Thinking about leaving the city for more space, top-tier schools, or a simpler lifestyle?

In this episode of Chicago Home Partner, I sit down with one of my favorite collaborators—and Western Suburbs expert—Brian Bomba, to break down everything you need to know if you’re considering a move west of the city.

We dig into:

📉 Inventory trends—what’s actually happening in the Western Suburbs this year

🏡 Where to find the best bang for your buck (Hint: North Downers Grove and Elmhurst are on our radar!)

🚆 Commuting perks, school districts, and lifestyle wins that make suburbs like Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, and Western Springs so desirable

🧱 Why new construction is almost nonexistent—and how that affects every buyer

💡 The real reason so many buyers are still writing aggressive offers despite higher interest rates

🍷 Plus: our personal picks for local eats, outdoor activities, and why summer in the ‘burbs might just rival Chicago city living.

Whether you're eyeing the suburbs for more space, better schools, or just a change of pace, this episode is full of actionable insight. And if you're trying to choose between the city and the suburbs, we’ve got stories, strategy, and some solid laughs to help guide your decision.

CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER:

Amanda McMillan,

Chicago Home Partner

Amanda@ChicagoHomePartner.com

☎️ 773.537.1300

🟦 About Are you a first-time Chicago homebuyer, homeowner, or real estate investor? Subscribe to our channel for a front-row seat to current Chicago market trends, local influences on home values, financing tips, and strategies for making SMART real estate moves.

As the #1 producing agent in the @properties Bucktown, Amanda is a true Chicago real estate maestro. A data enthusiast, Amanda dives deep into local, national, and financial markets to serve as both an educator and ally to Chicago's home buyers and sellers.

CHICAGO REAL ESTATE ACCOLADES: -

$50M+ in closed volume annually -

Consistently ranked among the Top 1% of Chicago Realtors for volume & transactions -

200+ 5 star reviews on Zillow, Google, and Yelp

Beyond Chicagoland, Amanda's connection with Christie's International Real Estate enables her to assist clients worldwide. Whether you're seeking luxury services, buying or selling for the first time, or investing, Amanda's expertise and support are unparalleled.

#ChicagoRealEstate #chicagorealestate #SuburbanLiving #HinsdaleRealEstate #HinsdaleHomes #amandamcmillan

Thinking about leaving the city for the Chicago suburbs? Wondering what suburban life really looks like compared to your current neighborhood in Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Bucktown, or Logan Square? In this episode of Chicago Home Partner, I sit down with my longtime friend and North Shore expert Connie Dornan to break it all down in a point/counterpoint conversation between two seasoned real estate advisors—me (city-focused) and Connie (suburbs-focused).

We compare what Chicago residents are experiencing right now with what’s happening in the suburbs—from inventory trends to home prices, buyer behavior, and lifestyle differences. Hear how mortgage rates are impacting buyer psychology, to what types of properties are in highest demand in areas like Wilmette, Winnetka, Glenview, Northbrook, Highland Park, and more. Whether you've made up your mind to move or are just weighing your options - this conversation is packed with insider insight you won't find on Zillow.

As two experienced brokers who started in real estate during times of crisis, Connie and I share the data-driven strategies and real-life stories that are helping our clients succeed in today’s competitive housing market.✨ Whether you're dreaming of a bigger backyard, looking for top-rated schools, or just trying to understand what life in the suburbs is really like, this episode is a must-watch.🔔 Subscribe for more expert real estate advice, neighborhood deep-dives, and honest takes on Chicago’s evolving market.📍 Serving buyers and sellers in Chicago, Wilmette, Glenview, Winnetka, Northbrook, Lake Forest, and beyond.CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER: Amanda McMillan, Chicago Home Partner Amanda@ChicagoHomePartner.com ☎️ 773.537.1300

Why can’t we just build more homes in Chicago and how has the city made it nearly impossible for developers to build here?In this episode, I sit down with Zev Salomon, one of the city’s top new construction developers, and Kevin Van Eck of @properties to unpack why Chicago’s zoning laws, city ordinances, and political red tape are some of the biggest roadblocks to solving our housing crisis.🏗️ Zev pulls back the curtain on just how difficult it is to get a shovel in the ground in Chicago. From density restrictions and affordable housing mandates to months-long aldermanic approval processes and NIMBY opposition, we break down why building more homes is no simple task—and how these barriers are driving developers away from Chicago altogether.🏡 We also discuss which types of new construction are actually succeeding, why affordability remains out of reach for many, and how the housing shortage is impacting every level of the market—from luxury buyers to first-time home seekers.🚛 In the second half, Kevin shares how @properties’ relocation network and Christie's International affiliation are empowering buyers and sellers to move smarter—whether across town or across the globe.📌 Key Topics Covered:* How Chicago’s zoning and ordinances are stalling new development* The high cost of affordable housing requirements* Why developers are leaving Chicago for less restrictive markets* What relocation services offer buyers and sellers moving to/from Chicago* Real estate predictions for 2025If you’ve ever wondered why inventory is so tight in Chicago—or what it takes to actually build new homes here—this episode is for you.

🟦 About

Are you a first-time Chicago homebuyer, homeowner, or real estate investor? Subscribe to our channel for a front-row seat to current Chicago market trends, local influences on home values, financing tips, and strategies for making SMART real estate moves. As the #1 producing agent in the @properties Bucktown, Amanda is a true Chicago real estate maestro. A data enthusiast, Amanda dives deep into local, national, and financial markets to serve as both an educator and ally to Chicago's home buyers and sellers. CHICAGO REAL ESTATE ACCOLADES: - $50M+ in closed volume annually - Consistently ranked among the Top 1% of Chicago Realtors for volume & transactions - 200+ 5 star reviews on Zillow, Google, and Yelp Beyond Chicagoland, Amanda's connection with Christie's International Real Estate enables her to assist clients worldwide. Whether you're seeking luxury services, buying or selling for the first time, or investing, Amanda's expertise and support are unparalleled.