Originally Posted by terryellen
considering a job offer in DesPlaines...we are trying to figure out where we might be comfortable living....we do not want his commute to be much more than 30 minutes...our first priority is schools....3 elementary school aged children....we would love to live in an older home with the ability to walk to school/shops/etc.....we have been looking online at Winnetka, Barrington, Arlington Heights, Hinsdale, Glen Ellyn...any thoughts on these places? Our biggest concern is that we have heard that some of these towns are full of pretentious/ keep up with the Jones types....this makes us very nervous...we are very family oriented, outdoorsy, low key people..
We can comfortably spend up to 900K (if this helps in advice giving)
Glen Ellyn is one of my favorite towns and I live very close to Hinsdale which is also nice and has great schools. Glen Ellyn in particular has great character (some older houses, nice downtown, etc). Unfortunately neither of them is a 30-minute commute from Des Plaines unless you are commuting on off hours. Barrington/Winnetka to me (in addition to Hinsdale) have the snob factor.. (if you disagree don't flame back.. that is my opinion and are entitled to yours too).
From the list you sent I would check out Arlington Heights. There are lots of nice places there, my only concern is you may find it somewhat whitebread depending on where you're coming from. I'm not sure if the variety of housing stock and downtown are quite what you want. Commute and price should not be an issue there esp compared to some of your other choices.
YMMV--Good luck
/pbz