Just 25 miles northwest of Chicago’s downtown is a lively suburb called Arlington Heights, Illinois, which combines the best of both worlds. When you are thinking about moving to Arlington Heights, you must know its positive and negative sides. Indeed, for many years now, this neighborhood has been a preferred choice for young couples with children, single professionals as well as retired individuals due to its state-of-the-art facilities, great community spirit, and closeness to Chicago. Nevertheless, it is necessary to weigh all the pros and cons of living in Arlington Heights because each place has its benefits and drawbacks.
A well regarded school system, a wide variety of dining options, and shopping centers along with numerous recreational activities are some contributing factors towards an improved living standard in Arlington Heights. The reasons given above make it appealing for people to live here. Furthermore, there is a strong sense of community within this area where various local activities help newcomers get comfortable very quickly.
However, there are cons to living in Arlington Heights as well. For instance, the high cost of living including expensive property taxes and sometimes difficult travel times into Chicago could be notable points on your list. Besides this other factors such as brutal winter time or less vibrant nightlife unlike neighboring cities may affect your judgment.
The Pros of Moving to Arlington Heights, IL
Excellent Education System
One of the main attractions of Arlington Heights is its top-rated school district. The public schools there maintain high academic standards, producing numerous graduates, and offering a broad range of extracurricular programs. It is evident from state and national assessments that these schools rank highly due to strong educational pursuits. Teachers in this area are well prepared and motivated, they go the extra mile with their students so they succeed in life. Moreover, different private education facilities offer more options for parents. This makes it appealing to many families who wish to provide their children with excellent education to lay a solid foundation for their future.
Proximity to Chicago
If you live in Arlington Heights, chances are you can drive or take a train to Chicago within minutes. The Metra rail system offers exceptional services commuting during working hours becomes hassle-free within downtown Chicago. This has made it possible for people living here to enjoy the benefits of cultural, recreational, or professional activities offered by Windy City such as world-class museums, theaters, and sports events among others, and at the same time benefit from a bustling job market available therein too but return after work in the noisy city back into quiet residential suburbs. Many people find this balance between living close enough to the city while still enjoying some tranquility as being very necessary.
Diverse Dining and Shopping Options
It is generally agreed that Arlington Heights has many dining options representing different tastes and preferences. There is everything from small coffee houses or family restaurants serving homemade dishes up to upscale restaurants or popular chain stores – no one will be left without any choice here! A few blocks away from the town’s center along Campbell Street there are several shop outlets interspersed with theaters and eating places where residents can just walk around doing window shopping on weekends or spend time at cafes sipping tea which will give them an opportunity not only to taste various kinds food but also meet new friends. At the beginning of May, for instance, a farmers’ market opens near Vail Avenue where one can buy fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers as well go through stalls filled with handicraft goods and other stuff that might be needed later such as clothes and so on.
Strong Sense of Community
There are numerous events held within Arlington Heights to foster unity among the various members of its community. The main town square hosts an annual fete parade or local concert thereby bringing everybody together. There are quite several community organizations and social clubs ranging from gardeners, and sportsmen to artists and craft makers among many others. Despite its size, it has got a big city feel which makes newcomers easily get assimilated into it by creating a sense of belongingness among them since they feel at home even away from their native homelands because even apart from being able to quickly acclimate themselves.
Abundant Recreational Activities
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Arlington Heights offers a plethora of parks, recreational facilities, and green spaces. The Arlington Park Racetrack, for example, is a popular destination for horse racing enthusiasts and hosts several major events throughout the year. The area also has numerous trails for hiking and biking, community pools, and sports leagues for both children and adults. The Arlington Heights Park District manages over 700 acres of parkland, providing playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields. Additionally, Lake Arlington offers boating, fishing, and scenic walking trails, making it a favorite spot for outdoor activities.
The Cons of Moving to Arlington Heights, IL
High Cost of Living
The cost of living is a major challenge when you live in Arlington Heights. Housing prices can be quite high with the average home price far above the national mark. This is partly caused by the great need for good facilities and schools available in this area. Property taxes are some of the highest in the state, contributing to the financial stress. Although it has a generally good standard of living, it comes at an extra cost that may lock out certain individuals and families. Also, other daily costs such as groceries, healthcare services, and utilities tend to be higher than in other places.
Traffic and Commute Times
Despite being connected to Chicago proper, Arlington Heights may come with its share of commuting headaches especially when rush hours set in. Traffic snarl ups are common on major highways including I-90 and Route 53. Public transport systems can however be crowded or late sometimes especially during peak periods. Some people have to make regular city trips for work purposes or other considerations and this can turn into a big issue for them. Even though they have Metra rail service there we still have long travel times and delays often occur along these lines too. It is therefore important that commuters plan so as not to get caught up in bad traffic or arrive later than expected.
Harsh Winters
Winters in Arlington Heights involve prolonged periods of cold weather featuring heavy snowfall and very low temperatures at times. For anyone who does not like cold or is not used to it this will serve as a major disadvantage. Heating bills also tend to go up because winter conditions call for regular removal of snow which might take a lot of time while being expensive simultaneously. Furthermore driving becomes even tougher given icy roads plus reduced visibility from foggy windscreens among other things that worsen commutation plight altogether, besides merely stopping outdoor activities due to cold months every year.
Limited Nightlife
Despite having many restaurants and stores, Arlington Heights has limited nightlife compared to Chicago. There are several pubs or even places for entertainment but those looking for something lively would be disappointed if they lived in the suburbs. There is some evening fun through the local cinema hall and live music sometimes but residents often head into town to have a more exciting time out. This may not appeal to younger residents who like vibrant nightlife as Arlington Heights does not have a variety of such options.
Property Taxes
The high cost of living is coupled with very high property taxes in Arlington Heights. Homeowners bear the brunt of this heavy tax burden particularly because housing costs here are already quite substantial. Property taxes fund an excellent school system and public services though they can be viewed as a major financial obligation. Thus, one should consider these expenses when settling on the locale since they can change the overall affordability significantly involved in moving there. Potential homeowners need therefore to think critically about their financial position and plans before purchasing homes in Arlington Heights.
Is Moving to Arlington Heights, Il, the Right Choice?
Arlington Heights appeals to different types of individuals both in the countryside peace and metropolitan lifestyle mixed at equal measure thereby making it one of the best places for settling down. The equilibrium created by this characteristic makes it quite attractive for many individuals who intend to relocate elsewhere. With good schools being offered here any parent will want their kids educated from them. It also provides an easy access point to various cultural issues thus anyone working within the city but longing for a peaceful suburban life can settle here.
In case you consider Arlington Heights as a place to relocate yourself and your family, it is worth visiting the area, exploring different neighborhoods, or probably asking residents about how they feel. Many people fall in love with going there due to the combination of benefits it offers. Therefore, engaging the services of local movers in Arlington Heights could make the transition easier. These steps will enable you to make an informed decision so that your new home matches perfectly well with your requirements and expectations.
