Wanting to move to Chicago... (Naperville, Joliet: apartment, credit, how much)

[SeanD]

...my young family and I are very interested in moving to Chicago when I finally graduate college in about 1 years time. There is 4 of us (maybe 5) my wife (from Joliet), out daughter, our soon to be born soon, myself, and possibly a good family friend. We live in Oklahoma right now, and I am ready for a move, and my wife is ready to move back North.

What I am wondering is if I can get some good realistic advice to help plan this move. I will be fresh out of college with a BSBA in Business Management -HR. I want to work for a couple years before I go back to get my MBA.

I want some suggestions in how much I can expect/need to make to live in a safe area with good schools. We don't really want to live to far from the city, but I am sure living in the city will not be in the budget (I could be wrong of course). We are looking for an apartment/townhouse living arrangement, buying a house with my crappy credit/or first job out of college is not an option I am sure.

Thanks for any advice!

[sbjj]

SeanD,

I don't know living in the city may be a better option for you. Chicago is an expensive city to live. I know living in the suburbs is really expensive.

For example: summer is coming up and just to register my two boys into a summer day camp is going to cost us $300. Their weekly fee is $263.00 p/wk p/child and we have to provide them with a daily snack and lunch. Yes, we decided to take a different route.

I would offer you to look in Lake County to see if that area will work for everyone within your family. The schools in all the surrounding cities are pretty good in the area for the most part. All schools have their flaws and ALL Cities and TOWNS have their issues (gangs, drugs, crime). There is no perfect city, neighborhood or school. You may have people to tell you to stay away from certain areas but I would strongly recommend you do all your homework on the area first and see it for yourself b/c your standards can be completely different from my standards. Although some cities may be a little on the poorer side they still have quite a few very nice neighborhoods and that is also within the average working person budget.

[Steve-o]

The suburbs (well most of them anyway) are very expensive. If you want access to top-tier schools, youll unfortunately have to pay out the wazoo to live in the area. You might want to look at the north side of West Chicago, they bus the kids to St. Charles' schools, which are excellent. Either that or sneak into northern Plainfield and get into Naperville's schools. There is also Elburn, which I believe go to either Geneva or Kaneville. All those towns mentioned are cheaper than most, but not bad places to live whatsoever. Best of luck.

[SeanD]

Thanks for the replies, more would be great!

[SeanD]

After reading and knowing a little more about Chicago, I should rephrase my question... I actually should have probably asked for neighborhoods in chicago, not suburbs.

[TeacherMan]

Originally Posted by SeanD

After reading and knowing a little more about Chicago, I should rephrase my question... I actually should have probably asked for neighborhoods in chicago, not suburbs.

My wife and I are looking to move in August of this year. Here is what I have found as far as recommended, safe, affordable, areas of varius cultures and ethnicities. Some are south side (where I will be teaching) some are northwest side (where we have friends).
- Hyde Park/Kenwood
- South Loop
- Little Italy
- Bridgeport
- McKinley park
- Bronzeville
- Medical District
- Wrigleyville
- Lincoln Square
- Wicker Park
- Bucktown
- Ukranian Village
- Lakeview
- Chatham
- Ashburn
- Pullman
- Woodlawn
- Beverly

That is what I have gleaned from trolling the forums. If there are any Chicago natives who have input...feel free to add it.
Happy Hunting!!!
-TM

[SeanD]

thanks a lot! I have sent you a private message with a further question, thanks.