Opinions wanted - Chesterton or South Bend area? (school district, living)

[grmasterb]

I'm a divorced single father, and my ex is contemplating moving closer to her parents, who live in the LaPorte area. Consequently, I'm looking at moving from Indy to Northern Indiana so I can be closer to my son. I'm considering two options:

1. Accepting a position in South Bend and residing in that area.

2. Moving internally with my current employer to Chicago and commuting daily via South Shore from Chesterton.

For argument's sake, let's assume that both job opportunities are equal in quality. Which option would you choose and why?

[Chuckity]

If I were in your position, I would accept the position in South Bend and move somewhere between LaPorte & your job.

You'll have less travel time to and from South Bend than you would Chesterton/Chicago - thus more time with your son. More time for coaching sports, going to games, etc etc.

I'm assuming that your son will be living with his mother so there is no real school district concern with your move. Positioning yourself midway between your son and your job would serve him best.

BTW, it makes me happy to think that you would move up here to be closer to your son when so many fathers just walk away. You sound like a great father.

[domergurl]

Originally Posted by Chuckity

If I were in your position, I would accept the position in South Bend and move somewhere between LaPorte & your job.

You'll have less travel time to and from South Bend than you would Chesterton/Chicago - thus more time with your son. More time for coaching sports, going to games, etc etc.

I'm assuming that your son will be living with his mother so there is no real school district concern with your move. Positioning yourself midway between your son and your job would serve him best.

BTW, it makes me happy to think that you would move up here to be closer to your son when so many fathers just walk away. You sound like a great father.

I second that notion. The train trip from Chesterton to Chicago will eat up a lot of time, especially after work.

[rrah]

Chuckity has come up with a great option.

[mrsgoofy]

Accept position in South Bend, Chesterton is Great little town, but the commute is almost 2hrs each way to Chicago,and the cost is about $150+ /month now(might be higher now) I heard and you mentioned being closer to your son, that commute would take time away.

[Iggs]

My husband and I used to live in Chicago and the burbs. We now reside in Valpo and he is currently do some training out of South Bend. It takes him 1 hour each way plus the time change. The time change is hard in the morning but great in the eveing! What he does like is the fact that he is actually moving instead of sitting in traffic. Chesterton is right off the toll road so you would save a little time off my hubby's commute. Best of luck!

[adele115]

From Chicago, but lived in Chesterton for two years before returning to Chicago. The train is really an hour and 15 minutes, (not two hours) one way, though, if financially feasible, you can drive downtown in 50 minutes from Chesterton. Chesterton is really nice, open, etc., and Chicago has so much to offer. SB, I find to be isolated, and quite frankly rather pedestrian. Chesterton/Chicago will put you in easy access to your son in LaPorte while you can still have a life. Don't know if dating is an issue, but far more options in Chicago imho.