Before you start touring homes, there are a few things every buyer should know. In this quick video I break down 5 things to consider before moving to Melrose Park, Elmhurst, Oak Park, and the surrounding western suburbs.
Have questions about a specific town, school district, or price range? I’m happy to help.
Moving to Chicago’s western suburbs is a big decision, and most buyers start in the wrong place: the house. After helping people relocate to towns like Melrose Park, Elmhurst, Oak Park, and the surrounding area, these are the five things I tell every buyer before they start looking.
Same house, same price, and a totally different tax bill depending on the suburb. Rates vary by municipality, school district, and county. Before you fall in love with a home, pull the actual tax bill and build it into your monthly payment. A lower list price doesn’t always mean a lower cost to own.
Learn where the Metra lines run, which stations get express trains, and what parking looks like at the station. The UP-West, BNSF, and Milwaukee District West lines all serve the western suburbs, and some towns closer to the city also have CTA access.
Then drive the route yourself during rush hour. When someone says a town is “20 minutes from the city,” that’s usually at 6:00 a.m., not at 5:30 p.m. on a Tuesday.
Illinois relies heavily on local property taxes to fund public schools, which is a big reason tax bills are high here. The upside is that the western suburbs are home to some of the strongest public school districts in the country.
If schools matter to you, choose the district first, then pick the suburb. District boundaries don’t always match town lines, so confirm the assigned schools for the specific address.
A neighborhood can feel very different from one block to the next, so don’t judge a suburb by its name or what you’ve heard about it. Walk the actual street during the day and again in the evening. Pay attention to traffic, noise, lighting, and how close you are to busy roads, rail lines, or O’Hare flight paths. You can also review local police department data and talk to neighbors.
Some towns have real downtowns with restaurants, shops, and a train station. Others are quiet bedroom communities with less going on. Figure out the life you want first, then find the suburb that matches it. The house matters less than the life around it.
New to buying a home? Start with my buyers guide for a step-by-step look at the process.
It depends on the specific town and school district, not just the county. Two homes a few miles apart can have very different bills. Compare the actual tax bills for the homes you’re considering instead of relying on county averages.
It depends on the town and how you travel. Many western suburbs have Metra stations with trains to downtown, and express trains are often faster than driving at rush hour. Test the commute at the times you’ll actually be traveling.
Look up the address with the school district or county, and confirm with your agent. Don’t rely on the town name, since district lines and town lines often don’t match.
A local agent can help you compare tax bills, school districts, and commutes between towns, and point out differences you won’t see in listing photos.
I help people move to Chicago’s western suburbs every week. Tell me what matters most to you and I’ll help you narrow down the right towns.