The Chicago that is all over the news is like every city. There are good parts and bad parts. FWIW places like Baltimore, New Orleans and about a dozen others have worse crime rates. For some reason the news loves to pick on Chicago.

Western suburbs are very nice. Downers Grove has good schools but is remaining affordable. As is Lisle. So does Naperville and other surrounding towns. Naperville is getting very pricey though. Hinsdale don’t even bother looking with your budget. If you’re looking to buy. Indiana or Wisconsin would be a better choice because of property taxes. They’re anywhere from 4-12,000 a year.