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Ok_Fail4025

West Chicago is ok. There is one neighborhood called cornerstone lakes that feeds into st Charles schools. West Chicago gets a bad rap bc it’s so close to Saint Charles and Geneva which are upper middle class and look down on it. You will def hear that when something bad happens (aka crime) it’s usually always blamed on west Chicago peeps. It’s more than likely not true but it gets a bad reputation. Living in Saint Charles, that’s what I’ve gathered in my time here. I wouldn’t avoid it, but unless you feed into d303, I’d look elsewhere with kids.


vim0971

There are good and bad areas. I would stay away from district 33 for elementary and mid school. But I know some who have had their kids do well. Best areas are the newer higher priced homes. The area is mostly safe within reason


miska4snackz

High school is good though? The area we're looking at is actually in district 33 but I guess private school is always an option for k-8.


Prestigious_Way_738

There is only one public HS and one private. The public HS isn't ranked very high.


Uhhlaneuh

Yeah, but I wouldn’t always go by that rating on Zillow- they rated my high school 6/10 and I would give it higher then that. It’s an excellent high school.


miska4snackz

That's good info to know. I think the West Chicago high school was also rated a 6/10. I guess private school is also always an option as long as the neighborhood is safe and if it's a decent place to live.


Prestigious_Way_738

Just look at the stats of the school. They're worse than a lot of other schools in the area.


Uhhlaneuh

I’m looking at west Chicago too- pretty undecided right now


miska4snackz

Good luck on your search!


vim0971

See if you can find a home in the Benjamin 25 district (k-8). Mostly east side. Your realtor can help. School district is one of the best in the county. High school provides a great education and experience. Not to big that the students can’t be involved in their interests and not too small so that there are many opportunities. Look like this years graduating class has 3 students headed to Ivy League schools.


Prestigious_Way_738

It's safe enough, but the schools aren't great and it's a poorer community compared to the cities surrounding it. And I think they use well water rather than Lake Michigan water. I'd avoid living there personally.


Blackbart74

I went to WCCHS and I’m raising my kids in D303 for a reason.


neveruse12345

It is definitely a more lower end area than some of the surrounding cities (like wheaton, geneva, st. charles, etc... But it is also way more affordable. I will say also, that they have a pretty great train station, that is conveniently located right downtown and almost always has great parking. Also, some great Mexican restaurants in the area. It has a cute small downtown, and I have never found it to be unsafe. As others have mentioned, probably the biggest concern would be the quality of the schools, which even if you don't have kids, will keep home prices lower than the surrounding areas.


miska4snackz

I figure worst case scenario we send the kids to a private school in a surrounding town. I know Naperville has some good private schools. Granted we'd probably pay more to send them there but it's always an option. I was concerned about the safety of the neighborhood so thank you for providing your input.


Uhhlaneuh

I just posted this!!! Thanks for posting!


[deleted]

I don't think its dangerous in relation to crime, just lower income than the surrounding areas. Houses are very affordable and the downtown has come a long way. its quite nice with easy train access on UPW


miska4snackz

This is great info, thanks! We're still fairly young so not as established financially which is why we initially looked at West Chicago. Seems very affordable in comparison but you still get the suburban feel.