Looking for Schools in Chicago

[chet everett]

I think the home I linked to truly is one of the cuter options. Fact is "visual monotony" ihas been a real issue in Chicago and other urban areas for decades -- there are reason why parts if NYC like Queens are scorned by architectural historians...

When it come to the NW side (or SW side for that matter) visual monotony is a problem. Too manynbuilders used the same mass building techniques there that have been part of the problem in boring car centric areas. Yes, there are more than just ranches with a small set of exterior concrete steps (I beleive you mistaken inncalling these 'raised ranches', as that thpically connotes a home with the floor with kitchen and some bedrooms / living area is a half story up and the lower level is a hlaf story down so that the recroom is onky partial below grade). There are some two bedroom brick Cape Cods & mock-Georgians in the OP's price range in that part of Chicago, I doubt they'd find those suitable with a growing family.

I stand by my ststement regarding affordability -- if the budget numbers don't work this is not really feasible. Frankly I sorta question the wisdom of the firm that would even suggest / offer relocation to the OP. Over the years I have helped many folks with relocation to the broad Chicago area. In my experience employees that are on the lower end of the salary for relocation tend to be single / relatively young family that can manage in a condo. Employees that have older kids tend to be in upper / midrange of the salary scale. I guess there are some functions (maybe HR...) that do not warrant the higher salaries and relocation might still be offered, but going from a lower cost of living area like Cincinnati to a higher COL area like Chicago is very challenging at the lower end of the salary range.

[sfcambridge]

Agree that this is not a good time for Chicago schools - or for the state of Illinois for that matter.

Oak Park could be an option - South side of Oak Park for houses. The link to a house that Chet gave in an earlier post is from that area. You will have to look hard, but with some houses under water, you may be able to get a rental from those who can't afford to sell right now. Worst case scenario you guys can rent a two bedroom apartment/condo. Take your time, rent for awhile, and look for your opportunity to buy. It will be an older fixer upper, but sounds like that could work for you.

I completely agree with the other posters that your budget is low. I am hoping that this good career opportunity will come with more $$, so you can simply build your housing budget over time.

My parents moved us from Montessori-type schools in Chicago (Hyde Park) to Oak Park once my brothers and I were a couple years older then your kids. I think the environment of Oak Park may be what you are looking for. Nice commute for you. Quite good public schools if you decide to go down that route, with a really nice public library/parks/recreation center system for kids.

Here's some discussion of the schools in Oak Park from parents who live there..

Best public elementary school in oak park? - Live Here Oak Park

There seem to be some Montessori schools as well

Mosaic Montessori? - Live Here Oak Park

[bobestes]

Originally Posted by chet everett

I think the home I linked to truly is one of the cuter options. Fact is "visual monotony" ihas been a real issue in Chicago and other urban areas for decades -- there are reason why parts if NYC like Queens are scorned by architectural historians...

When it come to the NW side (or SW side for that matter) visual monotony is a problem. Too manynbuilders used the same mass building techniques there that have been part of the problem in boring car centric areas. Yes, there are more than just ranches with a small set of exterior concrete steps (I beleive you mistaken inncalling these 'raised ranches', as that thpically connotes a home with the floor with kitchen and some bedrooms / living area is a half story up and the lower level is a hlaf story down so that the recroom is onky partial below grade). There are some two bedroom brick Cape Cods & mock-Georgians in the OP's price range in that part of Chicago, I doubt they'd find those suitable with a growing family.

I stand by my ststement regarding affordability -- if the budget numbers don't work this is not really feasible. Frankly I sorta question the wisdom of the firm that would even suggest / offer relocation to the OP. Over the years I have helped many folks with relocation to the broad Chicago area. In my experience employees that are on the lower end of the salary for relocation tend to be single / relatively young family that can manage in a condo. Employees that have older kids tend to be in upper / midrange of the salary scale. I guess there are some functions (maybe HR...) that do not warrant the higher salaries and relocation might still be offered, but going from a lower cost of living area like Cincinnati to a higher COL area like Chicago is very challenging at the lower end of the salary range.

I work in design/advertising, which doesn't pay that great. Maybe I need to set my price high.