SSDB’s Guide to Moving to the Suburbs
As a team who does the majority of our design-build work in the suburbs of Chicago, we’ve seen many families undergo the transition from city to suburban living in search of a simpler, more spacious life, with access to all the benefits the suburbs offer. We are excited to share our guide to moving to the suburbs of Chicago, filled with resources and inspiration for those who are looking to undertake such an exciting, pivotal journey.
Finding the Best Suburban Location for your Family
Making the big move can be both exciting and a bit daunting – the biggest question that most families find themselves asking is where they should move. The Chicago suburbs offer a variety of options depending on your needs and preferences. Here are a few of the factors that you might consider as you discern the best suburb for your family.
Home Pricing: Prices and cost of living that aligns with your ideal budget range.
School Quality: Availability of a good education in the area.
Commute: Distance and ease of commute to work or other key locations.
Safety: Crime rates and overall safety of the neighborhood.
Amenities: Access to parks, a park district, shopping, dining and entertainment.
Community Feel: The culture of the local community that will surround you.
Public Services: Quality of public services like libraries, public transportation and healthcare.
When families are investigating which suburb to move to, we encourage them to spend time in the suburb they are considering. Walk around local neighborhoods to get a feel for the area and the people who live there. Check out parks, shops, restaurants, the library and other amenities. Find a community event where you can meet residents and ask about their experiences living there.
Finding the Best Schools when Moving to the Suburbs
The Chicago suburbs offer highly-rated schools and access to incredible academic programs and resources. Many parents find themselves asking: Which school district is best for my family? Beyond personal recommendations, several resources are available to those looking to investigate different school districts.
We suggest first doing a preliminary assessment of what is most important to you in a school. Is it academic performance, such as test scores and college admissions rates? Is it extracurricular activities or student-to-teacher ratio? There are plenty of other factors to consider, such as safety, community engagement, special education programs, language immersion programs, gifted programs and more.
From there, you can gather data using a variety of resources. Here are some of our favorites:
GreatSchools: Provides ratings based on test scores and reviews.
Niche: Offers comprehensive rankings and reviews based on academics, teachers, diversity and more.
Illinois Report Card: Offers detailed information on school performance, demographics and environment.
Individual School District Websites: Provide information on pertinent accomplishments of specific school districts, community event calendars and more.
In addition, schools often offer open houses and tours to allow families to get a feel for the school environment. Meeting with administrators or teachers can give you a different vantage point on a school’s offerings. Investigating the best school district for your family requires a combination of data analysis, personal visits and community feedback.
Building a Custom Home when Moving to the Suburbs
In our experience, when families make a move from the city to the suburbs, they are planning on laying roots in their new community and enjoying it for a long period of time. Because of this, building a custom home shaped around your family’s unique needs is an excellent investment in your long-term quality of life. Here are some of our favorite benefits of building a custom home when moving to the suburbs:
Future Proofing
Building a custom home as your family makes a pivotal change in your life and location allows you the benefit of future-proofing your new home. Thinking ahead to future needs, such as additional bedrooms, first floor living, home offices, or spaces that can adapt as your family does, and incorporating those needs in your design-build plan gives you the luxury of preparedness as those life changes come to be.
Personalization and Customization
Your home is where you spend the majority of your time; having a home tailored to your personal taste and style is something that our clients greatly appreciate. Every aspect of your home can be aligned with your aesthetic, resulting in a home which will bring you joy as you entertain, relax and experience everyday life as a family. SSDB clients are able to incorporate unique architectural features, special rooms and custom-built furniture that cater to specific needs and desires.
Modern Amenities
Modern, busy families often benefit from a variety of amenities and technologies in their home that are both practical and fun! Smart home integration allows families to enjoy top-notch home automation, security systems and entertainment options. Building from scratch allows these integrations to be foundational, rather than an afterthought. Modern amenities such as a gourmet kitchen, spa-like bathrooms, a home gym or luxurious pool are often requested by our clients, giving them a home that they can enjoy to the fullest.
Reduced Maintenance
New homes typically require less maintenance and fewer repairs compared to older homes, which can save your family time and money in the long run. For busy families, new homes with less upkeep are an excellent way to have less unexpected stressors in your schedule.
Building Optimized Learning Spaces in Your Custom Home
One of the most impactful benefits of building a custom home for young families when moving out to the suburbs is the ability to create optimized learning spaces. By creating beautiful, calm spaces that enhance focus, productivity and creativity, you are setting your student up for success. Often, doing things like optimizing sunlight in a space, integrating technology and creating flexible work spaces can support learning and productivity.
If your family is looking to make the move from the city to the Chicago suburbs and considering building a custom home, we’d love to be a resource for you. Our firm offers the entire process – with expert architects and builders under one roof – and we would love to chat about your dream home together.
