I'm really bummed - Chicago - Illinois (IL) - Page 3 - City-Data Forum

cotyan · 07-12-2008, 11:15 AM

Well after a bit more research, we're saying screw it, we're living in Lincoln Park or somewhere close and doing private schools. There's just no sense in moving there (in my opinion considering where I'm at right now in my life) to come there and live in the suburbs.

It won't be Francis Parker though I know that! 24k a year for one kid - can't do it. 18k-20k a year for all 3, we can.

I really love everyone's responses and I thank you for your time in doing so and I even like how things got "off topic" keeps it interesting

Nysee53 · 07-12-2008, 12:41 PM

Maybe you can apply for financial aid. Raising a kid in Lincoln Park is hard, unless you have a single-family home. I know many families that have ended up moving to Winnetka and Glencoe with older children because the costs outweigh the benefits. I think you should look to the inner-ring North Shore communities in Cook County. You would find all of them to be nice convenient and very urban styled as compared to Alpharetta.

Lookout Kid · 07-12-2008, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nysee53

Maybe you can apply for financial aid. Raising a kid in Lincoln Park is hard, unless you have a single-family home. I know many families that have ended up moving to Winnetka and Glencoe with older children because the costs outweigh the benefits. I think you should look to the inner-ring North Shore communities in Cook County. You would find all of them to be nice convenient and very urban styled as compared to Alpharetta.

It's not that hard at all. There are a lot of families raising kids in condos on the North Side these days. The key is to stay close to park space.

Nysee53 · 07-12-2008, 09:15 PM

The main issue is that, if you are working and everything else, you probably won't be able to enjoy all of the things that you thought you would by living in the city. That is one reason one of my friends now living in Glenview moved to the suburbs. You have everything that you have in the city in the North Shore suburbs. It is a lot different than Atlanta's suburban areas, its not like you are in the middle of nowhere once you leave the corporate limits.

Irishtom29 · 07-12-2008, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

Been to Pilsen lately? I dare say there are NO bohemians left there, though some artsy folks are starting to move in to replace the Mexicans who are moving on.

Yeah, I know Pilsen a little, my first date with my new wife I took her to this Mexican coffee house on 18th St. I doubt a Bohemian has lived there in 45 years. Nor in Lawndale.

cotyan · 07-12-2008, 10:32 PM

True, I don't work, but I get what you're saying. I might still keep Oak Park as an option just in case we can't work everything out in the city the way I'm hoping. It's a lot to research, a lot to digest, a lot to check out and figure out that's for sure.

I even just discovered North Center on DreamTown.com - I love those videos, we'd still have to do the private school option there but it seems to be a little less than Lincoln Park (which I'm totally in love with but I'm willing to let go to stay IN the city - to a point...)

I just can't wait to go back in a couple of weeks and walk through some of the neighborhoods and do some hands on research - so to speak

Thanks for everyone's input, it's greatly appreciated, I've read through A LOT of posts here, really good debates and info shared.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nysee53

The main issue is that, if you are working and everything else, you probably won't be able to enjoy all of the things that you thought you would by living in the city. That is one reason one of my friends now living in Glenview moved to the suburbs. You have everything that you have in the city in the North Shore suburbs. It is a lot different than Atlanta's suburban areas, its not like you are in the middle of nowhere once you leave the corporate limits.

jessiegirl_98 · 07-13-2008, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cotyan

True, I don't work, but I get what you're saying. I might still keep Oak Park as an option just in case we can't work everything out in the city the way I'm hoping. It's a lot to research, a lot to digest, a lot to check out and figure out that's for sure.

I even just discovered North Center on DreamTown.com - I love those videos, we'd still have to do the private school option there but it seems to be a little less than Lincoln Park (which I'm totally in love with but I'm willing to let go to stay IN the city - to a point...)

I just can't wait to go back in a couple of weeks and walk through some of the neighborhoods and do some hands on research - so to speak

Thanks for everyone's input, it's greatly appreciated, I've read through A LOT of posts here, really good debates and info shared.

North Center would be a great choice. Lincoln Park is fine, but it's not the be all end all. I would prefer North Center over LP. There are a ton of restaurants, parks, etc in that area as well

soc4711 · 07-13-2008, 11:22 PM

I know Evanston is a suburb, but it really has a wonderful urban feel. I lived there for a long time and I LOVED it. There is a TON to do there, but has some of the perks of living in a suburb. Like actually finding apartments at reasonable prices that have parking. Something I never found in the areas of the city that offered the same things as Evanston. I'd say it is definitely an area you should take a look at.

lincolnparker · 07-13-2008, 11:35 PM

I live in Lincoln Park and my coworkers family also live here. We both love it. My coworker lived in Chicago for years and moved away for a half dozen years and eventually came back with wife and school aged kids. The decision to live in Lincoln Park is a no brainer for them. They bought a townhome for 800k.