Might be moving from SoCal to Chicago... Where is the best place to raise a family and still be close to the city? (Norwood: for rent, condo)

[TamaraStarr]

Hello,

I have never been to Chicago but might moving there soon from Southern California due to a job transfer. I am unfamiliar with the areas and need some advice. I'm looking for a safe area where there is a great school for my 4 year old son who should start kindergarten in September. Also, does anyone know what day he needs to turn 5 by to start school there? In Cal you can start as long as you turn 5 by Dec 1st. I don't want to be too far from the city. Any ideas?

Thank you.

[Intergalactic]

Is money no object? Let us know what your budget is. As for the school cutoff, it was Dec 1 in Chicago when I was 5, but that was some time ago.

[TamaraStarr]

budget for rent is about 2,500 max but it would be nice to stay under 2,000. It really just depends on how much more I'm getting for my money. The right neighborhood, location, safety and school are definitely worth more money. I'm hoping to find a 3 bedroom and would love a backyard... but will settle for a 2 bedroom.

[Avengerfire]

Well what area will you be working in?

[TamaraStarr]

Around the area of E Wacker Dr and N Michigan Ave

[chet everett]

The date in Illinois is basically set in stone: FAQs. What Is the Kindergarten Entry Age in Illinois?

Kindergartens statewide will NOT enroll any student who has not turned 5 by that date, even a day off and it does NOT happen...

Renting a nice place for $2000 dollars for two bedroom ought to be possible. Commute to Wacker & N. Michigan is easy via Metra from any suburb and most parts of Chicago itself.

Safety is a given at that price point.

Need more info if you need day care, other interests, family concerns.

[TamaraStarr]

Thank you Chet for the link... It stated that you must be 5 years old on or before September 1st but also states that based on assessment the school might let a child in early. Do you know if this is likely? My son's birthday falls only 9 days after cut off. Another year of daycare will be draining.

[mr aztec]

working downtown and have kids, budget of 2000, if a condo doesn't suit you, i would check out the suburbs forum. you could get a nice 2b/2b in lakeview/lincoln square/ravenswood condo, but if a condo isn't your style, you are better off looking at the burbs. childcare gets pretty darn expensive the nicer city community you live in, so research be sure to factor that in. now if you were at 3000 you could find something more toward your tastes.

[Avengerfire]

Jefferson Park, Gladstone Park, Norwood Park, O'Hare and other Northwest side neighborhoods...

Example:

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/apa/1183142838.html

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by TamaraStarr

Thank you Chet for the link... It stated that you must be 5 years old on or before September 1st but also states that based on assessment the school might let a child in early. Do you know if this is likely? My son's birthday falls only 9 days after cut off. Another year of daycare will be draining.

Schools set their 'policy' for assessments in such a way that NO child could 'pass'. The date for such assessment has probably already passed, as this is NOT something they do AFTER the prior year closes (about one or two weeks for most Districts), the assessment would also been done by a District employee (sometimes from a special office, often a teacher), the standards might include routine stuff (knowing numbers and letters and colors and shapes), but also things like 'time to complete task', and physical dexterity. I am sure that many kids who are old enough would NOT do particularly well on these tasks, but it is not like you are have a "trial judge" that is going to weigh evidence -- it is you, your kids results and bar that the District sets.

An extra year of day care is a cost you should budget for. Good news if that I hear private "early kindergarten" is less expensive than regular daycare, as they can don't need potty care and other stuff that drives up costs...