Mokena

I should know--I grew up in Mokena, IL. Though it has boomed over the past few years, it is still considered a smaller city. It has the essentials--grocery stores, clothing stores, dining, etc. It is about 30 miles SW of Chicago, and you can catch a train downtown right from the center of town. There are no buses for public transportation, and no cabs, so be prepared to own a car or go somewhere a train will take you. There are plenty of outdoor parks, and beautiful hiking trails around HIckory Creek off of LaPorte Road. The schools are wonderful, with still fairly small class sizes and excellent teachers. It is a great place for people to raise families.