I remember we spoke about this some time ago.
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=71397
I am so like you in that I search for home within a few blocks of the Metra line. Your boys would suffice well in what Island Oak said, those were all mostly my suggestions, too. I am constantly on
realtor.com and Google maps to measure the metra stops.
I found that if I chose something like Aurora, homes are affordable, low cost county, near several train stops, and it would be a good hour commute back and fourth from downtown which gives me a ton of things to do on the train. The downfall of Aurora is that teens get in trouble often from sheer boredom. It has the largest Planned Parenthood clinic in the state. I really do not know the school system there or the Catholic solidarity community as well.
Back to Island Oak options, Edison Park/Norwood Park is a nice safe area(typically housed with many firemen and policemen) and has many programs that help their specific community, if you have four boys, the park districts in the NW sides have some snazzy programs. Catholic schools are big around here, so you will only have to worry about tuition(Public schools are still an issue, I would be diligent in your researching if you go that route). I still see one that in my neighborhood growing up had one maybe two different age groups for football, and having now passed it last fall, it is cluttered with 8-9 different age ranges from four years old to college age, looked like some real rough and gruff coaches. A little more northwest of there is the District 211 and 214 school district. Great Schools!! I went there, I couldn’t say anything bad about it. I still remember lessons and experiments that I still need today. It made college a breeze.
Oak Park/River Forest high school has been one of the best top-ten schools in state for so long. Very trying areas, however surround these suburbs but they thrive because they have many restrictions and rules and public protection that are thrice paid in their taxes. There is low/no tolerance for hate or superiority complexes, it is very culturally diverse, but a common thread it the very well to do back grounds. As a place that was home to Earnest Hemmingway, he used to tout the city as “Wide lawns, narrow minds.” Not so anymore! OP especially is very “open minded,” whilst you are not allowed to put signs on your lawn selling your property, you are very much allowed to put signs on your property to sell a service or protest something, they are big on activism. If you ever wanted to see a community with inflated taxes going to good use, stay here. The best thing about this is that their main metra stop has a cta el platform that share the same tracks incase something backfires; you can use the other service. Pretty cool. The great part of it all, is that it is ultra convenient. The expressway there is the beacon to get you anywhere in the chgoland area within a half hour open traffic, downtown is 10 minutes. This specific town offers great programs with churches, community, and schools, unlike anywhere I have seen before. For such a well-manicured and quiet area, they have a ton of things going on. Read all about it. No noise ordinance law here means no cars are allowed to blare their music or homes must be cautious with boisterous parties. There is a great architecture tour that runs through here because of the Frank Lloyd Wright houses that still remain and are maintained here. If I ever become very rich, this would be an ideal place for me to live and retire because it has all the elements of comfort for me.
The church communities are just great, but some seem to flourish more than others, and that takes individual research. The fun part about this town is that there are too many Catholic communities, and each one has amazing history and programs. So lately, I read up on a church and go visit one I have not seen yet. The Chicago churches are so much more nicer, most old, some gothic and baroque, some Medieval with intricate art, I got to see an undamaged wooden church and they specialize in so many programs. Most churches in the burbs are modern and basic in detail. The old churches have so much more depth and rich history, and most as of late are bringing back Latin, high and low masses.
Elmhurst/Villa Park/Lombard/Downers/Naper burbs are other options if you do not like too much going on with a nice atmosphere and generally good people towns. There is a town called Long Grove if you want that Gilmore girls feel, that has the cute sweet shops and pleasant ambiance, it kind of seems too girly girl for your boys, but maybe a nice getaway to see, Galena, IL is just like this. They really should be considered bed and breakfast, spa weekend relaxes, but there are women who request this, and so Illinois provides it, too.
Aye aye on the Cubs, I will be at a game next week, can’t wait!! All pubs are neighborhood specific and most are like Cheers with the same ole same ole people, but the sports neighborhoods have the best diverse action of different people coming in and out of it. Great for hanging out with coworkers or church friends! Not to mention the food! Amazing cuisines here, don’t forget to mellow out with a Chicago Style Vienna Beef Hot Dog and a Giordano’s Deep Dish. All of your home guests will love you for taking them to try it! Welcome and have fun!
), Peoria, Calumet City, am I missing anything? I’m certain that I am.