We're going to get serious about owning a home.
(seriously. like, for realz.)
For the past few years, due to Brian's school schedule we've lived like vagabonds, never wanting to put down roots in any one place because we never knew where his school/career would take us. Since he was recently offered a full-time job, we're finally in a financial position (and have a good excuse) to buy a home. Which we're pretty stoked about.
As far as areas/towns we want to live, right now we're all over the map - I think that Brian would prefer to stay closer to where we are now since it's close to his work, but my daily commute is killing me, Smalls. Although we can definitely get more house for our buck out where we are right now, the area is so....blah. I don't get great juju vibes, and I want me some of those.
Here's a shortlist of towns we're thinking of looking into (other than the one we're living in now):
Oak Park
Pros: L-O-V-E this area. It has a city feel without being in the city. It's walkable and has a ton of transportation options, and their downtown area is just adorable. Also, since it's close to where I grew up I feel kind of like I'm going home.
Cons: It's pricey, and taxes are out of control high. Like, whoa. And there is a teensy-weensy little bit more crime here than some of the other 'burbs we're looking at (but honestly, crime is everywhere....heck, we had our tires slashed when we lived in the middle of nowhere, Ohio).
Elmhurst
Pros: Every time I venture into this area my heart screams "YOU SHOULD LIVE HERE YOU SHOULD LIVE HERE!!!!" It's full of shopping, has convenient transportation options, is super close to the highway, and has one of the cutest darn tootin' downtown areas ever.
Cons: Although not nearly as pricey as Oak Park, it's still on the higher-end of our budget. And taxes are a little higher than we would like.
Plainfield
Pros: It has a cute downtown area, and the housing is super-affordable. Taxes also aren't too shabby either. Plus, Melissa McCarthy grew up there, so there's some added coolness factor. It's also pretty close to Brian's work.
Cons: It's kind of out in the sticks - there aren't a lot of transportation options for me, and everything's so spread out. I like to be able to walk/bike places easily, and I'm not so sure I can do that here.
Naperville
Pros: Has a super-cute downtown area, transportation options, lots of parks, great school district, lots of shopping.
Cons: Taxes and property value are pretty high - still within our price range, but we wouldn't get our ideal choice. Plus, parts of it are kind of suburban sprawl-y, and even though I can take the train to work from there, that's still a heck of a commute (pretty much the same as what I'm doing now).
Berwyn
Pros: Has a few transportation options, near the fun suburbs like Oak Park, Forest Park, Riverside, La Grange without the high price tag.
Cons: It's very residential, and a little sleepy. Plus, apparently certain parts of Berwyn aren't that safe, but maybe that's changed (it's certainly changed since I was a kid). Taxes are on the high end, but still manageable.
Oh, and every single time I see/hear the word Berwyn, I immediately think of Svengooli and his "BER-WEEEYYYN" bit. So, anytime anyone asks where I live, I can say "BER-WEEYYYN". Wouldn't that be fun?
Chicago-area peeps: any other suggestions? Please note that we're looking in the West and Southwest 'burbs so we're somewhat close to our work.
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