Distance not the problem, just getting out of Naperville and backups..at least the option of the train. Big homes, small lots, and yes CONGESTION..
Homes in the Midwest do not, for the most part, reek a good profit in a short time upon selling like the Coasts. Could take up to 15 years to make the profit compared to a few years on both coasts.
New starts in housing make plenty for the demand..hurt resale. However, there's always the little Naperville, Downers Grove, Oakbrook etc "teardown" replaced by a MegaHome.
Speaking of teardowns, my old family home in Hinsdale was demolished two years ago in spite of being a landmark home in the best neighborhood, brick tudor, six staggered stories, 4 bd/3-1/2 bath, gorgeous brick driveway entering between two tall brick posts with carriage lights, totally fenced with spectacular 6-foot-tall cast iron like they don't make any more. Swimming pool, Terrazo marble floors/pecky cypress walls in rec room, all kinds of special and wonderful features. A classic roaring twenties home most people would kill to own. Some @#$@#$ creep paid a million and tore it down, to be replaced by some gaudy glitzy THING.
I'm still in shock.
I refer to Hinsdale, IL as "Tyvek town". There are so many huge homes being built where the old houses were torn down...before the bricks go over the insulation panels, you see the Tyvek labeling.