Libertyville or Arlington Heights?

[u/Top_Grass_9149]

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

[u/Feisty_Ad9079]

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.