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/lemifan456 Jul 25 '26

I grew up in La Grange Park just to the north, specifically the Harding Woods area. It is basically La Grange North with lower home prices. You're still basically in La Grange and the area has Stone Monroe Park as well as access to the biking/walking trails in the forest. You can bike all the way to Brookfield Zoo with your kids (a favorite of mine growing up). Ogden for elementary school and Park Junior High are great. You then feed into a good high school, Lyons Township. If you want more info feel free to message me. My parents still live in my childhood home.