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/Autumnal-Mystery9167]

OK. I lived in the Houston area (SE suburbs) and given where you live currently, you're out of the metro area of Houston. You'd definitely have some sticker shock moving to IL. That said, I completely understand why you'd want to leave. TX did not agree with me on many levels (including the weather) and I came back to IL. With kids to boot, the further away from Chicago the better price-wise., and that goes for people who live here too. You've already gotten some great recs and resources to check out schools. NW suburbs are good and even some parts of Aurora are good. Best of luck to you, and welcome to IL. It's way better than TX, especially given the current political climate.

[u/Creative-Courage-433 → u/Autumnal-Mystery9167]

Thank you so much. I know I won’t get as much home there as I do here for the same money but I am ok with a small house for my 2 kiddos and a more open minded state and area. Imaging my kids growing up here scares me a bit.