Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the office, the Illinois Department of Transportation launches a 3-year construction project on the Kennedy Expressway, and suddenly those downtown workers from points north and northwest, who had slowly been returning to the office, made one big collective U-turn.
One of the special things about Chicago’s inner ring suburbs is how these communities effortlessly blend and balance the best attributes of busy city life with the slower pace and residential streets of a small town. A true standout in this category, Park Ridge boasts not one, but two central downtown districts, top public schools, and a housing inventory that’s equally diverse in aesthetics and price points.
With interest rates rising amid high inflation, it can be a challenging time to save for a down payment and break into the housing market. However, there are a variety of things both large and small that can immediately shave costs and grow your nest egg – perhaps even faster than you anticipated. Here are a few tips:
Household Audit
Begin by auditing all your expenses each month and know exactly where your money is going. This may sound obvious, but forgotten expenditures add up and can often be scaled back. This is where you’ll notice subscriptions and streaming services you may not use, or insurance policies that you are potentially overpaying on. Take the time to cancel items or renegotiate how much you’re paying for certain things, and you’ll soon tally up savings.
Located less than 40 miles northwest of Chicago, Barrington has all the makings of a great suburb. With a quaint hometown feel, a full event calendar, and a rich history, the village exudes charm amid its tree-lined streets and picturesque downtown. Here are 10 reasons we have fallen in love with Barrington:
Grab your green gear and put on your shamrock necklace because St. Patrick’s Day is upon us. Between the parades and live entertainment, Chicagoland is known for St. Paddy’s Day celebrations that draw hundreds of thousands of visitors. This compilation of events highlights some local favorites across the Chicago suburbs.
Rich in history and community pride, Western Springs seems like a storybook town. The village continues to grow and thrive through community events, local attractions, a bustling downtown that boasts popular shops and restaurants, and a convenient location that’s just a short train ride from downtown Chicago.
Here are just a few things we love about this historic, idyllic town:
It may be unfair to describe Downers Grove as simply a suburb. With a location just about 20 miles due west of downtown Chicago, this village of 50,000 residents boasts a thriving local economy, highly ranked schools, and some of the top natural attractions in the metro area. And it’s certainly not flyover country, being the corporate headquarters to some massive publicly traded companies while also having direct access into Chicago via the expressway system and commuter rail.
The relaxing and restorative power of the north suburban lakeshore has a magnetic pull for residents and tourists alike. It’s no wonder why Ferris Bueller and friends stopped at Glencoe Beach to recharge after a “day off” in Chicago, in what would become a classic Windy City movie scene. It’s also why towns like Glencoe have long drawn affluent Chicago area residents. After all, lakefront land on the North Shore is in short supply, and they ain’t making any more of it.
Located just 10 miles west of downtown Chicago, Oak Park is filled with a rich creative history. Not only is the distinct community known for creatives like Ernest Hemingway and Frank Lloyd Wright, Oak Park is truly a classic with a twist. From town functions to lush open spaces, it’s clear to see why so many call this vibrant community home. We’re sharing 10 reasons why we love this town.
Hinsdale is one of Chicagoland’s most sought-after suburbs, and it’s easy to see why. Filled with rich history and amenities for all, the picturesque community is home to over 17,000 residents, and @properties is ecstatic to be among them. Here are 10 reasons why we love Hinsdale: