Need Advice: (Chicago, Naperville, Evanston: mortgage, apartment, income)

[Moving to Illinois]

I am in need of some serious advice. My husband and I are looking to move to Illinois. We have two small children and if we did move we would only be living off of his income until I finished my nursing degree (at least 2-4 years). We are from Michigan, have had several job offers in Illinois (Chicago, Evanston, etc...), but have had to turn them down due to the cost of living differences. We want to make this happen for us, we really do want to make a positive change, but we definitely want all our facts straight. I have done so much research and it looks like the average salary is abound $65,000. One guy said on this salary it will only get you a one bedroom apartment. Is this true? Can a family of four move to Illinois (any area really...that has good schools and is family friendly) and survive off of one income for a while? Should we be looking to rent an apartment or house? Are there family affordable areas in the state or is this dream just not possible on one solid income? I would appreciate any and all help and advice. I don't know where else to turn. I have done my research...maybe I'm just not looking in the right places. Please help! Thank you.

[NYrules]

Originally Posted by Moving to Illinois

I am in need of some serious advice. My husband and I are looking to move to Illinois. We have two small children and if we did move we would only be living off of his income until I finished my nursing degree (at least 2-4 years). We are from Michigan, have had several job offers in Illinois (Chicago, Evanston, etc...), but have had to turn them down due to the cost of living differences. We want to make this happen for us, we really do want to make a positive change, but we definitely want all our facts straight. I have done so much research and it looks like the average salary is abound $65,000. One guy said on this salary it will only get you a one bedroom apartment. Is this true? Can a family of four move to Illinois (any area really...that has good schools and is family friendly) and survive off of one income for a while? Should we be looking to rent an apartment or house? Are there family affordable areas in the state or is this dream just not possible on one solid income? I would appreciate any and all help and advice. I don't know where else to turn. I have done my research...maybe I'm just not looking in the right places. Please help! Thank you.

No it's not true that $65K will only get you an apt. I have a house and don't make that much, then again though I don't have a family to support. Anywho, it really all depends on where you are looking to live in the area. $65K a year for a family in Naperville, Oak Brook, Skokie, Winnetka, etc, is chump change, but there are plenty of other nice towns around Chicago where you can live, still work in the city, have good safe schools for your children, and not be taxed up the ying yang.

Myself, I live on the south side and know of many people that all have nice homes and make close to what you mention. One of my friends for instance is buying a very nice brand new townhome in Oak Forest City of Oak Forest where his mortgage payment and taxes included with assessments is going to be about $1800 a mo. Not bad considering he buying in a desirable area and will have Metra access that he can actually walk to! Metra / Oak Forest Station Information My suggestion for you then knowing you will have kids coming with you, which no offense... aren't cheap to raise, I would say look at some of the less popular burbs that are not usually named on this board, yet have just as much to offer "newbies" to the area.

I would give Oak Forest a shot, Crestwood, Worth, Oak Lawn, Hickory Hills, Palos Hills, and also Lockport. Now a lil FYI; Lockport is in Will county so taxes may be a little steep for you, but check it out anyways. There are plenty of beautiful homes that will be in your price range.

[Moving to Illinois]

Thank you so much for the advice. I have been racking my brain and it is so hard to look into things when I wasn't sure where to start. It helps getting information and advice from people that know the state and the surrounding areas first hand! I appreciate the help!

[dogluver]

The cost of living in the Chicago area is very high and one of the reasons I am moving out of the state. However, you can live off one income with a family of 4 but it all depends on where you are looking. I live in Grundy county where the taxes are somewhat lower and the housing is cheaper but then I'm about 60 miles south of Chicago. I am more familiar with the south and western suburbs of Chicago so can't speak for other areas.

[Sailaway50]

Originally Posted by dogluver

The cost of living in the Chicago area is very high and one of the reasons I am moving out of the state. However, you can live off one income with a family of 4 but it all depends on where you are looking. I live in Grundy county where the taxes are somewhat lower and the housing is cheaper but then I'm about 60 miles south of Chicago. I am more familiar with the south and western suburbs of Chicago so can't speak for other areas.

Agree re cost of living. What other states are you considering?

[CellarBelle]

Look more to the south. I live in Edwardsville, Illinois which is a growing community just about 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis. Much more affordable housing than Chicago, and an excellent school system. We are also home to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (Southern Illinois University Edwardsville) which would allow you to get your nursing degree within the same town you live. Check out all my other posts about the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon area. Also, for employment for your husband there are many opportunities in St. Louis depending on his expertise. We have the ConocoPhillips refinery which is hiring engineers and labor help due to a large expansion (ConocoPhillips), St. Louis has Boeing, Edward Jones, AB, Express Scripts, Scottrade, AG Edwards (Wachovia), and I'm sure I'm missing a lot more. Definitely expand your Illinois scope, and you will find that you can live in a nice community on $65k/year. Here's a link to one of our local chambers: TheAlliance of Edwardsville & Glen Carbon. Good luck!

[jojojohnson76]

Just depends on where you are. in the St. Louis metro area, I make $39k, rent a 2br townhouse for $650, and my wife is a stay at home mom.