Single Mom Looking for a New Place to Call home (Chicago: apartments, employment)

[cw68]

I grew up in Elmhurst, but now live in Northern California away from my family and my husband's. It appears as if I'm headed for divorce against my wishes. If this happens, I want to move back to Chicago so my kids can be around family.

I don't particularly want to move back to Elmhurst. Can anyone give me advice on good elementary schools (one will be in K or 1st and one in 2nd) in areas where apartments are nice but not extremely pricey? (I know, a dream shot.)

I have no idea where I'd be working. First comes good schools for my kids and a good area in which they could live.

[Chinolala]

Arlington Heights, the west edge of Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Itasca, Downers Grove, Oakbrook Terrace, Elmwood Park, Bartlett (DuPage side), South Elgin, St. Charles, Barrington, Cary, Crystal Lake, Glenview, Naperville, Plainfield.

There's a lot of areas here. You should try to narrow it down to how far from the city you want to live in, how close to your family in Elmhurst, etc.

[NYrules]

Again like the other reply said there are a ton of areas to look in, so its hard to narrow it down. If you are looking for a nice apartment for under $1000 a mo. with 2 bedrooms then I would suggest Palos Hills right off 88th Ave. and 107th Street. The area is bordered by forest preserves so it really gives the area a rustic feel, not to mention the area is also very hilly so it really doesn't feel like you are in IL. Schools in the area are good and the area is very safe. Palos Hills PD is nothing to mess with and scoundrals know it.

Other areas that I know of and you as well as many others wouldn't believe is affordable as the rents are under $1000 a mo. and heat is usually included is right in Orland Park which is known to be a very prestigous area. There is an area of aparments in town that is bordered by La Grange Road on the west, 143rd St. on the north, West Ave on the west, and Centenial Park on the south. This area has plenty to do for kids as the village has numerous programs for youths such as the soccer team (leaving you a soccer mom ) as well as many other organizations. Schools are rated very high and if you are in that area I believe that it would put you into High Point Elemetary's district. High Point Elementary School - Orland Park, Illinois - IL - school overview And Metra has three stations in town two of which are right in this neighborhood having trains going to Union Station downtown.

Here are some listings for you. :: Classifieds ::

[middle-aged mom]

Originally Posted by lisak64

Arlington Heights, the west edge of Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Itasca, Downers Grove, Oakbrook Terrace, Elmwood Park, Bartlett (DuPage side), South Elgin, St. Charles, Barrington, Cary, Crystal Lake, Glenview, Naperville, Plainfield.

There's a lot of areas here. You should try to narrow it down to how far from the city you want to live in, how close to your family in Elmhurst, etc.

I am going to give Arlington Heights an edge here. Schools are good. There are at least 5 public swimming pools and people tend to idtentify themselves by the closest park. The Park District does an outstanding job with programs for children. Peopel actually walk, in Arlington Heights.

It's is central to the entire NW suburban area, including Schaumburg -a major employment base. The express train to Chicago is about 35 minutes.

[Korbanas]

Next time you're in town check out The Commons of Palos Park. Very protected from the congestion of the city, yet very close in. Adjacent to Metra trains if you need to work downtown...in an excellent school district with elementary schools very nearby. Close to Orland Park shopping and Palos Community Hospital across the street. Price range would be about $400 and up. Also, huge forest preserves all around...great for hiking.