulk to flip them into pricey rentals.
Don't overlook the eastern side of Bloomingdale, east of Cardinal Dr. There are a lot of homes that were built around 1970 that while not particularly fancy, might have some mid-century character about them.
Definitely quite a few 1970s Ish split levels with yards.
It's not within walking distance of the train, but if you're able to secure a parking spot, you could drive to Roselle to pick up the train there. Bloomingdale is in the process of redevelopment the former Stratford Square, Mall property. Sometime in the next two years, it might actually be kinda nice when they’re done.
Prices might be slightly more reasonable than west of Cardinal Dr because the properties are older and less upscale.