Can anyone give me information about living in Chicago?

Question

I am thinking about relocating to the Chicago area. I would like to know about the best places to live since I have 2 pre-teens. Also, I'd like information about the cost of living, housing, etc. Thanks!

Answer 1

There's a lot of places to choose from in the area. Since you have kids you will probably want to live in the suburbs. I live in Chicago, but I'm more familiar with the suburbs because that's where I grew up. Some nice areas are the southwest suburbs like Tinley Park and Orland Park. Those areas are very nice, but possibly expensive. Tinley Park, which is right next to Orland (which is like a mega shopping area) is probably the most affordable of the two. A two bedroom apartment would probably be about $950/month. Three Bedroom up to $1400. Orland/Tinley is about a 40 minute drive to downtown. Probably a little under an hour on the Metra train.

I'm not sure how accurate the information that the other person gave about Naperville as far as it's distance to downtown, maybe it's faster in a car, but I know someone who used to live in Aurora, which isn't far from Naperville and it would take them over an hour to get from there to downtown on the train. So, I'm not sure about the 20-30 minute thing. They must be driving PRETTY fast....

Answer 2

You say "the Chicago area". Do you want to live IN Chicago or just outside of it. Big difference. Outside of it, I'd pick Oak Park, Evanston, Skokie, a few other 'burbs. Inside the city limits, try Roscoe Village, Andersonville, parts of the Northwest Side. Very family and kid friendly areas. As far as the cost of living, Chicago's is relatively inexpensive when compared to other big cities. Great public transportation that can take you almost anywhere in the city, so a car is not really needed. As for housing, depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for a large apartment (two or three bedrooms), you're probably going to pay upwards of a grand a month. As for a house, you're going to have to do your own research on that one. Prices fluctuate depending on where you choose to live. Good luck.

Answer 3

The City of Naperville, IL (just 20-30 minutes from Chicago), has been rated as the best place to raise children for years.

I'm not sure what you want to know about cost of living -- Gas prices are currently $3.31/gallon in the suburbs, but that's the highest it's been since last August. Rent for a 1 br apartment is usually around $700-800. Average 2 to 3 br houses go for about $250000-$300000

Answer 4

This really depends upon where the adults will be working. I can say Evanston is really nice but the taxes are high there because of Northwestern. The western suburbs are good to live in and work from the west loop. The southwest suburbs are better if you are working in the heart of the loop. Most people around here pick where they work and live together.

Answer 5

Hi!

I live in Forest Park, and I would recommend Oak Park as far as suburbs go. Great schools.

As far as Chicago is concerned, Andersonville is a great, safe area, as well as West Loop, South Loop, Lakeview, Ukranian Villiage, Portage Park. It all depends on your budget, there are plenty of safe, culturally diverse areas in Chicago that you can live in. What's your budget? Are you looking to buy, or rent?

Answer 6

I moved from that area to Phoenix 10 months ago WOO HOO !!!... great move !!! No snow, more work than I can handle, business opportunities like no where else. I feel bad for you if you are stuck out there in the land of bitter cold and unbearable humidity... I'd reconsider and head west... the cost of living in Chicago city limits in rough compared to out here and the kids can play outdoors all year round. If you are relocating from outside Illinois, do some quick Google searches for work etc out here in Phoenix... Good Luck in what ever you choose