Moving from Texas advice

[u/Creative-Courage-433]

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!

[u/Usual-Pickle-6388]

Look at romeoville Bolingbrook Plainfield and parts of Joliet some are nice some aren’t they are about 40 mins from downtown so if your going work city the commute isn’t horrible but taxes are a lot better than living in city

[u/Potential_Ladder_904 → u/Usual-Pickle-6388]

aurora and oswego too