My 2¢. My in-laws lived in Elmhurst since before WWII (when what is now ORD was a really an airfield in an orchard). They didn't buy a house near an airport. They bought a house in a quiet (almost country) suburb. My father-in-law, and most others, took a TRAIN to go 20 miles "downtown" to CHI to work.

In the 60's the take-off flight path noise from ORD became intolerable. Indoor conversations were suspended when some planes passed overhead. In the summer, outdoor dialogue was impossible for minutes at a time.

I don't know about "Stages"; but I do know from personal experience that the aircraft takeoff noise in this same area is no longer a problem. I have heard the same comments from friends in Bensenville, which is the town directly North and between Elmhurst and ORD.

Just some observations based on the prior posts; and Elmhurst Nick: I'm talking about the Prospect/St. Charles area.