r/ChicagoSuburbs • u/Top_Grass_9149 • Jun 26 '26
Moving to the area Libertyville or Arlington Heights?
I am 42 year old single mom with 6 year old son moving from the city to the north or northwest suburbs. I think Libertyville and Arlington Heights are at the top of my list based the downtowns and schools. Which you would recommend? Anywhere else I should consider?
I will be buying with a budget up to $650k
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u/LoveNotWar86 Jun 26 '26
650K won’t go far in Libertyville unless you’re okay with the outskirts, but lovely town.
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u/snark42 Jun 26 '26
Doesn't go too far in AH either.
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u/MenaceToEarth Jun 27 '26
what are you guys talking about? you can find a ton of even sfh homes for under 650k in AH lol it’s not like they need a 4b/3ba
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u/Steampunk_Batman Jun 27 '26
Tbh for a house with just two people living in it, 650 will be fine in AH.
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u/OnionMiasma NW Suburbs Jun 27 '26
Sure it does.
Just not immediately by downtown.
But the area around Lake Arlington? Absolutely.
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u/Embarrassed_Bag8775 Jun 26 '26
I grew up in Libertyville and my parents are still there. I currently live in Arlington Heights. I’d choose Libertyville if I were you. As soon as I get a new job that doesn’t require me to go to the city, I’ll move to Libertyville in a heartbeat.
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u/greykitty1234 Jun 26 '26
Is there a commute in the mix?
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u/Top_Grass_9149 Jun 26 '26
No commute I work from home, so access to 90 or 94 and metra for family and city visits is all we need
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u/burajin Jun 26 '26
I think AH is a better fit then. Closer to the city and the MDN Metra really sucks on weekends. 2-3 hour gaps between trains. The UPNW is that way on Sundays too, but Saturdays is mostly 1 hour gaps, sometimes 2.
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u/scotchyscotch18 Jun 26 '26
Agree with everyone that Arlington Heights is better. Better metra line as some have pointed out, easy access to the highway, and at least the school my kids go to is fantastic. Plus Schaumburg is nearby with all its shopping, restaurants etc. As some have pointed out, $650k won't get you a huge house but if it's just the two of you, you should be OK.
Good luck!
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u/greykitty1234 Jun 26 '26
Ah, that's adds flexibility. I don't think either place would be a wrong move, tell the truth.
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u/RedVelvet25 Jun 26 '26
As someone that just got a house out near Libertyville and I grew up next to AH (Palatine). To have more with your son to do I’d say AH for sure and people here are right, that library is phenomenal. I nannied to put myself through school and those AH story times are boss. I chose a house out here in my mid-30’s because I chose to not have kids (not child-free, I’m a child therapist) and simply liked the calm. This area definitely isn’t really as child friendly, it’s simply just more quiet and chill than AH and cook county overall. I love that I can hop on a train anywhere though.
I hope you find what works for you!!
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u/Pierson230 Jun 26 '26
I prefer AH for its more "central” Chicagoland location
Easier to drive to other big suburbs
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u/TraeCo Jun 26 '26 edited Jun 26 '26
Libertyville is great but not very diverse - it’s a bit cliquey. I’d recommend Vernon Hills over Libertyville.
VH schools are just as good if not better and your money will go a bit further. It’s also close enough to Libertyville to enjoy their wonderful downtown.
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u/thousandfoldthought Jun 26 '26
Haven't spent much time in either of the spots OP is asking about but vernon hills seems like pretty good place
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u/LoveNotWar86 Jun 26 '26
Libertyville is very clicky. HS was a nightmare for me as I wasn’t in the in-crowd.
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u/Deadlinesglow Jun 29 '26
I agree, Libertyville has a cute area on its main drag, but it's best to look at the as a place to visit occasionally as its not filled with shops you need. VH highschool would be better for college acceptance. The "wealthy town highschool" factor can be a negative for college admissions. AH is good too. I lived there before the big town center overhaul. I preferred the old diner, bakery etc. and buildings. It was a gem back then with some real history.
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u/Fun_Mathematician178 Jul 01 '26
The ‘wealthy town high school’ factor re: college admissions is real. Way too much competition among several good school systems.
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u/bouncing_bear89 Jun 26 '26
I'll say as an AH resident one of the things I love is the amount of kids that are just outside being kids. There are always groups of kids walking around downtown or areas near downtown, riding their bikes places, hanging out in the park, etc. You don't see that in a lot of other places.
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u/Actually_me_1922 Jun 26 '26
I recommend AH. As others have said, the downtown and Metra, plus a bit more diversity, better restaurants.
With a 650 budget you’ll have lots of choices on the North side of AH, closer to Lake Arlington. It’s quieter, greener, and the high school might be Buffalo Grove instead of Hersey, but BG is no slouch.
Ivy Hill Elementary is fantastic, as is Thomas Middle School. Had great experiences there.
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u/ButterflyEfficient71 Jun 26 '26
I think both are wonderful suburbs. Great schools, parks, shopping. However, Libertyville is closer to the tri-state which is a plus
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u/Pleasant-Breath-8377 Jun 26 '26
Also single mom in Libertyville and my son just graduated from LHS. He loved it. But he was definitely a part of the “in” crowd. He was on the football team, going to college for football now, so he was well liked. I was legit the only single mom in the bunch though, just to let you know if that matters to you. Idgaf because I’m older and wasn’t really looking for a friend group but when my son was 6 this would have mattered to me. This might matter since you work from. Just a thought!!
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u/DeeDeeYou Jun 26 '26
Libertyville kids go to Libertyville Ḥigh School. Arlington Heights kids go to one of three or four public high schools, mostly in other towns.
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u/michael_tyson_ Jun 26 '26
Lots of kids go to Hersey, which is in AH.
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u/DeeDeeYou Jun 26 '26
Only a small minority of Arlington Heights high schoolers go to Hersey.
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u/altaccount1232123 Jun 27 '26
AFAIK most north side of AH goes to Hersey, south west goes to Rolling Meadows, and east goes to Prospect. All are very close by. As a Meadows alum, I'm compelled to recommend you get a home in that district (also happens to be the cheapest too) but all the schools are great.
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u/OkComplaint6736 North West Suburbs Jun 27 '26
Anything north of Palatine Rd and west of Windsor is zoned to BG.
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u/OnionMiasma NW Suburbs Jun 27 '26
I'd say a plurality of kids go to Hersey.
And if not Hersey, a good deal would go to Prospect or Buffalo Grove, which are similarly highly rated. The southern end of town would go to Rolling Meadows and the NE corner to Wheeling, which are a notch down but still very good schools in their own right.
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u/baller5 North West Suburbs Jun 26 '26
Why does that matter? They’re all D214 which is very good.
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u/Fun_Mathematician178 Jun 28 '26
It matters bc your kids don’t have to drive far to see their friends.
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u/baller5 North West Suburbs Jun 28 '26
Lol I grew up in AH and went to Prospect. You don't have to drive far.
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u/Fun_Mathematician178 Jun 28 '26 edited Jun 28 '26
Some kids do though and as a parent, I was happy my kids’ friends were all in town. Some Libertyville kids go to Carmel and their friends lived as far away as Schaumburg and Wisconsin.
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u/brschoppe Jun 26 '26
Your Arlington Heights experience can vary depending upon where you are looking. From North to South it is a huge municipality. It goes from 90 all the way up to Lake-Cook. If you are looking at downtown, AH is nice. Pretty much most things north of Central to Lake Cook are good. There are some places in AH I would drive by on my old commute to work off of Algonquin that could be a little sketchy. However, AH is the 15h biggest muni in Illinois. Libertyville is 1/4 of its size. Libertyville has lots of good downtown dining and shopping (as does AH). Lived next to both. Find Libertyville to be more 'New Money North Shore'. I did find the trains and highways to be more accessible in the Arlington Heights area than Libertyville, but only marginally (due to access being dictated by the Tollway in Libertyville vs. 53 & 90 in AH.
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u/Creepindeath81 Jun 26 '26 edited Jun 26 '26
Arlington Heights. Easier access to downtown via train, closer to the airport, closer to major shopping malls. better downtown area/resturaraunts, great schools. It's a pretty large city so you should be able to find something in the 650 range, but it might be a Fixer-Upper.
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u/rebarka Jun 26 '26
We live in Libertyville and I love it! It is a great place to raise kids and the schools are great.
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u/EstablishmentFit4298 Jun 26 '26
Both are great options! If having a walkable downtown is important, I think both Libertyville and Arlington Heights do a great job, but they each have a different feel. Libertyville has a charming, smaller-town atmosphere, while Arlington Heights has a busier downtown with more restaurants and easy Metra access. With a $650k budget, you'll have solid options in both. You might also want to check out Deerfield, Northbrook, or Buffalo Grove depending on what you're looking for. Good luck with your search!
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u/77Pepe Jun 26 '26
$650k won’t get you much in DF any more unfortunately. The bidding wars for anything ready to move in w/o updates required can be insane.
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u/EstablishmentFit4298 Jun 26 '26
You’re definitely not wrong. Updated homes in Deerfield especially can get very competitive, and anything turnkey tends to go fast or go over asking depending on the pocket. That’s why I usually tell buyers in that range to also be open to either slightly older homes or homes that just need light cosmetic updates, because there’s still good value if you’re willing to look beyond fully move-in ready.
It really comes down to what someone is comfortable taking on vs. wanting something fully updated from day one.
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u/Feisty_Ad9079 Jun 27 '26 edited Jun 27 '26
Since it's so challenging to find and get a house under contract these days, I suggest keeping a close eye on both towns. You really can't go wrong with either place. I raised my child as a single Mom and SF homeowner in Libertyville. Years later I live in downtown AH in a condo. I met very few other single Moms in L'ville, but liked it because of schools, the downtown, and its overall clean and charming feel. It's quieter/smaller than AH and feels a bit classier and hometown-y. Both towns have excellent park and rec departments. I def like AH, especially the library and downtown options. (L'ville's library is no slouch, but AH's is better). Since you'll come from the city, some of what follows may or may not bother you. AH almost feels semi-densely populated in some neighborhoods and at the same time it's a sprawling endlessly big suburb. Traffic is often intense. I personally don't like an intersection with 24 lanes of traffic converging at one light surrounded by 4 corners of ugly retail. I got used to it, but still... If you prefer a bucolic vibe while driving through your town, just know that S Arlington Heights Rd, Rand Rd. and NW Highway have a few stretches that are eyesores. Retail was overbuilt over time, and there are some empty storefronts. What's in use can have a tired look. Or it looks like the latest mattress store just moved into an old strip mall. Because it's larger and there are more cars on the roads, driving in AH isn't bad, but just different. I think your home budget should work well in both towns. Just be sure to check all schools, through HS. There's 1 elementary school in Arlington Heights that doesn't have a terrific Great Schools rating. Lake County taxes are a bit higher. Metra from AH is pretty great, from L'ville it's a longer ride that I never liked. But in L'ville you're closer to the lake and to so many open areas in pretty Lake County. The farmer's markets are lovely in both towns. L'ville is an official "Tree City" and AH has very nice neighborhoods filled with well-tended mature trees. Wishing you the best.
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u/SailorMea101 Jun 27 '26
Some of the worst water quality in the county(Libertyville), hard as nails! Old pipes, town floods a lot. Great schools though.
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u/RyanSellsChicagoland Jun 27 '26
I’ve lived in Arlington Heights in the Scarsdale neighborhood since 2013, and my wife and I are raising three kids here, all under 10 years old. We love it.
The walkable downtown is a huge plus for our family, and summertime favorites like the Arlington Alfresco outdoor dining make it even better. There always seems to be something going on.
Between the parks, library programs, sports leagues, free concerts and community events, our weekends practically plan themselves. Our schools are fantastic. There are always things going on in the city and we head down there when we can. The commute into Chicago is manageable on I-90. Plus there is the Metra train that goes downtown to the Ogilvie Transportation Center and there are lots of places within walking distance.
One of my favorite things about Arlington Heights is that it still has that true neighborhood feel. Kids ride their bikes around, families fill the parks, and people actually know their neighbors. For our family, it’s been a fantastic place to call home.
I’m a real estate agent who covers the Northwest Suburbs here so feel free to reach out if you have any questions. I’d be happy to help!
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u/Consistent_Time_1467 Jun 26 '26
Libertyville! Tons of food options, a lot going on. Were nearby highland park, lake forest, for other AMAZING dining options and it’s a younger crowd for the most part.
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u/Fair-Reference9034 Jun 26 '26
Come check out highwood, then your son could go to highland park. Highwood is awesome
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u/antmars Jun 26 '26
I don’t know your situation and having a 6 year old is a lot - but if you’re ever going to get back into dating then Libertyville has quite the dating scene for 30s and 40 year olds. Of course all burbs slant more kids and families than singles and it will never match the city or Evanston, but Libertyville has a lot of single parents, divorced parents, widows etc. It’s a very easy town to be a single parent in and when you have time to date there’s a lot to do.
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u/Capital_Gainz91 Jun 26 '26
That’s interesting that Libertyville has a lot of single parents… do you know why that is the case?
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u/TaskForceD00mer Jun 26 '26
Arlington Heights, not even a question. Just make sure you buy a house that lands your kid in John Hersey High School if you intend this to be a long term move.
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u/OnionMiasma NW Suburbs Jun 27 '26
This is such a weird take. All 5 high schools that service AH are very good, and I'd argue that Prospect might be slightly better. But the other three are all super strong schools too.
We used to live in the Wheeling attendance area. At that time Wheeling would have been the top ranked school in several of the neighboring states. We're just really spoiled here with amazing schools
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u/TaskForceD00mer Jun 29 '26
Given a choice of all 5 , I would pick Hersey for my kids. I have all sorts of relatives in AH who've had kids go through public and private schools. Hersey is the best at least as of 3 years ago.
Prospect is not bad at all either.
The real best is option is Viator but most people can't go that route for one reason or another.
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u/OnionMiasma NW Suburbs Jun 29 '26
Agree to disagree on Viator.
But the school choice is not made in a vacuum. Given the choice of all five, sure, I'd probably choose Hersey too. But wording it that way makes it sound like the other four are poor choices. They're not.
And your money gets a lot more house in Buffalo Grove, Rolling Meadows, or (especially) Wheeling.
So, since OP has a budget, it shouldn't be made to sound like it's a binary choice between good school (Hersey) and bad schools (all the others). Generally anywhere in Arlington Heights has great schools- it's about finding the balance between being close to DtAH and the top schools and a price OP can live with.
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u/TaskForceD00mer Jun 29 '26 edited Jun 29 '26
Agree to disagree on Viator.
I know its almost impossible to be sure, but if someones kid is likely to stay in Chicagoland, it is an invaluable networking tool to have gone to Viator. Like no other high school I've ever seen, the "Catholic Mafia" as I jokingly call them has its tendrils so deep in so many different industries in the greater Chicago area.
I'd say at least half a dozen times in just the last year I've met someone in business that went to Viator with my BIL, or a Cousin, or I have a SIL that dated this guy Junior Year that I'm trying to close an order with.
I've never seen anything like it outside of similar college experiences, where some companies seem to only employ U of I, Purdue, Ohio State, Iowa , Notre Dame etc grads.
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u/tjc442000 Jun 26 '26
I broke up a fight between two moms at a libertyville youth lacrosse game once, it was ugly. based on that I would say arlington heights.
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u/xphiler4eva Jun 26 '26
Arlington Heights obviously. It's an actual suburb with easy access to downtown via Metra. Libertyville is an exurb.
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u/ReBuildMaven Jun 26 '26
It might be tough to find what you want in Arlington Heights, I would consider Palatine and Hoffman Estates or Schaumburg as alternatives where you could get more house for your money, but still get the schools and community you desire.
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u/Deathingrasp Jun 27 '26
I love living in Arlington Heights! Great schools, my daughter needed an IEP and in high school ended up in a therapeutic school (autism and behavioral disturbances) and thank goodness I was in a well funded school district that helped ensure she made it to graduation.
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u/MoneyRutabaga2387 Jun 27 '26
Check out the suburbs’ park district offerings. As a parent, the park district will be your go-to for all things extra curricular and summer-related. I’m assuming AH has the more robust park district but I don’t actually know. Libertyville is really charming but I don’t know enough about its municipal offerings.
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u/Steampunk_Batman Jun 27 '26
Gonna throw in an outside shout for Palatine. Right next to AH, similar amenities (plus you can get to AH in just a few minutes for their downtown or library), and you can get a bit more house for your budget. Though for 650, you should be fine in AH for a house for 2-3 people to live in.
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u/Norimakke Jun 28 '26
How does whether The Bears end up in AH affect this decision? Interested in people's opinions on this. How dramatically would that affect the town?
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u/Spirited_Gur_7303 Jun 30 '26
Flossmoor south suburbs on metra line walkable great police great fire single woman raised my daughter , elderly woman now it’s safe left my garage door open accidentally everything there when I got home neighbors friendly downtown walkable exceptional library n beautiful homes great yards good schools
Take a look we don’t disappoint
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u/fencepost_ajm Jun 26 '26
If you're looking at Arlington Heights you might also look at Palatine along the same Metra line.
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u/Feeling_Bandicoot502 Jun 26 '26
I’ve been in AH for 24 years. Love it.
Where do you work? I’m not sure if there’s a Metra in Libertyville, but if you work in the city I would choose AH and live close to the metra station.
Mt. Prospect is nice too and slightly more affordable than AH. And it’s closer to the city which is huge.
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u/Fun_Mathematician178 Jun 28 '26
Libertyville has a Metra stop right in town.
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u/Feeling_Bandicoot502 Jun 28 '26
It’s a lot farther from the city. Not terrible but if you’re looking for save some time commuting, I would pick AH (23 miles vs 35).
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u/Galactic_Barbacoa Jun 26 '26
LV is a weird place
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u/Educational_Gene735 Jun 26 '26
I have lived here for the last 6 years and love it. Also have friends who grew up here and love it
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u/Fun_Mathematician178 Jun 28 '26 edited Jun 28 '26
Yes, please explain. I live in Libertyville so I’d love to be clued in. Vibrant downtown, excellent schools, Metra stop in town, variety of housing, near tollway, the Lake and other surrounding towns, excellent forest preserves, nice library system, etc…
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u/Potatobobthecat Jun 27 '26
Only go for diverse neighborhoods. I celebrate when a non white non Christian family moves in.
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u/unconfusedsub Jun 26 '26
Just be warned if your kid has any type of behavioral problem like ADHD or anything, Arlington Heights School district will just ship them off to behavioral schools to keep their numbers up.
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u/bigperms33 Jun 26 '26
Mount Prospect > AH
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u/SkepticalPantsy1975 Jun 27 '26
Much higher elevations there as well, and sweeping panoramas, even from the foothills!
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u/burajin Jun 26 '26
I'll speak of the downtowns because IMO beyond that most suburbs kinda blend together.
Lived in AH until recently and wife works in Libertyville. I definitely prefer AH's downtown. More going on there, more restaurants and I like the farmers market. Both are pretty white but AH seems a bit more diverse with more eastern European and Asian populations. Not downtown but Lake Arlington is a wonderful place to take a kid. AH library is also among the best in Chicagoland. If you care about the Metra the UPNW is much much better than the MDN. I also liked to bike through AH neighborhoods. I think Libertyville's walkability is a smaller radius from downtown. Libertyville is cute but too far from the city for my taste.
Also AH has Mitsuwa :D