We are considering a move to Chicago for a job opportunity, and are trying to weigh our options right now. DH will be traveling to the city everyday, but we prefer to live in the suburbs. We have looked at Bolingbrook seriously, and loved the schools in Hinsdale but aren’t sure we can afford a house there. We live in a medium sized town in Indiana now, and are really debating whether or not this will be a good move for us. Career-wise it is exactly where the husband would like to be, and we would be foolish to let this opportunity pass by, but at the same time we don’t want to take a huge standard of living hit. The out-laws are also with us now, and we don’t know whether that is a permanent feature or not (hoping for the latter).
Any suggestions on good schools in affordable neighborhoods or about the cost of living in general? Obviously we have run all of the calculators and examined the statistics, but learning from others’ experiences is really the best way to gauge a place.
Cost of living in any halfway decent suburb of Chicago is much higher than Indiana. I have lived in Indianapolis for one year and lived in Chicago for 3 years. Any of the Northwestern suburbs of Chicago with decent schools cannot be compared with the cost of living in Indiana.
I do not know any secret cheaper alternatives .
For schools, go on the school system website and it will give you statistics on the schools...rating, school report card, test scores, etc
Rest schools in suburbs are generally good.
For schools, go on the school system website and it will give you statistics on the schools...rating, school report card, test scores, etc
Rest schools in suburbs are generally good.
i don't think it's good idea to judge a school by it's test scores.....some schools concentrate only on good test scores thus they ignore other areas.
Thank you for the suggestions. As I mentioned, we have looked at test scores and the statistics that were available, but word of mouth suggestions are always more accurate. This is a really difficult decision, because as Mirch mentioned there is simply no comparison between the cost of living, and although his salary is a big step up, it won't account for inflation, and we'll be losing my salary for at least awhile. The kids are divided - the youngest two are all for it, the oldest two are threatening to move in with friends, and I don't blame them - we've moved too often. The in-laws are excited about the move, but the house we buy has to be big enough to accommodate us all comfortably.
I will look into the Naperville Plainfield area as well - thanks.
amana other decent areas with good schools are buffalo grove, and actually rolling meadows has a pretty good system also. heard goodf things about the highschool.
the train statation gets you downtown on express train in 30 mins. close to ohare and all the shopping and restaurants in schaumburg area.