The Definition of the Exurbs
Everyone knows urban living (in the city) and suburban living (the towns surrounding a large city). So what are the Exurbs?? An Exurban town is really more than just a suburb of a suburb.
The Brookings Institution defines the Exurbs as places that “lie somewhere beyond the suburbs. At the urban rural periphery, outer suburbs bleed into small-town communities with an agricultural heritage”.
What I love about the Exurbs is the amount of land. You will find farms, hobby farms or farmettes, subdivisions (tract homes) and plenty of subdivsions with homes on lots over an acre. Is there a better place to get back to nature?
What distinguishes an exurb from a rural area is the proximity of “civilization”. For example, I live on four acres but I’m less than 10 minutes from the second largest mall in the state. The closest grocery store is about 10 minutes away, but I can choose from two states to shop in. I’m also about halfway between two large urban areas, Chicago and Milwaukee.
To me, it’s the best of both worlds: I get my chickens and nature without being in the middle of nowhere!
The Northern Exurbs and Far Northern Suburbs of Chicago
Map of the Exurbs
Looking at this map you see Wadsworth is a perfect example of a northern exurb of Chicago. If Lindenhurst, Lake Villa and Antioch don't meet the true definition of an exurb, they are still considered the "far suburbs" of Chicago. You are still "rural adjacent". You will get more bang for your buck!
The exurbs and the far suburbs are a great place to get back to nature, start a hobby farm or just enjoy the freedom of some open space. It’s also a great place to invest in land.
My Favorite Exurb: Wadsworth, IL
When it comes to housing, Wadsworth has a little bit of something for everyone. Home styles range from farms to homes with land to typical suburban subdivision neighborhoods (tract housing). Plus it's location makes commuting in any direction easy.
<===== Find out more about Wadsworth on my new website!
