Chicago it is, ladies and gentlemen.
We received the news on Friday, via email, that we will be moving to the Chicago area within 90 days.
Not perfect, but not bad. Texas was our preference, but beyond that, we’re pretty happy to be going to Chicago. It’s going to be quite a bit more expensive than here, but so is everything.
However. We know NO ONE there. So… who do you know there? Give me some connections. Tell me where we want to be, where it’s financially reasonable to live, who our friends should be.
Tell me all the wonderful things about living near or in Chicago. Pump me up. DO NOT, please DO NOT, tell me all of the horrible, nightmare things you’ve heard or experienced about the place. You can tell me what to watch out for, though. Just please put a positive spin on it.
Also, keep in mind we’re a family with small children. A fairly conservative, Catholic family. I don’t need to know where the best gay bars are, for example, or which nightclubs are the hottest.
Hopefully, in the next week or so, we’ll have some more specifics about WHERE in the Chicago area we’ll be. Of course, you’ll know when we know. Please say a prayer or two. My big concern right now is finding a good school for Jack and Maria, and close behind that is finding an affordable place to live that’s at least a few steps above a cardboard box 
5 responses so far ↓
1 Anne // May 17, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Hi, My friend Rachelle has a brother who lives outside of chicago with his wife and three small children. I will get an email address for you so you could contact them with any questions. I think they both have lived their for at least ten years.
2 Stephanie // May 17, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Hey Amanda’s friend here. My Aunt and Uncle( by marriage but I claim them too) Live in Algonquin about 1 hour from chicago proper. They have lived in this general area for at least 11 years(my husband and I have been dating or married that long). They have found a wonderful church that they are very active in and I love the area it has built up alot in the last 6 or so years but it is just beautiful up there. I also had a cousin live in Bartlet(sp) which is very near algonquin. Let me know if you need more info or some connections I have included my email on this post.
3 Stephanie H // May 17, 2008 at 8:23 pm
I’m sad to hear you’re going! I know this will be an adjustment, but I know you’ll be okay! Once you know more about where you’re going, I’ll fill you in on what I know about surrounding areas. One really good thing that my parents loved about living there was that you can live away from the city and still take the train in- A very large plus given today’s gas prices.
4 Sarah // May 18, 2008 at 10:12 am
Katie Schaffler (Suzanne’s sister) lives in the Chicago area. I can get her contact information. My sister lives in Wilmette but she has lived in the city and out west. I’ll email you her address.
5 Gwen // May 18, 2008 at 11:27 am
Robert Elliott’s son Josh (my age) and his fiance Victoria live in Chicago. They’re more likely to know about nightclubs than schools, but they’re related to you! I’ll get an email for you.
Leave a Comment