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Relocating...where to live in Chicago?
We may be relocating to Chicago for a new job for DH. Not sure if we are going to live in the city or suburbs. What are the best places to live for a family w/ a 3 yr. old and 3 month old. I'm looking for suggestions both in the city and nearby suburbs. Thanks so much! :-)
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Re: Relocating...where to live in Chicago?
there are so many areas. where is his job in the city or suburbs? i have lived in both the city and suburbs and can give you details about alot of the outlying areas. don't forget somthing that is 45 minsw away is about 2 hours in traffic! I moved to a suburb about 40 mins from the city by always have to alot over an hour most days to get down there....
i would be happy to help just let me know what you are looking for...school districts are important if you don't want to pay for private and accessibility to the expressway is also important if you have to commute into the city.
His job would be in the city. I am not sure if we will live in the city itself or a suburb. I do not want something with a long commute for him at all. I live outside of NYC now so totally understand what you mean about how traffic changes everything!
If you could give me some suggestions for neighborhoods in the city that are family friendly and some suburb towns with good schools that are close by that would be great.
Thanks so much! :-) Michelle
J born 4/11/2011
Chicago
Edgebrook: DH and I moved to Edgebrook 4 1/2 years ago. It feels like a suburb within the city. It is absolutely beautiful and close to everything. The public school is also ranked as one of the best in the city. It's in walking distance to the metra. The Edens Expressway is about 5 mintues away. Your driving commute to DT is about 20 minutes w/o traffic.
https://iirc.niu.edu/School.aspx?schoolID=150162990252183
Sauganash: Very close to Edgebrook. Less expensive but still very, very nice. Great area with the same suburb feel. Good school.
NorthPark: Is much larger than the other two but has beautiful areas. Peterson Park and Hollywood Park are both very nice and quiet. Peterson Park and Hollywood Park both fall within the North Park area. Peterson Park is east of Sauganah and Edgebrook is west of Sauganash.
Norwood Park is also very nice.
Lincoln Park and Lake View are also nice areas but very urban. Single family homes are few and expensive. I'm assuming you are looking for a SFH because you mentioned the suburbs.
Suburbs
Any North Shore Suburb: Highland Park, Winnetka, Wilmette, Glencoe, etc. By far my favorite and by far the most expensive.
River Forest and Oak Park are nice but have some shady areas
Naperville is known for it's schools and it's actually a great suburb
Wheaton: Known as the bible belt of America, is a very nice suburb to rear children
Glen Ellyn: My sister lives here. It is a BEAUTIFUL suburb. The schools are great.
I also love Hinsdale.
Lincolnwood: borders Edgebrook, Peterson Park, and Sauganash. Very closer to DT and Metra. It is a small beautiful suburb. Schools are also good.
Evanston: close to the lake, close to public transportation. Has some shady parts but has some beautiful areas. The areas near Northwestern University are my favorite.
Miscarried December of 2008, Ectopic Pregnancy November of 2009
IVF #1 = BFN | IVF #2 = BFP: 9dp5dt (399), 14dp5dt (2489)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:6,7
blessed- great job with the review
another good chicago neighborhood is jefferson park
I grew up in Oak Park and have many friends there. It is still a great area with great schools but it is very urban. nice commute since the el goes there and the metra too! otherwise only 15-20 mins by car to the loop if no rushhour of course.
I am a fan of the western suburbs but may be bias as I grew up in Oak Park and my husband grew up in Glen Ellyn (another great suburb....long car commute but not bad on the metra as the station is right in the middle of town).
good luck hunting.
I would highly suggest the west burbs.. Naperville for one is a great town to raise kids, and schools are some of the top in the state. There are 2 metra stations as well to get to the city.
I would also recommend the Western Burbs as I grew up There. Naperville can be very far depending on the commute you want. But, I double, triple suggest Oak Park or River Forest. All of RV is nice, and most of Oak Park. Are you renting or buying? If you're renting try this:
https://www.apartmentsoakpark.org/
It's a free service. You can specify exaclty what you do and do not want in an apartment (vintage/new, wood/carpet, elevator/stairs/1st floor, price, and much more) and they'll generate a list for you. It's a great option (as a landlord I've used it every time I've found new tenants).