Diverse Family looking for diverse place to live in (Chicago: rentals, job market)

[gsrfamily]

Hello All,

My wife and I currently live in Arkansas and are looking to relocate to a city where not only is there much diversity but also career opportunities. We are a mixed family, my wife is African-American and myself Caucasian. We just had our first child and are looking to move somewhere that is culturally diverse, many things to do, and plenty of career opportunities. We have realized that we want to move someplace where we can stay for awhile instead of relocating again. Looking to move in about 8 months but trying to start early to find a place that fits us. We appreciate any suggestions and thank you in advance.

[linicx]

Do you want to live in Chicago? Do you have a job? Will you both work? Where you work and the available transportation will make a big difference. What is your rent budget? If you don't want to relocate for a while then chose carefully for your child will be in school sooner than you realize. Not all schools in Chicago are terrific. Will you have the money to send child to a private school if necessary?

Do you want to live in a Chicago Suburb? The same questions apply = except schools.

What do you mean by diverse? It is not unusual for mega cites to be segregated. .

What type of job are you looking for?

[gsrfamily]

We are looking to live in the suburbs of chicago as we are thinking that living in the outskirts of chicago will allow our child and ourselves a more peaceful pace with the option to go into the city. I will certainly be looking to obtain employment or possible employment prior to moving. Long term I am looking to teach in the public school system. I would like our rent to be under $850.00 or so as that is what we are currently paying. Private school may be an option for us however we haven't really discussed that. For us diversity means a good blend of people for all walks of life. I really appreciate you asking lots of questions as we truly trying to take our time in finding a place to live hence the reason we have become this search 8 months prior to move.

[chet everett]

Honestly your projected rent expenditure is far too low for any family sized rental in the region. There is strong demand for family sized rentals in desirable areas at 3x++ the price you suggest in both desirable parts of Chicsgo and the nicer suburbs. I'd don't track rents "downstate" (parts of Illinois outside the broader Chicago metro /suburban region) but my gut tells me that towns with any good paying jobs (household incomes of at least double the minimum wage...) are going to require rent approaching 50% of gross pay...

[linicx]

They can find rentals at their price range downstate that offer diversity in race, culture and religion. But it is not Chicago. I don't know for a fact they would have to spent $2600 for two bedrooms, but I also do not think their rent budget is realistic to live in Chicago in an area that is not sketchy and also offers good schools. Transit is the second issue as he does not know where he will work.

[Maintainschaos]

If you are looking downstate for a diverse area with a normally stable job market, I'd suggest Champaign-Urbana. Central Illinois will probably be far closer to your budget projection than the Chicago suburbs. You will probably need to expand your budget by a good margin to find what you desire in the Chicago area.