38k and Joliet? (Chicago, Hamilton: rentals, daycare, how much)

[mlogan0301]

Hello Everyone,

Can you survive on $38K a year in Chicago Suburbs (Joliet area)? I apologize if this has been answered somewhere else. I did search in the threads and postings but did not find an answer to the question.

I have an interview in the Joliet area (not sure what the surrounding communities would be for me) but wanted to know if $38k a year starting off would be enough to live in this area. It would be myself and my daughter. I would need a 2 bedroom place and because my daughter is in the 2nd grade, I would not need daycare, but before/aftercare. I am very open to using public transportation, but I also have a car, if I need to use that to get around in.

Any suggestions/tips are most helfpul.

[Steve-o]

Are you looking to rent? 38K a year will be tough in that area (the nicer spots at least).

[ManheimMadman]

Hey M,

Where will you be? Joliet or Chicago? I've seen your threads on both subforums. Honestly, if you work in Chicago, it's 10x easier to live there. There are some housing rentals near the university in the Cathedral District/Upper Bluff.

[mlogan0301]

Yes, looking to rent

[mlogan0301]

Hey Manheim,
I have interviews in both Chicago and Joliet, hence the reason I am posting all over the place. LOL!! The job in Chicago is at a little over $40k, and the job in Joliet is a little over $38k.

So are you saying it would be cheaper to live on one of those salaries in Chicago?

[ManheimMadman]

My wife and I almost rented a little bungalow near the university. Most of them were built between 1925 and 1955, are about 1100-1200 sq/ft, and are 3/2 or 3/1. I think they were about 900-1100, which is what you can probably afford to pay with 38K. It's a pretty diverse crowd with lots of long time homeowners, black and white. I say hello to those on their porches and lawns when I pass them, walking to class.

[mlogan0301]

Steve,
I am open to suggestions, as long as it is affordable and has some good schools nearby that I could get my daughter too. Even areas that may not be as nice as others, but of course that are livable. I don't mind mixed neighborhoods or predominately black neighborhoods either. Just something in my budget, that is also kid-friendly.

[mlogan0301]

Originally Posted by ManheimMadman

My wife and I almost rented a little bungalow near the university. Most of them were built between 1925 and 1955, are about 1100-1200 sq/ft, and are 3/2 or 3/1. I think they were about 900-1100, which is what you can probably afford to pay with 38K. It's a pretty diverse crowd with lots of long time homeowners, black and white. I say hello to those on their porches and lawns when I pass them, walking to class.

And this is in the City of Chicago correct? Is that 3bedrooms?

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by mlogan0301

Yes, looking to rent

You could get by renting on that salary w/o any issues Id imagine. How much can you spend a month on rent?

[mlogan0301]

Originally Posted by mlogan0301

And this is in the City of Chicago correct? Is that 3bedrooms?

Manheim,
Also, if I am living in Chicago, the job is on S. Hamilton Avenue, so is where you are suggesting close to that, well as far as a commute is concerned? I have a car, but of course have no problem, using public transportation either. Actually got quite a kick out of using public transportation the way it is in Chicago, because we don't have that here in Delaware.