Single parent on NorthShore???? (Chicago, Evanston: home, private schools, to live)

[FromAbroad]

Hi - we're moving from overseas to Chicago area. My kids and I have lived in big urban cities for the last 11 years and are ready for a change - i.e. the suburbs! Thinking NorthShore. As a single parent with a very reasonable budget for a home and two kids - 8 and 11, what communities could you suggest? A few months ago I had a 'tour' of northern suburbs from Lake Bluff on down. Cannot remember what is really different about any of these now. Any ideas based on my personal situation, not just for the kids. I'll be working in the city. Thanks

[knitgirl]

If I were a single parent without a local support system, I'd live as close to work as possible so for example,if one of your kids got sick, you'd be able to get get them quickly. Waiting around in the nurse's office when you're sick isn't much fun. Your kids are still pretty young. Evanston is kind of a nice mix between city and suburb.

[JTW2013]

What do you mean by a "reasonable budget?"

ITA with Knitgirl that as a single parent, you will want to live as close to your work as possible. Will you have a local support system who can watch your kids if they get sick or there's a snow day, etc?

Will you be working in the Loop? I know some families who live in high rises in the Loop. Both parents work downtown and the kids attend private schools in the area. They love the convenience. There are more activities than you would think for families in downtown. There are great parks and grocery stores, etc. The families we know have cars because the new highrises have parking garages.

It's not a life for everyone but I can see it being a good choice for a single parent family if the parent works downtown. I know I would worry about being a trainride away from my kids if I was by myself.

Of course the schools are going to be the biggest issue for a family moving into the City.

[hopehome]

Wilmette could be a good choice - shorter metra ride than some of the further north communities, great schools and park district for the kids, close to Evanston for restaurants/grown up socializing opportunities.