Quieter, more picturesque living in Chicagoland

[Anonymous]

When I think of picturesque places, the English countryside or the Hudson Valley comes to mind. Is there any equivalent in Chicagoland in terms of charming small-town living with access to nature? (Yes, I know it’s pancake-flat here in the Midwest, but the lake certainly has its charms.)

I go into downtown Chicago maybe once a week at most and currently live in Rogers Park, but I find myself trekking to the North Shore suburbs more often for shopping, dining, etc since downtown is quite far and overstimulating to me. Plus, the crime and homelessness in my neighborhood has gotten out of control.

I am increasingly searching for peace, more space, and more access to nature as I move into my 30s. Still, I need to be within commuting distance of downtown Chicago for occasional office work. My partner works 100 percent remotely except for occasional work travel.

Some other requirements:

-SFH under $750K

-Spacious: room for two home offices, hosting parties/overnight guests, and a backyard

-Local lake/beach access

-Low crime

-Walking trails, pickleball, or tennis courts

-Access to shopping, restaurants, and other amenities

-Access to natural beauty

Nice to have:

-Local sailing or yacht club would be nice

-Schools aren’t a priority since we don’t have children

Of the suburban areas that you think fit the bill (we are primarily looking at the North Shore), what do you think is best based on the above requirements?

[Anonymous]

If you want to be close to the Lake, I'd try Highland Park with that budget. $750k really won't get you much in the New Trier feeder suburbs, which consist of everything along the Lake between Evanston and Highland Park. If you're willing to get away from Lake Michigan, you can find communities with nature and perhaps some inland lakes. Long Grove seems lovely, and close enough for the occasional commute downtown.

I'm in Glenview, with 1/2 acre lots, curvy streets, a farm, and plenty of forest at my fingertips. But there isn't much for $750k.

[Anonymous]

Lake Bluff?

[Anonymous]

you're talking new buffalo MI or nw indiana for all of that. An hour drive or train to downtown.

[Anonymous]

OP here - thanks for the perspective, folks. I saw some fairly nice properties listed on Zillow and Homes.com in the North Shore suburbs at or below $750k, though we would have to compromise on square footage or renovate to fix a more dated appearance. I don't have a car at the moment, but I would buy one if I moved further out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:you're talking new buffalo MI or nw indiana for all of that. An hour drive or train to downtown.

Second this. Check out New Buffalo or NW Indiana. big downside is little diversity in that area, if you care about that.