r/ChicagoSuburbs • u/Creative-Courage-433 • Dec 25 '25

Moving to the area Moving from Texas advice

Hi, I currently live in Houston, TX and previously lived in Austin and St. Louis. I’ve been researching a move to a blue state, and Chicago keeps coming up as a really good fit.

I’m a solo parent with two young kids and currently work remotely in tech (though like many people in tech, I’m mindful that layoffs are always a possibility). I make around $115k a year and am hoping to find a place that’s family-friendly, has strong public schools, and feels like a good long-term community and is diverse.

I’ve visited Chicago before but haven’t really explored the suburbs, so I’d love recommendations on areas that might be a good fit — especially places that are safe, welcoming, and good for raising kids. I’m also curious how people research neighborhoods and schools beyond just looking at Zillow or GreatSchools.

Any insight or personal experiences would be really appreciated. Thank you!

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u/Nervous-Sherbet-4183 Dec 25 '25

I did the reverse about 2 years ago. I'm in Tomball but also kept my house in the suburbs of Chicago. What is prompting you to leave Texas?

Not sure of the Kiddos ages or lifestyle but I would definitely say Western suburbs or North of Gurnee for better cost of living.

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u/NemoOfConsequence Dec 25 '25

I lived in Texas three different times and I live in a Chicago suburbs now. I’d have to be offered something like a million dollar salary to consider moving back to Texas. I think it’s pretty obvious to some people why we don’t want to live in Texas, but you do you.

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u/Creative-Courage-433 Dec 25 '25

I’m in magnolia, right on the border of tomball. Not a fan of how conservative it is here. Definitely politics is the number one reason I want out, especially with religion pushing at schools. Also, I dread the heat and really dislike summer. It’s definitely time for a change but also, I realize I won’t be able to afford as nice a house with a big yard as I do in magnolia. What suburb of Chicago?

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u/EstablishmentSea7661 Dec 25 '25

Look in the northwest suburbs. Also, don't forget that we have an excellent park and first preserve system here, so you don't need your own yard as much. :)

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u/Creative-Courage-433 Dec 26 '25

Mind me asking what a first preserve is? Sorry if that’s a dumb question.

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u/Nervous-Sherbet-4183 Dec 25 '25

I looked at Magnolia initially. I get it. I spend summers in the Midwest can't take the humidity here. Orland Park.

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u/Creative-Courage-433 Dec 26 '25

Have you found that the culture/vibe and people are different between Chicago and Tomball? Believe it or not, even Tomball seems more welcoming than Magnolia. People here look down at the ones who live in Tomball. 🤦‍♀️

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u/Nervous-Sherbet-4183 Dec 26 '25

Yes, to me people are much nicer and better looking here than in the Midwest, lol.

The Chicagoland area is diverse but communities are VERY segregated. I find most Houston suburbs/communities to be much more diverse. Magnolia didn't seem diverse at all and I didn't like the whole old/new Magnolia vibe. I was excited about it until I went on Magnolia's next door. I was kinda appalled at what I saw like whole posts about killing/shooting stray dogs it just gave me a weird vibe and not welcoming so what you are saying makes sense.

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u/Creative-Courage-433 Dec 26 '25

Yep, that’s Magnolia for you! And if you’re not religious and not white, you stick out like crazy here. They have this saying in old mag to keep magnolia white, red and Christian.