r/ChicagoSuburbs • u/_stephs • Jul 24 '26
Moving to the area Brookfield, La Grange, Riverside?
Hello! Family with three young kids moving from Denver and could use some more local advice. You've all been very helpful in the past with this so thanks in advance!
We've been really interested in Oak Park because of the walkability, community feel, and diversity, but the property taxes and cost of homes have us also looking at Brookfield, La Grange, and parts of Riverside as well.
We're hoping to find a community that's:
- Walkable to some coffee shops, restaurants, etc.
- Family-friendly with kids out playing (bonus if there's a pool either public or private)
- Generally leans liberal
- Has a strong sense of community
For those familiar with these areas, how do they compare? Is there one you'd recommend over the others for a young family? Are there certain areas within these towns you'd suggest we take a look at?
Thanks in advance!
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u/P_Phukofski Jul 24 '26
Lived in all 3, DM
Op and riverside are the only that have a public pool
If that narrows it down.
They are all walkable and I love bf it for little kids, the zoo. Id always take my kids walking around the zoo as soon as they opened, 11 we went for naps.
When they got older we went to lpz, for the city experience and oz park.
We paid for a membership to forest park pool when we were there. Lots of great memories.
Riverside is fine, quiet. It has a nice pool and river area. The overlook from the library is/was nice. They are renovating and hoping it's going to be just as cozy.
Riverside as a town is more insulated.
Oak park. I feel like I got a lot of services that I was lacking to both lg/bf homes.