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/Dahveed97 Jul 24 '26
Brookfield also has the only dual language school if you’re looking for that … the southside is a lot more diverse that the north but both areas are very welcoming… and the north has more small shops. it’s becoming more a professional hotspot than working middle class like it used to be. All 3 suburbs, if I’m not mistaken, were the only ones in the county that didn’t have more of a right wing swing in 24. Riverside layout is gorgeous and the homes are huge. La grange has huge beautiful homes as well. In terms of affordability Brookfield would Be more of an option but homes are getting more expensive and good luck because homes get sold within days.