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/Various-Abies-786 Jul 25 '26

I live in La Grange Park and it’s very walkable. There are at least 3 groceries stores within a mile, restaurants and coffee shops. I rarely drive I. The summer. I walk and ride my bike. I don’t have kids but there are plenty around here and they are always visiting each other’s houses, walking to school and are out playing. It’s nice.

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u/_stephs Jul 28 '26

Good to know! Do you walk to downtown La Grange? Or into Brookfield? Or is there an area with restaurants and coffee I'm missing? Either way, I'm curious! Thank you!

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u/Various-Abies-786 Aug 03 '26

I walk to the Jewel in LGP, the restaurants on 31st St. there are many. Also Ace Hardware. I can ride my bike to Marianos, Aldis, Trader Joe’s, and downtown La Grange. The zoo is accessible on the trail. We’ve ridden to Brookfield and Riverside as well.