Chicago Area Real Estate Advice

[4rnr]

My advice would be to look for a job that is NOT in IL or atleast not in Chicago. The state is in really bad shape finacially. I am born and raised in the Chicago area, and for the past two years have been trying to get out of the state of IL. One of the problems is, the food sucks everywhere else in the country. The other has been timing.

Are you are being force to relocate to Chicago by your company? If you are, I would look for a job with a different company, or force your current company to give you a hell of a salary increase. Also keep in mind that we are in the mist of an election race for IL GOV. Regardless if Quinn or Brady wins, IL taxes are going to increase. So consider that in salary negotiations.

If you want something in the "country", you are looking at minimum a 2 hour drive to the City and the train ride will probably be longer. FYI, distances are measure by drive time and not miles. So if you ask how far something is, you are going to get an answer in the for of a time and not miles.

True. 15 miles can often be an hour. I'm not from here and I'm looking to get out too.

Taxes will go up, but they do have the lowest income tax of any state that has an income tax. To avoid being a "tax raiser" the politicians have enacted a ton of other taxes. Sales tax is out of control. 10% in cook county. License fees are crazy. School fees cost me $800 one year.

I just can't take the traffic any more. 15-25 minutes to drive 4 miles to work sucks ass.

Food is pretty good if you like meat and pizza.

oh the irony.....nevermind....

 

[joez]

My neighbors house is for sale right now in Elwood. 10 minute drive to either Metra station in the area, roughly 2/3 of an acre, cheap taxes, officially 3 bedroom with a couple offices, 3 1/2 bath, full basement with wet bar, 2 story, new roof, furnace, a/c, well pump and tank, all the bathrooms are completely remodeled, house is only 20 years old, and the guy is beyond anal in terms of the condition of his house and lawn. He got a new job, already bought a house, and needs to move quick. Hes asking $263K, but i know he will take much, MUCH less than that as he has to sell it now, he doesnt have the option anymore.

Oh, did I mention taxes are cheap? Mine are just a hair over $3K a year for the same size lot, but a little bit smaller house. We have a great K-8 school system, but the highschool does leave a bit to be desired. The entire neighborhood is a bunch of gearheads, so nobody complains if you are out wrenching at midnight either.

 

[Gappy]

NE Indiana...what we can't offer you in food and culture we make up for in meth.
Life is good!!

 

[projectcruiser]

I´m in Saint Charles, which gets a bit expensive, but theres some areas west where I live that can be quite reasonable, plus they just extended the train line here. Perhaps check out Elburn, last stop on the train, country area, cheap as s***, but nice.