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I know those are two completely different areas. But which would you choose to raise a family? I know it depends on many factors like job, where family is etc. But just based on the areas themselves. A very far west suburb of Chicago, or a suburb close to Phoenix?
I know those are two completely different areas. But which would you choose to raise a family? I know it depends on many factors like job, where family is etc. But just based on the areas themselves. A very far west suburb of Chicago, or a suburb close to Phoenix?
Why are you considering a "very far west suburb of Chicago" as opposed to something closer?
Why are you considering a "very far west suburb of Chicago" as opposed to something closer?
Because we have family there, but we have family in Phoenix area too. I grew up in IL and live in AZ now. So if I move back to IL I would want to live in the area where I grew up. I just can't decide where is better to raise a family. I leaning toward IL,but I don't know.
So you've experienced both and don't need to be told about the differences in weather, culture, etc. then, which helps.
I guess it just comes down to you deciding which you prefer based on your experiences living in both places. I know for a fact that I would choose Chicago all day over Phoenix. We lived in a suburb of Phoenix briefly and, while I have never lived in Chicago, I do live in a similar climate and in a Great Lakes state and have visited Chicago several times. For me, it beats Phoenix in weather, amenities, and just overall quality of life by far. Just my $.02, though, you need to choose what makes you and your family happy.
There's not enough criteria for people to give you any real helpful advice. I'm sure many have successfully raised families and enjoy both areas. It really comes down to the criteria that you stated at the beginning of your post. The weather is obviously a huge difference, which is personal preference. I guess the only other glaring difference is living outside of the third largest city in the US will offer lots of amenities (in terms of dining, events, etc) that you may not get in Phoenix. Other than that it comes down to the specifics you've acknowledged, as these are 2 very different regions that both offer a lot.
Illinois is just more expensive with the tax climate. Between home values and property taxes you are almost guaranteed to have a higher mortgage apples to apples in Chicagoland. That being said wages are higher in Chicago for the most part. If I were a blue collar worker I would go with Phoenix but for most white collar positions I would lean toward Chicago.
Many find NW Indiana to be a happy medium. Though housing is getting more expensive, property taxes are far lower than in Illinois. Lots of excellent schools in the area. But it only makes sense if you can get a job reasonably close by.
Um, I think they do when you're considering moving somewhere.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kel9798
I know those are two completely different areas. But which would you choose to raise a family? I know it depends on many factors like job, where family is etc. But just based on the areas themselves. A very far west suburb of Chicago, or a suburb close to Phoenix?
I'd choose Chicago. I like the climate more and I like Midwestern people more. But that's just me.
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