terryellen, where in DP is the job? That can influence the commuting time.

I grew up in Wilmette and went to New Trier, and think it was an excellent foundation, but the commute will kill you. The commute south of North Avenue such as Hinsdale (where $900k might not be enough) or Clarendon Hills (excellent suburb, many parts have Hinsdale Central high school) will also kill you if you want to keep it to 30 minutes. And I'd say that the same would apply to anything in traditional Barrington along IL 59, as I-90 is a general mess most mornings.

My gut instinct would be to look at the Glenbrook South, Deerfield, and maybe Maine West and Glenbrook North high school districts. My cousin and his wife (both physicians) had a similar commuting situation as you are describing and picked Deerfield.

But if education is your top priority, focus on the high school districts first, then the K-8 districts within the high school district, then the neighborhoods.

thanks guys....I knew I would get a lot of expert advice on these boards

Not sure exactly where in DP the job is...I will try to find this out

Theresa

I would also suggest checking out alternative driving routes from several comparable home choices, to the place of work.

The Chicago area is well known for frequent, extended, massive road projects, , often delayed for months during rough winters.

Ole Nick clearly knows what he's talking about. Forget Winnetka or any of the North Shore suburbs - not b/c of the snob factor but because of the distance. They're absolutely unworkable. Frankly, if you're trying to achieve a truly good/reasonable commute, I would draw a circle roughly 4-5 miles around Des Plaines and discount anything around it.

For what it's worth, I think the best balance you're going to find in terms of 'nice' area, really good schools, and ease of access/distance is going to be the Glenview area, as suggested.

Given the schools constraint, you can pretty much kill anything in that circle south of Higgins Road. Rosemont, that little corner of Chicago, Schiller Park, and Bensenville are not scholastic strongholds.

Elmhurst is workable even though it's more like 7-9 miles; I rented there for several years (hence my FT name). If you said you only had $500k to spend, I'd point you there. But if you can get up over $700k, I think the Glenview schools are better than the Elmhurst schools.

I would defer to EN on the quality of Elmhurst schools, although I've heard good things. Certainly, Elmhurst is considered a desirable place to live, as reflected in its property values. Depending on what you're looking for in a place to live, Elmhurst may also offer more older architecture, and less of a post-WWII "wide streets/cookie cutter" feel, than some of the other nearby options, although it's possible to find visually interesting neighborhoods in most suburbs.

-Hayden

thanks for the opinions...we are trying to focus a little....have a short list:
Park Ridge
Barrington
Arlington Heights
we will see what the realtor has to say about these and others..thanks again

Theresa

I would definitely take a few rush-our test drives between Barrington and DP if you're seriously considering that option. There may be some good routes, but I'd be wary that the commute would become difficult at times.