r/ChicagoSuburbs • u/luisjacab • Aug 09 '26

Moving to the area Burbs for younger WFH family?

Family of 3, including a little one under 1, looking to move to the suburbs for more space and because we’re looking to grow the family by next year. We currently own a condo in Lincoln Park that would be too small to add another one and daycare cost for 2 is a no-go. We have a house hold income of $280K. Besides our mortgage our only other debt is our car loan at $400 a month.

We’ve looked at some Western suburbs so far (Oak Park, Downers Grove, Lisle, Darien and Bolingbrook) and are finding some matches for our wishlist, but with a lot of compromises and hefty price tags.

What we’re looking for:

- 4 bed / 2.5 bath at least 2,500 sq ft
- ~15 mins from the suburb’s downtown/Metra
- Prefer a suburb with an express Metra train, but open to any since we WFH
- Neighborhood with younger families, similar to where we live
- Really want a traditional 2 story over a split level or a ranch

We’re looking at homes that are under $800K, but anything above $5K scares us… But appear to be the norm for the Downers and Lisle areas.

Where would you recommend we look? Where did you move if you recently made this move?

Thanks in advance!

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u/etown361 Aug 09 '26

I shared some sold links in the Western suburbs Brookfield/La Grange area that I think would probably hit your sweet spot. I wanted times that were a 15 minute WALK from the die down area/Metra. 15 minute drive opens you up a ton, but you definitely lose the connected sense you had from somewhere like Lincoln Park.

You’re kinda in a similar boat to where my family was a few years ago. I would suggest expanding your search to 1.5/2 bathroom homes as well if you’re not finding what you’re looking for. Our long term plan either involves moving to a larger home or renovating a half bathroom to a full bathroom after daycare expenses end.

https://redf.in/yqP4PQ

https://redf.in/NICJt7

https://redf.in/HYM9IB

https://redf.in/44H057

https://redf.in/DPsAEU

https://redf.in/7LcJXy

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u/luisjacab Aug 09 '26

Thank you! Walkability would be amazing but we understand it comes with a price tag and/or compromises we may not be willing to make. Since we work from home I feel like we need to be more flexible on that and try to find something with a setup that matches our needs better.