Any family friendly downtown neighborhoods with good public schools?

[jvclute]

very valid points about whether we want to really experience all the city has to offer, LOL! Coming from a 4BR 3300 sq foot home in the Naperville type equivalent of northern VA, we may have a hard time really downsizing, or having to park down the street etc. The school issue-- trying to get my kids into a good city school two months before school starts is worrisome too. I like the idea of them having guaranteed entry into a good neighborhood school in a close in suburb. Evanston, Winnetka, oak park, all sound like good viable options. Our budget is under $4500...

[RJA29]

Originally Posted by jvclute

very valid points about whether we want to really experience all the city has to offer, LOL! Coming from a 4BR 3300 sq foot home in the Naperville type equivalent of northern VA, we may have a hard time really downsizing, or having to park down the street etc. The school issue-- trying to get my kids into a good city school two months before school starts is worrisome too. I like the idea of them having guaranteed entry into a good neighborhood school in a close in suburb. Evanston, Winnetka, oak park, all sound like good viable options. Our budget is under $4500...

Can/ would you consider purchasing? At 4500/ month you could get a 4BR 3K sq. ft. house in some of the places you mentioned. Although the Western suburbs would be cheaper.

[Genxmom]

Jefferson Park could be an alternive to the suburbs you listed. It is still in the city of Chicago. Ample access to blue line, metra, expressways, etc. Beaubien elementary school ranks 9 out of 10 on the great schools website. For your budget, you'll easily be able to rent a 4bd 2bth house plus with yard and garage (or if given the choice, buy a comparably sized single family home for far less than the suburbs indicated and definitely see an appreciation in value).

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by Genxmom

Jefferson Park could be an alternive to the suburbs you listed. It is still in the city of Chicago. Ample access to blue line, metra, expressways, etc. Beaubien elementary school ranks 9 out of 10 on the great schools website. For your budget, you'll easily be able to rent a 4bd 2bth house plus with yard and garage (or if given the choice, buy a comparably sized single family home for far less than the suburbs indicated and definitely see an appreciation in value).

The majority of Jefferson Park families probably consistent of City of Chicago employees, including lots of firefighters and police officers. They live there because of the City's residency requirement, not to the experience the joys of urban living. Fact is a great many of those city workers further choose to send their kids to parochial schools. That creates a very different dynamic than in a suburb where many people specifically choose the desirable public schools -- neighbors often bond over school issues and with so many city workers avoiding CPS it means there is one less element of cohesion...