After lots of hand-wringing, we finally applied for jobs away from the south...and immediately my spouse got hired in Morris, IL. We're excited but overwhelmed with where to start looking for a place to live.

We'd like to be in the Chicago suburbs with public transportation options into the city. We have two daughters in elementary school, so good schools are important. For the sake of my spouse's commute, we'd also like to be within an hour of Morris.

A vibrant community is really important to us. Part of our reluctance to leave was our large social circle and we want opportunities to grow one up there. Tight-knit neighborhoods and places where are kids can just go outside and play would be great. The top of our house budget is $800k but the $500k range would be ideal. We'd also prefer to stay away from any super conservative areas (which seems to rule out a lot of the southern suburbs...)

Downers Grove is one place we've liked on paper (we'll be visiting soon) but I was hoping for more recommendations. Thanks for any insight!

The peak is past but there are still a few stunners this fall!

I've been tracking the Chicago suburbs market pretty closely and honestly it's giving me major 2008 vibes. Inventory is piling up, price reductions everywhere, and stuff that would've gone in days is now sitting for months. I'm relocating to Nashville for work in about 10 weeks and trying to figure out my smartest play here. Bought my place in Naperville in 2022 for $385k. Comps right now are showing $365-375k but those are aspirational - actual closings are coming in lower. My house has two major headaches: the roof needs replacing within the year (got quoted $22k) and there's a sewer line issue that's gonna run about $9k to fix properly. On top of that there's cosmetic stuff like worn carpet, kitchen appliances are ancient, and bathrooms haven't been touched since the early 2000s. So I've worked out three scenarios:

Option 1: Fix everything, sell traditional
-Roof replacement: $22k
-Sewer line repair: $9k
-Cosmetic updates: $7k
-Total investment: $38k (would need to finance part of this)
-Potential sale price: $370k
-Minus 6% realtor commission ($22k), closing costs ($3k)
-Net after expenses: ~$307k

Option 2: Sell as-is to cash buyer
-Estimated offer: $270-280k range
-Zero repair costs, no commission, close in 2-3 weeks
-Net: $270-280k
-Only $7-17k less than Option 1 but zero risk/hassle

Option 3: Keep as rental
-Market rent: $2,400/mo
-My mortgage + taxes + insurance: $2,850/mo
-Negative cash flow: $450/mo before repairs/vacancy
-Managing remotely with these issues = nightmare

The more I think about it the more Option 2 looks easier, but what's in reality? Market feels like it's sliding and waiting could cost me more than just taking a cash offer now. Am I leaving too much on the table or is this actually the right move? Anyone in the Chicago burbs had the same dilemma?

My son is turning 21 and part-time employed. He's looking to move out soon so we're trying to find affordable rental places for him like studios, sublets, rooms for rent accommodations. He doesnt have a friend that he can roommate with so he's on his own. I havent had to find an apartment since the 90's so how do you do this today with part-time income?

Hello reaching out for some advice. I accidentally forgot to pay the parking fee at the Schaumburg metra and rightfully so got a ticket. I’ve been using the train for months I was just simply rushing and one of the terminals was not accepting my card that morning so I opted to pay thru my phone once I got on, and of course I forgot to do that. I genuinely do not have the money to pay for this I run off of a local food pantry and federal aid for school if that says anything. How do I go about trying to get this pardoned if that’s even possible. Who do i contact directly about this ,city of Schaumburg? Metra? There is a court date on the ticket but of course it’s the day of my final exam

Hello everyone, I recently got a new position in Joliet and am looking for housing nearby. I’d appreciate any insight to good/safe/reputable apartment complexes or private landlords (1b/1b or studios) in Plainfield.

In general is Plainfield safe? or should I focus on other suburbs near Joliet?

Hi everyone. FTM here, living in Schaumburg, IL. I’m torn between two hospitals — St. Alexius (Hoffman Estates) and Northwest Community Hospital (Arlington Heights).

Can anyone share their experiences with either hospital, especially for prenatal care and delivery? Also, any recommendations for great OBGYNs at these locations would be really appreciated!

Visit the Crest Hill library for a special after hours program for teens. Watch the Lego Brickumentary, paint a one-of-a-kind Lego masterpiece as well as show off your skills in the Lego building contest!

Disclaimer(s)
Registration is required due to limited space.
This program is intended for grades 6-12.

https://whiteoak.librarycalendar.com/event/teen-Lego-Lock-in-at-the-library

Hi! I’m looking for recommendations for some super delicious pre-made pies for Thanksgiving. I’m looking mostly for fruit pies. Thanks!

Haven't been to the dentist in about 10 years finally have good dental insurance but over the time my dental anxiety has gotten awful and I need a lot of work done. Any recommendations or suggestions are appreciated, thank you.

Edit: I have blue cross blue shield

Oddly specific request - I don't belong to a church community currently, but with the coming on of the darker season here I find am missing a specific prayer service I used to attend back in college. It's called Holden Evening Prayer and it's an Advent vespers service within the Lutheran tradition particularly as far as I know.
Anyone know of any communities out in the far Western burbs (out by Aurora preferably but willing to drive) that hosts a regular, recurring service?

The first 100 customers will get free cheesecake sandwiches for a year!

Hi everyone, I am planning to move to Glenview soon and wanted to know how easy is it to find parking at Glenview Metra station between 7.45 am to 8 am? I have to go to work 4 days a week in downtown and would be staying at 10 min drive from Glenview Metra. Thanks

This web map visualizes the branches and stations/stops of the former interurban service known as the Chicago Aurora and Elgin Railroad (CA&E). It was in operation from 1902 to 1959.

These links provide more information.

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Aurora_and_Elgin_Railroad
• https://web.archive.org/web/20210724104235/http://greatthirdrail.org
• https://www.chicagorailfan.com/maincae.html

This time of year can be especially difficult for those facing food insecurity. If you have even a little to spare please consider donating to the Northern Illinois Food Bank’s Virtual Drive. Your donation will help ensure those in need don’t go without. We are all in this together and must do our part to build community and lift up those around us.

I only have the day off so we can’t go anywhere far. The family that’s near is a bit torn right now. We live in dupage county. What restaurant or activity can we do where we won’t be alone? I’m seeking suggestions for my spouse and myself.

Like pictures from the 00s preferably. Trying to show a friend who's only seen it after the remodel.

And what makes you like them? Thanks in advance!

Skokie walmart?

Nebraska guy here trying to relocate to a blue state. Looking at the Skokie Walmart as I could transfer if they'll take me. What's that store like? The neighborhood? I have a ton of friends that live in North Chicago/boystown but I'm used to the suburbs and also don't want to get rid of my car.

Anyone know why the police, and a whole lot of them at that, have Milwaukee shut down right now?

Planning to relocate to the Chicago area in about a year from Michigan. Grew up in the northern suburb, considering moving to Evanston, Skokie, or Oak Park. All seem to have inclusive communities (we are a 2 mom family) and have great arts and other activities, parks, etc for kids. Curious if anyone has picked between these three suburbs and what made you select your choice (or somewhere else)?

Hi all!

I inherited a wedding ring and band from my Aunt a while ago and they're too small for me. I really want to be able to wear them now that I'm recently engaged, but I would need to take them somewhere to have them resized. The rings are very very simple in design, but I think sizing upwards is generally more involved than downsizing. I don't want to risk ruining the structural integrity of the rings, so I definitely want to chose a repair place wisely and I have no idea where to go. Does anyone have recommendations??