Suggestions for where to live with best schools on the MD-N Orange Metra Line? (Chicago: home search, neighborhoods)

[annesg]

Can anyone give me suggestions for the best place to live to get great schools if we're trying to stay on the Metra line via Niles? My husband would love to take the train to/fro work.

We're on a low budget--maybe 300-400k. Doesn't matter if it's in the city or suburban town as long as the schools are solid. We'd prefer a 3/2 with finished basement.

I read a lot here about the sizes of school districts. We'd really like a smaller high school if there is such a thing

Thank you so much!

[bulldawg1594]

the smallest schools would probably be round lake, grayslake, or fox lake.

[annesg]

Thanks--I looked up all 3 of those and they look super nice...but the round lake schools don't look like they test so well. In fact, they had dismal scores. Any input?

[bulldawg1594]

these are the high schools in those 3 towns.
Interactive Illinois Report Card
Interactive Illinois Report Card
Interactive Illinois Report Card
Interactive Illinois Report Card

[chisub]

I guess the first thing I would look at is the train situation. The closest train is in Morton Grove, so does he have a plan for getting from the train to his office? I'm guessing some of those towns mentioned don't have as much of a parking issue at the train stations, but would he be driving to the station or would you be dropping him off? I would try to figure out the logistics first b/c if you find that taking the train isn't that much easier than driving to work that could really expand your home search.

We're looking for a similar home in the same price range and have been exploring areas for almost a year now. The only difference is my husband will probably be in the city vs. Niles.

[bulldawg1594]

you could live in chicago. edgebrook metra is by taft high, which is pretty good.
Interactive Illinois Report Card

[Avengerfire]

Uhhh Taft is not pretty good. It is better than many Chicago high schools, but it is nothing to write home about.

[Avengerfire]

Mod-This thread can be combined into this one:

potentially working in niles...where to live?

[Johnny Northside]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

Uhhh Taft is not pretty good. It is better than many Chicago high schools, but it is nothing to write home about.

Re: Taft and Edgebrook Metra Station

Immediately west of the Milwaukee District North Line at Edgebrook is the CPS's Wildwood school district, which operates an international baccalaureate program. Wildwood draws students from throughout the city, but anyone within the attendance area (the Wildwood and North Edgebrook neighborhoods -- bordered roughly by Devon, Caldwell, Touhy and the railroad tracks) is guaranteed admittance.

Many students coming out of Wildwood qualify for the CPS magnet high schools -- Northside, Payton, Lane, etc., but successful participation in the IB program at Wildwood also guarantees admittance to Taft's IB program. Taft's reputation has taken a beating for a few decades, but this program is a turn in the right direction. For the first time, Taft officials are reaching out to the schools in far Northwest Side neighborhoods such as Edgebrook, Edison Park, etc., which historically send few students to Taft.

Wildwood World Magnet School 

Taft High School

[annesg]

Thanks Johnny Northside and everyone else, especially for putting up with all my silly questions. That's great about the IB school. I'm realizing that the Metra may not be our best choice since the stop is probably too far to walk in winter (closest is probably Morton Grove now that I look at the map; the train runs right behind, but does not stop, where he may work).

We're excited about all the diverse opportunities there and can't wait to visit and check it out some more if it indeed turns out to be our destination city! Thanks again!